Saturday, December 29, 2007

So Far NO Refunds for The Esperanza Buyers

As of December 28, 2007, those who have placed a deposit on The Esperanza in Asbury Park do not know the fate of the those deposits.

On December 9, 2007, Dean Geibel, President of Metro Homes LLC, the developer closed the sales office and stopped construction on the two-building complex of 224 units. Citing market conditions, he called it a "temporary" situation.

According to published reports, up to 70 contracts were placed on units. What disturbs some is that a day or two before the announcement, Mr. Geibel announced "the largest sale or a single family residence in Asbury Park...$2.6 million..". Prior to that announcement, he announced that musician John Oates purchased a unit for over $600,000. The musical team of Hall & Oates were so happy, they even snuck in a concert at the partially restored (thanks to Madison Marquette) Paramount Theatre on December 7, 2007. Then, jsut TWO days later - the sudden shift.

So there you have it, contractors, sales staff, the city and those who believe in the the new Asbury Park - were all left wondering - now what?

As for those who put down around 10% deposit for their unit, Mr. Geibel was kind enough to make this statement, "Geibel said the money people put down on their units is being held in escrow. "It's too early to decide how they'll be impacted," he said.

Now, what the &)$% does that mean? Is the Esperanza going to be built - 2008, 2009, 2010? Will Metro Homes be the builder? Have some of these "deposits" been spent (one attorney noted that their (Metro) contracts permitted this - smart attorneys protected their client's deposits - to some degree.

Mr. Geibel delivered a wonderful dream to the City of Asbury Park and to, according to Mr. Geibel, "almost 70.." buyers. Now the City has asked him for further details on the stalled project.

Those with deposits on the units are asking as well. Metro Homes LLC did not, as of this date, communicate with any of those with deposits.

Asbury Park has seen it all. Asbury Park will continue on with or without The Esperanza, Metro Homes or Mr. Geibel.

The City of Asbury Park is filled with opportunities - single family homes, lots of existing and new condos, apartments, businesses and good people who were here BEFORE the Esperanza was announced.

The Berkeley Hotel has been renovated and is open. Madison Marquette took over cleaning up the boardwalk buildings. And more importantly - lots of "little" people have done the rest.

Mr. Geibel, return those deposits to those that have asked for it back. These people have a vision as well - and that vision is their spot in Asbury Park.

You have moved on. Let those with deposits move in.

In Asbury Park.

By David Dorfman
Licensced NJ Real Estate Agent
email:apboardwalk@yahoo.com
See asburyboardwalk.com/asburyparkrealestate.htm for more info on Real Estate in Asbury Park.

Publisher of asburyboardwalk.com
*no affiliation with the City of Asbury Park nor Asbury Partners

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Developer of Esperanza at Asbury Park Halts Project

December 10, 2007:

Dean Geibel, president of Metro Homes, said the company recently informed the city that it was halting construction and sales "until such time market conditions allow us to move forward and successfully complete this important luxury beachfront development.

Geibel said there are sales contracts on about 70 of the 224 condominium units in the two-tower building, which was originally scheduled to be completed end of 2007. The revised schedule would of been,in our opinion, 2009.

Geibel said the money people put down on their units is being held in escrow. "It's too early to decide how they'll be impacted," he said.

Metro Homes paid the master developer $17 million plus for the rights to build on the site of the former failed project started in the 80's known as Ocean Mile.

While this is not the best thing to happen at this time in the redevelopment effort, the rest of the town continues to reinvent itself.

The Paramount Theatre, Convention Hall and the Casino are all undergoing major renovations to bring them back to life.

Hopefully, The Esperanza project will resume.

Hopefully, they will change their sales approach.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Asbury Park Pop Warner National Champs

On December 7, 2007 The Asbury Park Pop Warner Pee Wees won the National Chanmpionship in the Pee Wee Division. The championship game was played in Lake Beuna Vista, Florida where the Blue Bishops beat Capital City Steelers from North Carolina by a score of 20-0.

The team pulled through with their second win in Florida. The team was full of energy and spirit which pulled them through.

