I think the biggest challenge I have Werner is that the waterfront
area's history from the era you rightfully site as the history is
just that - history. Unlike Cookman, where much of the
infrastructure remained and could be reused, there is not so much
left. Rather than a real historical redevelopment across there
waterfront we are really looking at the restortion of a few
key "historical assets" that stand apart from the vacant property and
run down remnants of AP's more recent history which is far less
glamourous and enticing. And I think virtually everyone agrees these
treasures (Convention Hall, the Casino, etc...) should be restored as
testimony to the great city AP once was.
But for me the priority for redevelopment has to be led by economic
viability first and foremost. If the waterfront was recreated as it
was in 1950, brick by brick, it would likely not be a viable entity
economically. The world has changed much in the past half century,
and this generations requirements are radically different than they
were in the past. The "new" waterfront in my opinion needs to be as
enticing and entertaining to today's generation, most of whom were
not born during the era you are referring, as the old AP was to that
generations vacationers and tourists. Again, the few treasures we
have left need to be restored with an eye toward playing a vital role
in delivering the experiences this new generation is and will seek
(which may b a bit different that restoration exactly as they were).
But with so little left and so much that today are characterless
empty lots and abused buildings from the honkey tonk era you refer
to, I don't think every aspect of the waterfront can be held hostage
soley by a past that for the most part is only a distant memory to
some and a postcard picture to most.
If so many of the old structures remained and required restoration I
would have a different opinion, because so much of the old character
would still exist and could be restored. I am definitely not saying
that this needs to be disneyland or ugly, just a recognition that
what's built must have more of an eye to the future than the past,
because the past for the most part has long ago been lost on the AP
waterfront.
--- In AsburyPark@yahoogroups.com, "wernerapnj" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> --- In AsburyPark@yahoogroups.com, "asburycouple" <asburycouple@>
> wrote:
> >
> > But perhaps Werner you are more referring to the status as a
major
> > high-end tourist mecca - which end for AP in the 50's and for LB
well
> > before that if I'm not mistaken.
>
> Exactly, And this points out the problem with most peoples
> interpretations of what is significant about any particular
community.
>
> Most people rely only upon their own personal experiances and
> recollections instead of considering the totality of the
communities
> role over history in the context of Americana.
>
> That myopic vision leads to flawed conclusions about what a
communities
> assets and heritage are. Ignoring city planning and urban
development
> in the context of American cities is also a problem.
>
> I've had many far too many debates with people whose idea of
history
> goes no farther than the 1970s vintage amusement rides on the
> beachfront. Most people alive just remember a honky-tonk amusement
park
> and think of that when trying to discuss restoration and
preservation.
>
> Werner
>
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