State Assembly members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey have introduced a measure that will attempt to have the New Jersey Hall of Fame establish a permanent museum in Asbury Park.
The bill presents Asbury Park as a scenic, central, and suitable location.
“Asbury Park would be the perfect home for the New Jersey Hall of Fame and this year will be the fourth straight year that the induction ceremony will be held in Asbury Park. Asbury Park is an eclectic city with a flourishing arts and music scene and is a vibrant and diverse community. It’s the perfect destination for a permanent Hall of Fame location.” Downey (D-Monmouth) said.
“By establishing a home in Asbury Park, the New Jersey Hall of Fame has a chance to take advantage of all the benefits of one of the most sought-after destinations in the region. And the additional visitors, revenues, and prestige would create a great benefit to the local community. We think this would be a complete win-win for all parties,” Houghtaling (D-Monmouth) said.
City Councilwoman Eileen Chapman, who is on the Board of Directors of the Asbury Park Music Foundation, said she thinks bringing the New Jersey Hall of Fame to Asbury Park is a “wonderful idea.”
“Asbury Park is a worldwide cultural destination for both music and art. There is some vacant land available, particularly on the West Side, and I think the Hall of Fame would be a welcome addition and cement Asbury Park as a destination for arts and music,” she said.
Chapman said that the recent Hall of Fame inductions taking place at the city’s Paramount Theatre only helps highlight the city as a permanent home for a museum.
And Jon Leidersdorff, who owns the Lakehouse Music Academy, said he believes the idea of bringing the Hall of Fame here permanently “is brilliant.”
“Asbury Park has a heritage and mystique and a lot of new artists still come from here. It makes a nice connection between the arts and our community and allows children and adults to see a connection with people who have had success,” he said.
“We have many wonderful musicians and artists here and we are set up for it- period,” said Leidersdorff, who is also a trustee on the Asbury Park Music Foundation.
The resolution (AR-223) has been referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee, where it awaits consideration.