Congratulations to the team, the families, the coaches and everyone else who made their dream a reality.

An extra thank you to the sponsors who helped fund the trip to Florida. A celebration is planned.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Paramount Theatre, Stone Pony Tickets from Ticketmaster

You can now order Ticketmaster event tickets directly from the asburyboardwalk.com website. Tickets for major events at Convention Hall, The Paramomunt Theatre, The Stone Pony and other venues in Asbury Park may be ordered directly from the asburyboardwalk.com event listings via Ticketmaster.com.

Not all tickets for all events in these venues are available via Tickemaster. For a list of upcoming events, please visit the asburyboardwalk.com website and click on
"
events ".

Featured next month are the legendary Hall & Oates coming to the Paramount Theatre on December 7, 2007. For tickets, please go to our "
events " guide.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Asbury Park Little League needs a few more $

This was posted on the Asbury Park Yahoo Group. A local group has done an amazing job of bringing the Asbury Park Little League back to life. The group has raised some money for most of the work to be done and are still a bit short. Read the following and see if you can help in way or another.

Thank you.
David Dorfman
asburyboardwalk.com

We're almost there!!

Dear Fellow Citizens:

Many of you have followed the Little League field redevelopment efforts with
interest. Some of you have taken an active roll in supporting this effort.
Everyone wants to see this effort succeed. You do this because you believe in
supporting our efforts to provide a safe & fun environment for the kids of
Asbury Park to learn and play baseball.

We have good news concerning our renovation project! We are pleased to
announce that the Asbury Park Little League will be receiving a grant from
Interfaith Neighbors for the purchase and installation of the field lighting.
The field lighting is part of the Interfaith Neighbors Asbury Park West Side
Redevelopment Plan that encompasses not only the expansion of recreational
programs and facilities, but also includes the construction of affordable
housing on the West Side of Asbury Park. We are grateful for the partnership
with Interfaith Neighbors and know that the field lighting will be great for the
kids.

That being said, we are still approximately $23,000 short of the $225,000
required to complete the project. As you may know, we have already finished
the complete overhaul of the infield, installed new field fencing and safety
netting, bought two new bleachers, and installed a brand new score board, flag
pole and bullpen & batting cage area. The last phase of the project is the
purchase and installation of the field lighting and the construction of a field
house that will have a large storage area, the 3rd base dug-out, as well as an
announce's booth/meeting room. In addition to the field house, a dug-out will
be built on the 1st base line. I know that you will take pride in this ball
field when these structures are completed. We will have a first class baseball
facility.

I am making an urgent appeal to you to support this field renovation project.
Please make a donation today to this important project. All of the necessary
government approvals have been received so that we can start construction; all
we need is your valued support so that we can finish the ball park. Please make
a donation today either by visiting us online at
http://eteamz.active.com/APLittleLeague or by sending it to:

Asbury Park Little League

PO Box 702

Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Remember, all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

We thank you so very much for your support of this very important project for
the kids of Asbury Park and remain,

Sincerely yours,
Danny McKee

Danny McKee

President

Asbury Park Little League

cell: 732 768 6860

Thursday, September 20, 2007

I NEED SPRINGSTEEN TICKETS!!!!

Geez. Yes, I need Springsteen tix for Monday or Tuesday night or both.

Ticketmaster Phonecharge only played back "all circuits are busy..." then I finally got through at 9:33 am- got the "sorry not available at this time.."

Yea, you'd think ever since I've been publishing this website and promoting the Boardwalk and Downtown, I'd have an inside shot, right? Wrong.

My daughter just called me from school. I said, "no, I didn't get any.." She repleid, "how'd you know what I was calling for?" I told her because I already put gas in her car.

The asburyboardwalk.com website started out originally for my kids so they could understand what the boardwalk was all about and for that matter, the city. At that time, not so six years long ago, the ghosts were still lingering and her driving seemed far off. Just a couple monhts ago, she called as she was drinving down Kingsley in her Jeep, blasting "Born to Run". Her first official trip with her driver's license.

Today, she thinks AP is one of the coolest places going.

