By DON STINE
The 200-seat rooftop concert area on top of the Fifth Avenue Pavilion is Asbury Park will be refurbished soon and the hope is that when completed it can be used more often.
Boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette was supposed to refurbish the area by 2010 and city officials called company representatives to this week’s workshop meeting to explain why they are in default on this and some other projects at the boardwalk.
“We have had fits and starts (on this project) over the years and we have never found the right team (of architects, engineers and a possible tenant). But I am confident we have found the right team now and I am comfortable that we are coming to a solution,” said Madison Marquette Senior Vice President Anselm Fusco about the band-shell project.
Fusco said his company, which owns the pavilion, wants to put a “more diverse” use on the roof top by offering additional facilities that can host weddings and other events and extending use of the area further into the spring and fall.
“The roof area represents an opportunity for a greater use than just a band shell. It is a special spot,” he said.
He said amenities and improvements will be made so that functions can also be held during inclement weather, such as rain.
Fusco said plans for the new project are expected to be submitted to the city later this month and that they hope to get a building permit by Oct. 1.
Under conditions already set by the city, Madison Marquette will have up to 30 months from the time of Planning Board approval to complete the project.
Other projects in default by Madison Marquette are improvements to other pavilions, including the Convention Hall and the Casino buildings.
Some art will be added to the Ocean Avenue side of the First Avenue pavilion and improvements will be made to the Sunset Avenue pavilion.
A mandated sprinkler system continues to be installed in Convention Hall and a structure inspection of the entire complex will be scheduled soon.
Madison Marquette officials said that they are also looking into possible uses at the Casino building and the adjacent power plant building to the south.
“We are gathering our thoughts on what to do there,” Fusco said.
