Ben
I don't have a problem with the waterfront being developed with some
condos. For instance, Wesley Grove, North Beach and C-8 and the
other infill spots as long as the density is kept reasonable. As for
the waterfront/boardwalk itself, I agree, let's forget this Disney
World/Times Square fantasy. I find it difficult to believe it will
succeed. If I were in charge there would be a few architecurally
signifcant pavillions with public amenities and seasonal services
for beachgoers and the public spaces on the beach and Ocean Ave
would be spectacular. I would want the absolute best in terms of
landscape and public space design. This is a unique opportunity to
do something special, but simple. There would be areas along the
watefront that lure people and activity, walking, jogging, nature
trails, limited athletic fields and ample public spaces (do I hear a
bandshell) that could serve multiple purposes for public events,
including those that would generate revenue. As for the Casino it
would be restored and portions rebuilt if needed to accomodate the
best uses. Isn't that location just dying for an outdoor/indoor
performing arts facility? We should emphasize and strenghten AP's
inherent attributes, historic buildings, rock music and the
burgeoing art/performing arts groups. Who would want to attend a
beautiful series of theater or music by the sea? Of course there is
little profit here for a private developer. That's why certain
facilities/areas need to be held in oublic hands or given/sold to
developers with provisios. How do you you think things like Jazz at
Lincoln Center get built? The developer has to it as part of the
agreement. AP tried to do this but doesn't back anything up when the
developer fails to do it. Skip is right, you need someone with deep
pockets to do it. I think any misgivings that real developers may
have had had more to do with the City and not the city, if you get
my drift. Lastly, although I think the feds said everything was okay
with the AP deal eventhough Weldon was dirty, you would think that
the city afterwards would bend over backwards to make things
transparent. I certainly would not have wanted to deal with
something negotiated by a felon.
--- In AsburyPark@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Dear Neighbors:
>
> I would like to offer the following:
>
> 1. Let's not forget that Terry Weldon negotiated this
redevelopment plan.
> Terry Weldon was indicted on multiple counts for corruption etc.
Terry Weldon
> resigned his position as City Manager immediately following the
signing of
> the deal facing corruption charges. Terry Weldon keeps excessive
amounts of
> cash in his suit pockets stored in his attic, and finally, this
guy has yet to be
> sentenced!!!! He is a regular however at various eating
establishments here
> in Asbury Park and in Ocean Twp.
>
> 2. This council with the exception of John Hamilton believes that
the
> current redevelopment plan and agreement is the best this city can
do.
>
> 3. This council has time and time again ignored the voice of the
people at
> countless city council meetings and has gone ahead with their
agenda regardless
> of the impact on our residents.
>
> 4. The planning board made in excess of 50 recommendations to the
council
> regarding this redevelopment plan. Most were ignored...including
a
> recommendation that would allow a property owner to develop
his/her own property in
> accordance with the redevelopment plan. The previous plan allowed
it but this one
> does not. Eminent Domain.
>
> 5. I have a tendency to look to our neighbor's waterfronts for
examples of
> what works...Take a look at Belmar, Bradley Beach, and Avon for
example. None
> of these towns have thousands of condominiums on their
waterfronts...What they
> do have is a clean, neat, safe waterfront with amenities that
attract people
> to come and vacation there and spend their money. Simplicity
works for these
> towns and I would suggest that it would work here as well. Am I
against
> condominiums? Of course not but I do believe the density is
overwhelming....Once
> again, the pigs have come to the trough that is our beloved city
to make their
> millions and run while we the residents and taxpayers have to
carry the burden
> of indecent tax abatements on our shoulders for many years to come.
>
> 6. We have an opportunity this coming May to elect a city council
that will
> truly protect the interests of the citizens of Asbury Park and
listen to the
> people they are supposed to be representing. Let's take advantage
of this
> opportunity.
>
> Ben Schneider
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