"Dad, how about trying that press pass thing like we used to do with the Warped Tour??" I'd arrange for press passes for that and a couple other events and she'd cover them for the asburyboardwalk.com website.

We were just eating pizza in Vic's last night and she told a story how when she was 3, she worked in my store on the boardwalk and I was selling those little beach pails for around $1.00 (I felt bad for the little kids coming in and the moms yelling they can't have it cause they ain't got no money). I probably gave them all away. She'd almost cry when those pails left the store because she thought they were all hers. I think I still have a few left in the house here somewhere.

So all we need are some tickets. Or press passes. And we'll gladly pay for the benefit concerts.

Help make dad look good.

I'm going to donate the money raised from the asburyboardwalk.com website where people clicked on ads related to Bruce Springsteen.

Thanks and enjoy the show and city.

For fun, read this BRUCE and THE Asbury Diner Story, old Bruce story someone sent in. If you have an old Bruce story, send it in.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Springsteen in Concert in Asbury Park

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Thursday for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's two benefit rehearsal concerts at Convention Hall in Asbury Park.

The concerts are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, both at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $100, available through Ticketmaster phone charge. Beneficiaries for the concerts have not yet been announced.

Springsteen's new album, "Magic," will be released Oct. 2, and his tour with the E Street Band begins that night in Hartford, Conn.

Bruce will be appearing in shows October 5 and 6 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Oct. 9 and 10 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, and Oct. 17 and 18 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.

Springsteen has a long history of rehearsing and performing at Convention Hall, on the boardwalk at 1300 Ocean Ave. and Fifth Avenue, before his albums are released and his tours begin.

Speakers have been set up outside Convention Hall with local programming drowning out the live music, so you can't here the practice sessions.

For more information and tickets see http://www.asburyboardwalk.com/events.htm

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Springsteen and Boardwalk Bike Ride

This morning I woke up with sun shining and figured I should get myself bike on my bicycle and head towards either Asbury Park or Long Branch.

I headed towards Asbury, as the wind appeared to be going against me and I figured and catch it on the way back to Oakhurst. Once I got going, I realized we had a nice west wind - so either way I was doomed. But the weather was great.

By the time I made to Convention Hall, I noticed that there were around 20 people mingling around and security was parking cars. I forgot that Bruce Springsteen was rehearsing in Convention Hall for the release tour of 'Magic'.

Given that I was a bit tired, I waited for 5 minutes, then continued my ride to the Casino - or what will become the NEW casino. Madison Marquette has breathed new life into the boardwalk redevelopment. Where Asbury Partners stalled and scared everyone, MM has shown they can make things look good.

Back to my bike and back to Convention Hall. After another 5 minutes, Bruce pulled up the service ramp in his Range Rover, grinning at the few fans waiting to catch a glimpse and parked his RR in his usual spot on the promenade of Convention Hall.

Now all I had to was ride against the wind back to Oakhurst.

So back to work.

Now I have to find my daughter and star reporter for asburyboardwalk.com a couple "press passes" to the rehearsals. More on Bruce Springsteen on asburyboardwalk.com

Monday, September 10, 2007

One more Summer Song....

Meatloaf...

I hate reading the lyrics...sounds so great sung.

YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH (Hot Summer Night)

BOY: On a hot summer night would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?
GIRL: Will he offer me his mouth?

BOY: Yes

GIRL: Will he offer me his teeth?

BOY: Yes

GIRL: Will he offer me his jaws?

BOY: Yes

GIRL: Will he offer me his hunger?

BOY: Yes

GIRL: Again, will he offer me his hunger?

BOY: Yes!

GIRL: And will he starve without me?

BOY: Yes!

GIRL: And does he love me?

BOY: Yes

GIRL: Yes

BOY: On a hot summer night would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?

GIRL: Yes

BOY: I bet you to say that to all the boys.

