iStar, the Asbury Park waterfront developer plans to build a membership-only, walled, waterfront beach club on the 6th-7th Avenue lots of the waterfront/boardwalk. The city asks for your thoughts on the project.
A walled beach club, street side of the boardwalk at North Beach. (Artist’s rendering from iStar; TRC meeting, 12/14/18 )
iStar North End Boardwalk/Waterfront Project – City Asks For Public Comments
Asbury Park Complete Streets Coalition, supporting Save Asbury’s Waterfront (SAW) suggests these 5 points to consider in responding to the survey:
1) Oceanfront Preservation: We want to establish an oceanfront park from 6th Avenue north to the Loch Arbor border. We want no new development east of Ocean Avenue (with the exception of standard park amenities like bathrooms).
2) Boardwalk: We want the boardwalk restored, with a forward-looking vision. We want the boardwalk restored at least to its old height/width, possibly expanded and/or elevated, up to Deal Lake Drive and the meandering boardwalk to go from Deal Lake Drive to Loch Arbor border. We would like to see the boardwalk moved westward beginning at the sewer plant. We want a protection system comprised of dunes and bulkhead.
3) Fisherman’s Lot: We want a solution that: is environmentally sound (respects wildlife habitat, forward-looking stormwater management plan); that is protective (incorporates a dune system); and is accessible by the public.
4) Social Inclusion and Public Access: We want increased, year-round public transportation options that bridge the east side and west side, such as the jitney service and increased, safer bike lanes/paths
5) Transparency: We want the reestablishment of the Waterfront Redevelopment Advisory Board. We seek a well-rounded and independent board of overseers comprised respected professionals and community leaders who will trust and challenge one another, and engage directly with the waterfront developers and City management/governance on critical issues facing Asbury’s Waterfront.
Please note public comment period ends 12/23/18.
If you know anyone who is interested in providing public comment on the North End Boardwalk Project but does not have access to a computer or mobile device, please print out this form which can be dropped off at the City Manager’s Office on the 2nd floor of City Hall.
Please keep public access to what has historically been a public beach. The wall is an affront to all who have lived (or vacationed) here for decades and struggled to rebuild our city. Beachfront preservation (including wildlife preservation and dune restoration) and boardwalk restoration must be paramount in any plan. Transparency is a must.
Save Asbury’s Waterfront (SAW) and APCSC appreciate your support. Please take the survey: https://asburyparknj.seamlessdocs.com/f/NorthEndComments
While there is clearly so much left to do to restore the already developed and developing areas of Asbury Park, why hurry to transform an area that is close to natural and not ruined. There are private beaches all along our lovely NJ coastline, but no need for them in the limited shore of Asbury Park. Please take advantage of great minds in the Littoral Society and Clean Ocean Action, as well as so many other organizations that strive to make a whole community for all the people to enjoy in their own style and fashion such as surfing and fishing. A private beach will have conformist views and will stifle all possibilities of uses rather than encourage exploration and adventure and growing the love of our natural resources. The city actively attracts and wants to appeal to all kinds of people, with all kinds of interests, likes and beliefs…why then would the same city want to exclude some by creating a private beach club? Build on the inclusion and acceptance that has been the basis of Asbury’s Renaissance *
Thanks for your thoughts. Please take the city survey in this article and include these comments!
Karin, thank you for your comments. Please take the survey! We are a coalition of groups- Littoral Society, Clean Ocean Action,and Surfrider NJ…We are stronger together~!
While there is clearly so much left to do to restore the already developed and developing areas of Asbury Park, why hurry to transform an area that is close to natural and not ruined. There are private beaches all along our lovely NJ coastline, but no need for them in the limited shore of Asbury Park. Please take advantage of great minds in the Littoral Society and Clean Ocean Action, as well as so many other organizations that strive to make a whole community for all the people to enjoy in their own style and fashion such as surfing and fishing. A private beach will have conformist views and will stifle all possibilities of uses rather than encourage exploration and adventure and growing the love of our natural resources. The city actively attracts and wants to appeal to all kinds of people, with all kinds of interests, likes and beliefs…why then would the same city want to exclude some by creating a private beach club?
Thank you Karin. Please take the survey. (Apology if this is a repeat reply!) https://asburyparknj.seamlessdocs.com/f/NorthEndComments
Absolutely NO PRIVATIZATION of any beach. That idea must be stopped and taken off the table period. Preserving the natural environment should be a priority! – Restoring the boardwalk to its former width and length but no additional store fronts etc beyond 6th Avenue. Keep Asbury beautiful and open to EVERYONE not just a previleged few.
Thanks for your support George. Please take the survey and state these thoughts.
Perhaps a more inclusive site would be more beneficial. Why go private? The beach is for all to enjoy! Not fond of what’s happening.
Thank your for your comments Lisa. Please take the survey!
No privatezation of beaches . This must be Stopped. I support government take over for public good.
I’m a home owner in Asbury Park, use our taxes to take care of public beaches. Stop private developers Now!!
Thanks for your support of Save The North Beach Of Asbury Park. Twitter @asburysaw