Vote on Baronet Theatre Postponed to Aug. 16
Coaster Photo
The Asbury Park City Council is scheduled to vote on eminent domain for the Baronet Theatre on Fourth Avenue.
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Despite obvious opposition from some Asbury Park residents, the City Council appears poised to allow the taking of the Baronet Theatre by eminent domain.
The council was scheduled to adopt an ordinance allowing for the taking of the theater at its meeting last week. But after making minor changes to the ordinance the council postponed the adoption.
A new hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16.
The theater, considered an historic landmark by many, has recently been purchased and reopened by business owner Pat Fasano. Movies are being shown at the theater for $2 a ticket. Live shows and other events are also being planned.
Despite the postponement numerous residents, who had attended the meeting to voice their disapproval of the plan, lined up to have their say.
Warner Baumgartner of Fifth Avenue asked council the rhetorical questions, “How does a community define itself? By getting rid of its culture and its assets?”
He then urged council to re-think proposed redevelopment plans and possibly redistribute condominium units currently proposed by beach front developers Asbury Partners to allow for the preservation of the theater and other landmark buildings in the area.
“Save the Grand Avenue neighborhood, save the entertainment neighborhood,” Baumgartner said.
Pam Lamberton of Sixth Avenue was even more emphatic telling council it was time to stand up for city residents.
“Redevelopment is a living document, it’s made to be changed, this is a time to change it….it’s time to stand up to Asbury Partners.”
Lamberton added that in her opinion, Asbury Partners does not negotiate in good faith. She urged council to preserve the theater and the bowling alley located next door, which is also owned by Fasano.
A Grand Avenue resident, who said he lived across the street from the F&H Paint building, cautioned council about stripping the city of its history and character, comparing redevelopment efforts in the Floridian resorts of South Beach and Ft. Lauderdale to make his point.
In South Beach, he said, developers restored old buildings, maintaining the architecture, character and image of the city, which he believes resulted in the area becoming a thriving resort community.
By contrast in Ft. Lauderdale, he said, the entire beach front was destroyed and rebuilt with high rises, causing it to look “just like anyplace else.” He added that two thirds of their available vacation units are often left vacant.
Dr. Louis Petracca, who works as a critical care physician in North Jersey, recently purchased a home in the city with his wife and said he wants to see the fabric of the city restored.
“We are putting ourselves on the line for Asbury,” he said. The Baronet Theater should be preserved, that and other landmark sites. That’s part of what is the fabric of Asbury Park be kind to your city.”
The former mayor of Montclair, Bob Russo, said he used to come to Asbury Park while growing up in Long Branch and plans to buy a home in the city.
“It has diversity, and both the problems and promise that Montclair had there has to be a balance, preserve buildings that have meaning,” he implored.
Several residents also cited the affordability of being able to go to a movie in town for only $2, saying the cost of cab fare to the nearby Middlebrook Complex at $5 each way is prohibitive to many.
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