It was a hot summer night and the beach was burning
There was fog crawling over the sand
When I listened to your heart I hear the whole world turning
I see the shooting stars
Falling through your trembling hands

You were licking your lips and your lipstick shining
I was dying just to ask for a taste
We were lying together in a silver lining
By the light of the moon
You know there's not another moment
Not another moment
Not another moment to waste

When you hold me so close that my knees grow weak
And my soul is flying high above the ground
I'm trying to speak but no matter what I do
I just can't seem to make any sound

And then you took the words right out of my mouth
Oh it must have been while you were kissing me
You took the words right out of my mouth
And I swear it's true
I was just about to say I love you

And then you took the words right out of my mouth
Oh it must have been while you were kissing me
You took the words right out of my mouth
And I swear it's true
I was just about to say I love you

Now my body is shaking like a wave on the water
And I guess that I'm beginning to grin
Oooh, we're finally alone and we can do what we want to
The night is young
And ain't no one gonna know where you
No one gonna know where you
No one's gonna know where you've been

You were licking your lips and your lipstick shining
I was dying just to ask for a taste
We were lying together in a silver lining
By the light of the moon
You know there's not another moment
Not another moment
Not another moment to waste

And then you took the words right out of my mouth
Oh it must have been while you were kissing me

Springsteen warming up....

Sounds like music coming from Convention Hall today.

Springsteen getting prepped for the "Magic Tour"

Some people just can't Asbury out of their system - and here's one.

http://www.asburyboardwalk.com/shopbruce.htm

Springsteen Tickets....Garden and Meadowlands

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

EAST RUTHERFORD — Bruce Springsteen fans in New Jersey will be busy punching digits and clicking online.

Tickets go on sale for two concerts at Continental Airlines Arena at 9 a.m. Seats range from $65 to $95.

The October ninth and tenth shows feature Springsteen with the E Street Band.

Concertgoers can also buy tickets for October 17th and 18th performances at Madison Square Garden.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster Charge-By-Phone at 201 507-8900 and ticketmaster.com.

Springsteen's new disc, "Magic,'' is due out on October second.

Check back with us at http://www.asburyboardwalk.com/shopbruce.htm

Summer Loving,,,Summer Nights...

I was going to talk about the end of the summer last week. But why?

The weather continues to be great, and I when everyone leaves Labor Day, some if us feel that summer actual begins. Traffic is gone, bike riding is great, are "secret" food stops are cleared out.

As long as the weather remains. So far, so good.

Back to summer love. That old song comes back from Oliva Newton-John.
Ok, I just read the lyrics. Didn't realize how it read.

Summer Nights

(Casey/Jacobs)

Summer lovin', had me a blast
Summer lovin', happened so fast
Met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be
Summer days drifting away
To, uh oh, those summer nights

Well-a, well-a, well-a, uh!
Tell me more, tell me more
Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more
Like does he have a car?

She swam by me, she got a cramp
He ran by me, got my suit damp
Saved her life, she nearly drowned
He showed off splashing around
Summer sun, something's begun
But, uh oh, those summer nights

Well-a, well-a, well-a, uh!
Tell me more, tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more, tell me more
Did she put up a fight?

Took her bowling in the arcade
We went strolling; drank lemonade
We made out under the dock
We stayed out till ten o'clock
Summer fling don't mean a thing
But, uh oh, those summer nights

Tell me more, tell me more
But you don't gotta brag
Tell me more, tell me more
'Cause he sounds like a drag

He got friendly holding my hand
Well, she got friendly down in the sand
He was sweet, just turned eighteen
Well, she was good, you know what I mean
Summer heat, boy and girl meet
But, uh oh, those summer nights

Tell me more, tell me more
How much dough did he spend?
Tell me more, tell me more
Could she get me a friend?

It turned colder; that's where it ends
So I told her we'd still be friends
Then we made our true love vow
Wonder what she's doin' now
Summer dreams ripped at the seams
But, oh, those summer nights
Tell me more, tell me more.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Asbury Park and Google Maps

August 22, 2007 - Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Google Maps has been added to the directions page on The Asbury Park Boardwalk website http://asburyboardwalk.com/directions.htm

Google's new mapping feature enables a webmaster to simply drop a few lines of code onto a website to display a map with full functionality of the larger maps found on Google Maps.

