A quote from Maureen's report at asburyradio.com... "The road to purgatory is paved with good intentions," said Aaron.
Flash back to 1999...... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AsburyPark/message/347 "The recent discussions about what is reality in Asbury Park concern me. It appears that people giving opinion are newcomers and have no real cumulative experience or foundation regarding what has transpired here. Asbury Park faces the greatest threat it ever has right now due to the supposed progress with the waterfront. Doesn't is concern anybody that this entire deal is being done without public or professional planning input? This rush to "get things going" is what will destroy the long term future of Asbury Park. High-rises and townhouses as specified in the 10+ year old waterfront plan are apparently being discussed by the new council as part of this settlement. To me this is a sad day for Asbury Park that wastes an opportunity found no where else in this country. Werner Baumgartner " and... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AsburyPark/message/354 "Dale, John, Charlie, others Thanks for taking an interest in this issue. I will attempt to answer your messages collectively. Sorry if I miss addressing any specific questions, just post again and I'll reply. First let me dispel some misconceptions. Urban redevelopment is not an issue of old Vs new, historic Vs contemporary, or what you like Vs what I like. Creating a museum or doing "spot preservation" (Palace) are also generally not techniques that are used except in unique cases. The issue is the process that creates the greatest good for the greatest number. The concept of "public trust". In the context of an urban pre-existing infrastructure that means evaluating what you have, determining what is valuable and planning to add to that value and not diminish it. Taking care so that you do not create something that will interfere with other needs in the foreseeable future. Preservation and forward looking planning coexisting. In essence finding the position of strength so that additional investment has a solid foundation and creates greater total value. This is very different from traditional development that works off a clean slate by nature (green space) or by design (leveling of the pre-existing). Or the practice of attempting to "fix" perceived problems or do spot development (demolition, gated communities, townhouses, etc.) By building on the unique character, assets and heritage of a community, continuity between past, present and future is maintained that fosters community pride, increased reinvestment and sense of place. In Asbury Park we have a major problem since the current redevelopment plan does not address this intrinsic value identification process. That plan was formulated to generate the most tax revenue in the shortest time using high density large scale clearing and construction practices. It does not address the long term viability and "people factors"of the community. Asset based planning and design are now the hallmarks of high quality/value redevelopment as opposed to what was done in the 80s and 90s. which what we have to work off of. To further complicate things, we have no redevelopment board, advisory board, or even a city planner on staff. In this case the power to direct redevelopment is vested in the City Council exclusively. This deal could conceivably be crafted without any other input using an obsolete plan and not considering the current state-of-the-art in urban rehabilitation. There are other good reasons to use current practices. It gives us leverage when applying for public funds. Additional points on applications are given to communities that conform to State planning guidelines. (look at www.njstateplan.com under resources or publications, "Designing New Jersey" is an excellent book) ..." These and numerous other critiques over the next 11 years have earned me the right to say "... told you so" regarding where we are now. Werner, City Historian Emeritus ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AsburyPark/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AsburyPark/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: asburypark-dig...@yahoogroups.com asburypark-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: asburypark-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
