[AsburyPark] Constructive Criticism

[JWKeady]

Greetings All,   I have done my best to keep up with the posts in the past two weeks and I believe that there are two distinct outlooks regarding the progress on our oceanfront.  The first outlook is that we should be happy that anything is happening up there given the more than 20 years of decline and neglect.  This is an understandable position given the failed promises and plans that many in this community have weathered over the years.  The second outlook is that "just having something happen" is not nearly where the bar should be set to measure real progress on the oceanfront.  This is a very understandable position as most if not all of us have very high standards in our personal and professional lives.    I believe that we have to merge these two outlooks as we move forward.  Yes, it is great that something is happening on the boardwalk, but it simply is not as good as it could be and should be.  Consider the progress that has been made in the downtown area in the past year.  When I moved into my place at 608 Cookman, the bulding across the street from me looked like a bomb had ripped through it.  Within a year it was rebuilt and now it has four wonderful businesses in it and is partially occupied with residents upstairs.  This is what "real development" looks like.  A property is assessed for its worth and best use, a plan is put in place with a clear timetable, and the plan is executed.    This has not happened on our oceanfront and we should not settle for this clear lack of significant progress.  "Something" is not enough when we have the potential for greatness.  We deserve the best.    I hope this is helpful to shape the continuing dialogue.    Peace, Jim Keady Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AsburyPark/   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.