Go to http://asburyboardwalk.com/directions.htm where you can zoom in to street detail or out for a larger view as well as get directions to or from Asbury Park.

dd

Hall and Oates to Play Asbury Park

August 22, 2007 - Speaking at the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce meeting today, Metro Home's Dean Geibel, said that Hall and Oates will play the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, probably December 7, 2007.

Further information will be published when available.

"This is the beginning of names people know... " said Geibel. His reference to the restored Paramount Theater drawing top name entertainment. The Paramount, since it's reopening in July, has been an excellent draw for the boardwalk and the City of Asbury Park.

For upcoming events in Convention Hall, The Paramount, The Boardwalk and the rest of Asbury Park, see the events page at http://www.asburyboardwalk.com/events.htm

Summary by:
David Dorfman

Friday, August 17, 2007

Asbury Park Events - Weekend of August 17, 2007

Another exciting weekend in Asbury Park. In addition to the clubs and restaurants in Asbury, the boardwalk and immediate area are having one big party. Where to start?

See our events guide for more details on these events.

1. Saturday, August 18 - 8 pm and Sunday, August 19 - 3 pm
BYRNE BROTHERS REUNION CONCERT
Jimmy, Bobby and Special Appearance
Tickets $35-$45

2. THE 32nd Annual CLEARWATER FESTIVAL
Sunset Park
August 18 and 19 11:30 am to 7 pm

$5.00 admission

3. Cabana Club
Located between 2nd and 3rd Avenues on the boardwalk

8/18 Saturday 2-5pm
Steve Calafati free admission

Also see our Dining Guide and Club Guide.
There's more great restaurants in Asbury - each with it's own character.

Source: asburyboardwalk.com - The New Asbury Park

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Springsteen and The E Street Band - 2007

August 16, 2007 - Yes, the rumour is true. Springsteen and The E Street Band have produced another album titled "MAGIC". We are awaiting an official announcements of tour dates.

To answer the next question, no. We have no word if the band will play Asbury Park. If they don't, perhaps they'll do their "practice" sessions here as has more or less been a tradition.

Asbury Park has come along way the past few years and many local charities have benefited as have the merchants who participated in various Springsteen related promotions.

So keep on eye on asburyboardwalk.com for early news on the Springsteen rumors.

Asbury Park.

It was exciting,
And it is, once again.
This is one reason why.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Asbury Park - August 4 and 5th

Asbury Park comes alive this weekend:

FIRST SATURDAY NIGHT
: The first Saturday night of every month is an exciting time in Asbury Park. Merchants are open late, there are sales along Cookman ave, music and more.
Park Players, the Paramount’s resident theater group, will be entertaining downtown at Press Plaza. Shows are at 7pm and 8pm, and include excerpts from two upcoming shows, Parallel Lives and Forever Plaid. Cookman Avenue will be alive and Latin music will fill the street, courtesy of Market in the Middle and Robert Legere Home. Grande Tourismo will be performing on the street in front of Wish You Were Here.

Come to Asbury Park and enjoy the excitement of the First Saturday of August.

Also, this weekend:

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Metro Lyric Series: The Barber of Seville - 8 pm
Location: Paramount Theatre
Saturday, August 04, 2007

Kite Festival - 12pm-6pm
Location: The Boardwalk

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Asbury Park Life Guard Tournament - 6pm-8pm
Location: Beach at 4th

Telling on Trixie will begin their tour with a midnight performance at The Saint in Asbury Park, New Jersey on August 4th, 2007.


Thursday, July 05, 2007

Asbury Park Real Estate

July 4, 2007: Asbury Park, New Jersey. David Dorfman, publisher of asburyboardwalk.com is introducing a new website focusing on the Asbury Park Real Estate market. Dorfman said the new site, ASBURYPARKREALESTATE.com, is currently in development but can be viewed at http://www.asburyparkrealestate.com. The site will feature a link to the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) as well as feature properties marketed by Dorfman as an agent for Gilman Commercial Realty LLC.

