Ocean Grove Redevelopment Plan Still Being Reviewed
By ANDREW CANGIANO
Ocean Grove residents will have to wait a little longer to see a proposed redevelopment plan for the historic districts North End.
At its meeting Monday, the Township Committee put off voting on a resolution for a second time on a plan for the north end of the Ocean Grove beachfront.
The committee said it wanted more time to collect input from the public.
A special Planning Board meeting, however, to discuss whether the 3.2-acre beachfront area should be considered a redevelopment area was scheduled for Wed., Nov. 29.
At the Township Committee meeting Monday residents expressed their concerns to the committee about changes in zoning that could be allowed if the North End is declared a redevelopment zone.
Why cant we take more time to educate the public about the benefits and drawbacks of declaring this a redevelopment zone? asked Ocean Grove resident Dawn Popoff.
Township Planner Stanley Slahechtka said that declaring the area a redevelopment zone would not push aside the rights of property owners or zoning and variance requirements.
Slahechtka said he has recommended that the process be as transparent and open as possible and that residents receive as many opportunities as possible to give their input.
A mix of residential and commercial uses, along with parking, is scheduled for the north end of the Ocean Grove beachfront. A hotel was formerly located on the site.
In other news, the committee unanimously approved a resolution which will refer a proposed redevelopment plan for the Shark River Inlet North Channel to the Planning Board for review and recommendation at the Boards Dec. 5 meeting.
During Mondays meeting, an attorney representing three businesses in the North Channel redevelopment area addressed the committee regarding how Stumpys Sales and Service, Pilot Electric, and Macks Bait & Tackle – which have all been in the area for at least 35 years – fit into redevelopment plans.
Paul Drobbin, of Seiden, Wayne LLC Attorneys at Law, Newark, said the three companies, which are in at least the third generation of family ownership should not be forced to relocate as a a result of redevelopment.
Evelyn Stump, owner of Stumpys Sales and Service on Route 35 in Neptune, said she believes that the businesses should be able to remain on their own properties and not have to relocate.
Stump said the township has discussed relocating Macks Bait and Tackle with-in the redevelopment zone and relocating Pilot Electric to another location. She said her business could be affected by redevelopment because Stumpys currently rents property that is owned by Pilot Electric.
Were not against redevelopment in the area, against the North Channel, but we feel we should be allowed to stay, Stump said.
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