By ED SALVAS
A new plan that could preserve the Holy Spirit Church building in Asbury Park has been presented to the City Council, but the future of the century old church remains uncertain.
The new plan, which has the backing of Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn and Councilwoman Eileen Chapman, was presented by owner, JLD Investments last week. It would re-purpose the church as a cultural and artistic space. It also includes adding a new six-story building with 90 apartments and parking garage. There would be an open area between the two buildings.
This plan replaces an earlier proposal for six single family homes on Second Avenue and Bond Street that included demolition of the church
The church hasn’t been a house of worship since 2021. JLD purchased the property from the Diocese of Trenton for $1.7 million.
Under the new plan, the church interior would include a stage where the altar had been and a 50-seat cafe using some of the pews for seating. The lower level would become a theater, tentatively for the Asbury Park Theater Company, and some offices. The loft would become a performance area.
JLD proposes a second building with two levels of parking, and six stories for 90 apartments, 75 rental units at market rate and 15 affordable housing units.
The developer is also requesting the city grant the development a PILOT, or payment to the city in lieu of property taxes
JLD Planner John Barree said the plan has several benefits for the city by saving the church building, creating a new cultural and artistic space and support for Main Street which has not seen the same level of development as the beachfront and downtown.
The presentation was followed by questions from the mayor and council members and then opened to the public. Tom DeSeno, an attorney and former Holy Spirit parishioner, objected to the term Saving the Church, calling it “emotional propaganda” since it is no longer serving as a church.
The council also heard from Carrie Turner of the Asbury Park Arts Council supporting the artist spaces planned in the church. Deal Lake Court resident Dan Jacobson asked what happens to the property if this plan fails. Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said the church could be taken down and replaced by six single large family homes.
“There will be gives,” she said. “Where do you want to live in 10 year, next to six large homes that could be built on Route 9, or next to an historic building?”
The entire Feb. 14 meeting can be seen on APTV, FiOS channel 28 and Optimum Channel 77 as well as Roku and Apple TV and www.AsburyParktv,com .
