New Shops Now Open On City Boardwalk
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
 Coaster Photo: Two sets of stairs now connect the Fifth Avenue Beach in Asbury Park to the promenade along Convention Hall. |
The city of Asbury Park is issuing temporary certificates of occupancy to businesses on the boardwalk, even as they continue to negotiate with developers Madison Marquette.
The certificates will be good until Sept. 15.
City Manager Terrence Reidy said the decision was made to issue the temporary certificates, with a time frame, because a subsequent developers agreement between both parties has not been reached although talks began in March.
We recently had a couple of sessions, Reidy said and added that the city did not want to delay businesses from opening.
Were concerned because there are some business that are ready to open, Reidy said. We want to make sure the businesses dont get caught in the middle of this.
In the Fifth Avenue pavilion, Hot Sand and Eddie Confettis Ice Cream Parlor were open over the weekend and this week a representative from McLoones Supper Club picked up a temporary certificate. It is scheduled to open June 27.
Reidy said an eight-hour negotiating session was held with the beachfront developers on June 9. He said as long as the construction office approves the buildings for opening the city will not object.
Were at the table with Madison Marquette, looking to get this resolved, he said. Were expecting that were going to resolve this and come to an agreement.
At this point from the zoning perspective well release all the businesses on the boardwalk as soon as their building is ready the city is totally there, as long as they meet code.
Reidy also said this week that Metro Homes, owners of the now defunct Esperanza, have worked out a financial arrangement with their bank and will present new plans for the ocean front property in the fall.
They have not chosen a name for the project, but its going to be a residential highrise, he said. They are redesigning the project and will come back to us in the fall.
Reidy said the new design will address the current real estate market conditions.
At the Third Avenue Pavilion Kay Harriss Asbury Galleria, featuring John Cavanaughs Rocktography photo exhibit and the Mayfair Grille have opened their doors along with Shore Fitness.
Gary Mottola, president of Madison Marquette, said he was pleased with the progress with the city.
We continue to work diligently and communicate with the city and their attorneys, as we have consistently throughout this process over the past several months, Mottola said. While we look forward to signing a subsequent redeveloper agreement, it is critical that this agreement contains the elements necessary to make the boardwalk redevelopment a success on a year round basis. We are confident that we can reach an agreement which addresses the Citys concerns without compromising the success of the businesses on the boardwalk, Mottola concluded. We hope the City will have confidence in Madison Marquettes expertise and experience as one of the nations premier retail developers.
Contact Joanne Papaianni at joanne@thecoaster.net.
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