With all due respect to Hinge and Werner (both of whom i respect for their
posts, intelligence, knowledge and passion about the town, particularly werner
who is extremely knowledgable on a number of topics), it is important that we
realize that Asbury is not continental Europe and that ironically is a good
thing. While gorgeous in architecture and history, the socialistic aspects of
Europe have effectively brought the continent to its knees in a terrible
financial crisis that in many ways is far worse than the housing situation that
we went through here. The crisis in that content will continue to plague them
for years to come and while all of us love Europe for its splendor, it is
unfortunately a great place to visit but one who's future is troubled by its
financial situation which will be an albatross for years to come.
I too wish that Asbury could be completely restored to its former splendor.
However, i am also aware that i have to balance that desire with the pragmatic
aspects of the current and the future. Both in regard to economics and social
change. While historic theatre's are romantic and whimsical to think about, we
live in a world of iPod's and Facebook. Sometimes change is scary but it is a
part of moving forward in history. Just like Asbury was transformative in its
beginning, it should be so again. When reading the history books, the town was
forward thinking with indoor air conditioning in the paramount or a train line
over sunset bridge that took patrons downtown for shopping. in the 1920's this
was futuristic stuff. We need to think about what is forward thinking now and
attempt to tie it appropriately to our past. One size does not fit all.
I for one think the town is on a very promising path of resurgence. Asbury has
done extremely well though a brutal economic downturn. With no help from a
very failed redevelopment plan, the town has found a way to claw itself further
along house by house, business by business. Crime is obviously a very serious
problem and one that needs to be addressed. So where do we go from here.
Importantly, the economy is starting to rebound and the housing market has
found its bottom although their is likely to be a shallow upturn rather than a
resurgence. As werner has talked about i think the town's resurgence has its
roots in music and entertainment. I'm glad bamboozle is coming to Asbury and
anything we can do to promote both music and entertainment should be applauded
how can we blend the past and the future? While i agree with Werner that the
loss of some of the historical treasures are a tragedy, i also realize that the
economic realities made it so. that being said, i think the historical
artifacts and building that are left such as convention hall or the beautiful
casino building should be brought back to their historical glory. This is an
enormous economic undertaking and needs to be considered in light of
reformation in the context of a return on invested capital. Even back in the
1920's, the architects of the buildings did not think they were going to be
built for beauty alone without form of purpose.
I am a bit discouraged regarding the posts i read on this site. I find that
every post is castigating madison marquette for all of their transgressions. I
want to say that i have zero affiliation with madison marquette and only have
spoken to their representatives over an errant vodka soda one summer evening.
i agree they have made some mistakes but as a homeowner in this town i am
thrilled that they are here, undertaking an enormous monetary investment and
trying to bring the town back in spite of its challenges. I know that given
the circumstances most people would have cut bait at this point considering the
investment and I for one am glad MM has not. I'm not sure what the alternative
is. It's always easy to criticize but always more difficult to offer
solutions.
I'm not sure if anyone from Madison marquette reads this board. Or if any of
the more involved citizens of Asbury would be willing to get involved. I think
it would be a great idea to bring together an ad hoc group to discuss potential
improvements to the redevelopment and or town under the concept of cooperation
and not attack... effectively a brain storming group where no idea was stupid
and attacks on the past, future or status quo were avoided in lieu of ideas
about what could be better. With an understanding that economics matter, money
isn't free flowing and that change has to be made in the context of pragmatic
realistic decision making. Also, the AP police department does an excellent
job but any suggestions from them as to how we could all get involved and help
would be appreciated also. If anyone is up for it, please feel free to respond
to the post and we can take it from there.
Regards,
Dan S.
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