While Dorfman specializes in Commercial Real Estate, his love for the City of Asbury Park and the potential market opprotunity, Dorfman will help interested buyers in the city. He recently marketed and sold Railroad Plaza, located at 100 Memorial Drive in the city.

For further information on Asbury Park Real Estate commercial or residential opportunities, please contact:
David Dorfman
gilman Commercial Realty LLC
708 Highway 35
Asbury Park Circle
Neptune, NJ 07753

Office: 732-517-0088
Mobile: 732-539-2914
Email: apboardwalk@gmail.com

Asbury Park Fireworks Saturday July 7

The July 4th Asbury Park Fireworks has been rescheduled for Saturday July 7.

Come early and enjoy the City. Cookman Avenue and the Boardwalk.

Can't wait!!

See you there.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

HELP! LIBRARY SQUARE PARK in Asbury Park.

HELP! HELP!

Library Square Park in Asbury Park needs more help. Why?

A few years ago, a group of concerned citizens finally got help to restore Library Sqaure Park in Asbury Park New Jersey. A fountain was restored. Flowers and Trees planted. A sprinkler system was installed. Lights around the fountain.

The beginnning of the restoration took place while the Boardwalk Area Redevelopment dragged along. The park is between Asbury Ave and 1st Ave with the Asbury Park Library across Grand Avenue. Someday, the old, crumbling Metropolitan Hotel east of the park will be gone and replaced by condos.

After all the hard work, vandals have begun to destroy what was replaced after all these years. Lights broken. Plants dug up. Sprinklers destroyed.

Help is needed to catch the ones responsible and to restore the damage. In an effort to curb further damage, it has been suggested cameras be installed to monitor the park around the clock. The problem is, funds would be needed to pay for this.

If anyone wishes to contribute time or funds to this cause, drop me a note

Friday, June 15, 2007

Experience Asbury

New Entertainment, Dining and Shopping Options Debut as Madison Marquette and Asbury Partners Finalize Joint Venture Agreement

