Hi New Beetoap,
I have been compared with you by at least one person in this group
and I feel the need to share with your observations.
- We are both relatively new to AP
- Neither of us lives within the City of AP.
- We both make occasional visits (I suspect that I visit more often
than you do, I may be wrong.)
Here is my story:
I visited AP for the first time in 1999. After a nearly 4 hour trip
to Six Flags and dealing with a rainy day, I called a former co-
worker from Morristown and asked if there was ANYTHING else to do in
the area.
I was encouraged to visit Paradise in Asbury Park. I had never heard
of Asbury Park, NJ. I had three friends with me and I followed the
directions precisely (no GPS's back then.)
My friends were very vocal as we drove east on Asbury Avenue: "What
is this, Bosnia?"; "There are better places in Sarajevo."
I parked the car and we all stared at Paradise. It was an Oasis in a
sea of crap. That was 1999.
I stepped out of my car onto a TILED parking lot.... knowing NOTHING
about A.P., I did not realize that I was standing on the former floor
tile of the Plaza Hotel. I actually thought that the parking lot had
been tiled. THEN, I saw "The Palace." It scared the crap out of me
in the dark!
Yes, Paradise was terrific, but I could not get the rest of A.P. out
of my mind.
I have spent the last 8 years learning as much as I can about the
former Jewel of the Jersey Shore.
I agree with you, there have been many un-truths in advertising.
Hell, if Kellogg's changes the picture on the box of Cornflakes, they
can legally call the product "New and Improved!"
Sure, dates have been missed, there are always obstacles to overcome
and it all takes time.
I am hoping that you realize that when you are critical of Asbury
Park - specifically in this Yahoo Group that you are not being
critical of the Development Team or the City - you are being critical
of the residents and the fans of Asbury Park.
The majority of the residents of Asbury Park, until very recently,
lived in a city which was spiraling into decline. When you post here
and challenge the milestones (I agree that they are late in coming),
you are in a way degrading the hope of a LOT of very hopeful people.
I recall when Charlie was posting regularly and he had some disdain,
I would try to encourage Charlie to go out, meet and talk to the
people of Asbury Park.
New Bee, you would not believe what wonderful people are in Asbury
Park! Charlie seems to be "away", but I hope that he got to meet as
many special people as I have met.
I encourage you to visit Asbury Park more often and to actually meet
the people of Asbury Park.
You will discover that these people are optimistic for the first time
in decades.
You appear to have an issue with improvements not happening on-
time... SHIT... the people of Asbury Park see it so differently - and
so do I! When the City that you love has been in a backward spiral,
any millimeter forward is a good thing.
Is this a historic restoration, yes and no. I would be remiss if not
mentioning Werner. Werner would say no and yes... possibly, simply
NO. I guess that I have a different take on that. Should it be
historically restored? Well, I am not sure... should history live
on? Yes! I believe in Werner.
New Beetoap, you cannot change A.P., or the pace that the changes are
happening...
I visit as regularly as I can, I spend time with the people of Asbury
Park and I encourage you to do the same. We walk the boards, talk
about what we like and dislike and I hope for the best for the City
and its residents.
Thing ARE changing and those things have very little to do with the
Boardwalk.
When did we last hear Hinge mention front-yard prostitutes or garbage
on his lawn? When was the most recent murder? What about Library
Square Park?
Local residents are bringing their kids to AP at NIGHT! Maybe YOU do
not see change, but I do.
I am not sure that I like being compared to you, but I certainly hope
that I have explained why.
Asbury Park is more than a destination with a Kick-Ass history.
Asbury Park is a History-Rich City of people whom deserve the respect
and our support to make new history.
Just to name a few valuable causes in the city:
The Asbury Park Little League.
The Bike Church.
ARTSCAP.
MANY more!
If you really have a love of this city, please look outside of
the "boardwalk box" and re-focus your attention in the REAL city..
Glenn
--- In AsburyPark@yahoogroups.com, "New Beetoap" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
>
> As much as some of you dislike hearing from me....
>
> Regardless, Asbury Park has my heart felt wishes to get its act
> together and be outstanding.
>
> Happy Thanksgiving !
>
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