Boutique Hotel, 10 Homes Planned
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) has announced that it has signed an “Options Agreement “with the Ocean Grove North End Development LLC (OGNED) to allow OGNED to develop the land parcel between Wesley Lake and Spray Ave; the boardwalk and Beach Avenue. This is the site of the former North End Hotel, which burned down in 1974. The parcel has laid fallow for over 40 years, and has been an eyesore to the residents of Ocean Grove.
In 2005, OGCMA engaged a developer to create a landmark hotel and residential project to address the underdeveloped beachfront real estate. After discussion with the residents of Ocean Grove and the Township of Neptune, OGCMA significantly redesigned the requirements for the redevelopment. The originally planned housing density was scaled back. The redevelopment lowered the number of condominiums by well over 50 percent and added ten single family homes. The revised plan contains a 40 room “boutique hotel”. The plan includes a parking garage which will have enough spaces for the residents and hotel guests.
“We are delighted that OGNED has stepped forward with a sensible development plan that will respect the historical and architectural elements of our community,” said Michael Badger, President of OGCMA.
More detailed planning and construction plans will be subject to township building regulations, when they are brought forward.
“After lengthy negations with OGNED, the Trustees of OGCMA unanimously approved the Options Agreement,” said OGCMA President Michael Badger. “OGNED will have a 99-year land lease to develop the property, in exchange for which the community will see a beach-front hotel, aesthetically new housing designed to respect Ocean Grove’s Victorian architecture, and some boardwalk retail shops. The maps of Ocean Grove from the 1880’s contained a plan for the North End hotel and it will be excellent to have the founders’ vision fulfilled again,” Badger added. “
