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Posts Tagged ‘Whitfield Hotel may be demolished.’

Just Wondering: What about the Whitfield?

Posted in Just Wondering, tagged , on March 14, 2014| 9 Comments »

Whitfield. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

Whitfield. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

From Mike on Surf:

“Speaking of “serious conditions affecting the health, safety and welfare of residents.” has anyone heard any updates on the Whitfield Hotel? The last I heard the final meeting was held to confirm that the Whitfield is not of historic significance and that its demolition is approved”

Editor’s Note:  Our article about the Whitfield, dated August 30, 2013, drew 37 comments.  Here is the link:    BF Whitfield article link

It is an excellent review of the Whitfield’s history  (if I do say so myself, and I do say so) including the 2013 HPC meeting that found no historic significance to the property.  The next step would be to give permission for demolition. They were waiting to see if some nutty person comes along to save the big box. I believe they were going to allow 90 days before a demolition permit could be issued.

Does anyone know where that demo permission stands at this time?

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Notorious Whitfield Hotel May be Demolished.

Posted in Derelict buildings in Ocean Grove, tagged on August 19, 2013| 38 Comments »

Whitfield Hotel at Surf and Beach

Whitfield Hotel at Surf and Beach

By Paul Goldfinger

The owner of the Whitfield Hotel  wants to fully demolish the building.  A special meeting of HPC is scheduled for August 27 at 7:00 p.m. The owner will be represented by an attorney and by a historic expert.  If an owner wants to demolish a structure, that is usually approved unless it has historic significance.  Even if the place is structurally sound and within code, it can be demolished.  We do not know why the owner wants to demolish the hotel after all these years, but it’s likely that he did the math.

If the Historic Preservation Commission gives its OK, then Code Enforcement steps into the picture. The owners apply for a permit to demolish, and then things can move pretty quickly thereafter.

However, once it is taken down, the property redevelopment must satisfy zoning requirements which, for this zone, is single family residential.

Residents who live near there are enthused that the old hotel might be replaced with four single family homes.  Ocean Grovers who are familiar with the 50 room hotel say that it is a ” seedy fleabag” with residents who often have criminal backgrounds.  They say that trouble frequently occurs there and that the police are often called for unsavory happenings at the Whitfield.

Evidently the building is a blight in that community and  it has no historic significance.  Those who know the building say that it’s demolition will have a positive effect on the entire neighborhood.  One man who has lived here for over 40 years told us that if the HPC doesn’t approve the demo, the citizens will be bringing out the pitchforks.

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