ASBURY PARK, N.J., June 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Madison Marquette
announced today the formation of Experience Asbury, a joint venture with
Asbury Partners to redevelop and revitalize the entire Asbury Park
boardwalk. The formation coincides with the commencement of major
improvement projects, including the rehabilitation of the famed Paramount
Theatre and Convention Hall.
"Summer 2007 marks the return of Asbury Park as a preeminent cultural,
dining, shopping and beach recreation destination," said Gary Mottola,
President of Madison Marquette Investments, the managing partner of the new
joint venture. The redevelopment zone stretches over 1.25 miles of
oceanfront property and includes Asbury Park's historic boardwalk,
pavilions, Casino Building and Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall.
Paramount Theatre Rehabilitation
Madison Marquette is near completion of a historic rehabilitation of
the historic Paramount Theatre. A grand reopening celebration is scheduled
for Friday, June 29 and will feature the debut of "Attention Span of a
Fly," an original performance from Kennedy Center Award-Winning New Jersey
playwright, Ben Clawson.
Larry Potter of Landmark Studio in Pittstown, New Jersey, is completing
the theater's restoration. The 1,500-seat venue was originally built in
1930 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It was
designed by the famed architecture firm of Warren and Wetmore and was
widely considered one of the most magnificent theaters of the early 20th
century. Anchoring the North end of the Asbury Park boardwalk, it is an
enduring symbol of the city's rich history and culture.
This summer the Paramount will house a variety of live performances. A
new in-residence theatre company, Park Players, will host a series of
plays. Christopher Barker, Executive Director of Highlands Regional
Playhouse in Allendale, New Jersey has founded the theatre company with his
brother, Jonathan Barker. "We were so excited about the restoration of this
theater and the entire boardwalk area that we created Park Players," said
Christopher Barker.
New Jersey's Metro Lyric Opera is sponsoring an opera series at
Paramount Theatre that includes two performances, Traviata on July 21 and
Barber of Seville on August 4. Additional individual concerts and events
are scheduled throughout the season.
"The Paramount Theatre is once again the center of Asbury Park's
cultural life," said Mr. Mottola. "These performances will breathe
important new life into summer nights at the boardwalk."
New Retail and Dining Options
Madison Marquette is adding several new retail and dining options for
boardwalk patrons this summer. In the former Howard Johnson's building,
successful restaurateur Gabe Marabella has opened Salt Water Beach Cafe, a
relaxed beach concept serving an upscale American menu. Outdoor seating
allows guests to enjoy the beach and boardwalk while dining and 'Boardwalk
Menu' allows beachgoers to satisfy their hunger without losing any time in
the sun.
"Asbury Park is officially reborn and I am looking forward to helping
usher in a new era," said Mr. Marabella, an experienced restaurateur best
known for his Marabella's Restaurants in Philadelphia and southern New
Jersey shore area.
New retail options include: Hot Sand, a glass-blowing artisan; Brielle
Cyclery, a bicycle shop; Cabana Club, a new entertainment club; Casa Di
Formaggio, a panini sandwich shop; and the Beach Bar. "These great
additions are just the beginning of our efforts to repopulate the
oceanfront with exciting new dining and retail offerings," said Mr.
Mottola.
Landscaping and Pavilion Improvements
Experience Asbury has already made significant improvements to the
landscaping and physical appearance of the Asbury Park oceanfront area. A
park-like setting has been created with green spaces now filling the areas
between the pavilions. Flowers and additional seating are also featured.
In front of the Paramount Theatre, a plaza has been created with custom
brick-work and ample seating where live music will be performed throughout
the summer. A portion of the Casino Building has also now been opened to
allow for passageway on the boardwalk. A beatification program has been
implemented for the pavilions and several surrounding buildings.
"The improvements are a fundamental part of making Asbury Park a
special destination," said Mr. Mottola. "They signify our commitment to
Asbury Park and are just a preview of the exciting changes now afoot."
About Madison Marquette
Madison Marquette is a Washington, D.C.-based investor, developer and
operator of retail and retail mixed-use real estate throughout the United
States. The company specializes in creating unique retail destinations that
respond best to consumer preferences. With regional offices in New York,
Philadelphia, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, San Diego
and Ft. Lauderdale, Madison Marquette seeks investment opportunities in
growing markets. The company maintains a sophisticated in-house operating
capability and oversees 23 million square feet of retail real estate. This
diverse national portfolio includes many properties that Madison Marquette
manages and leases on behalf of third-party owners.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Memories Wanted of the Jersey Shore

On our website, asburyboardwalk.com, readers have been submitted their memories of Asbury Park along with old photos and more.

Do you have memories of Asbury Park or have photos to share? We love to have them to add to the site.

Visit what others have sent - maybe it will trigger a memory. A love, space, a time, fun.

Do you have a memory of another town, a different summer, we'll take those as well.

Submit your story today.

The New Jersey Boardwalks

We all love or loved the Asbury Park Boardwalk. From the early 80's to just last year (let's use 25 years), the boardwalk just sat. Sat empty on hot summer days and nights. A Ghost town.

Even the new redevelopment effort had and has critics. Not only was the boardwalk empty, so was the downtown - Cookman Avenue.

Over the past several years, new merchants came to Cookman Avenue. Now, you have to find parking to eat in one of the many restaraunts. Take your pick, your sure to find a great meal.

Now, what about "other" boardwalks in New Jersey and what do they have to offer?

We will start our journey in Keansburg - the Keansburg Amusement Park and work our down to Cape May. We'll use the official 127 miles of the "Jersey Shore" and explore what each "boardwalk" town has to offer. From peace and quiet to the traditional boardwalk many of us grew up with. How long will these remain?

How many traditons have survived?

Keansburg, Long Branch, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon, Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Seaside, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Wildwood and Cape May.

Follow us as we begin our tour and stay tuned as we update it.

The Jersey Shore Boardwalks
http://www.asburyboardwalk.com/boardwalks/boardwalks.htm

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Asbury Partners and Madison Marquette Tie the Knot

On June 11, Asbury Partners and Madison Marquette officially became partners in the Asbury Park Waterfront Redevelopment. Madison Marquette will be contributing upwards of $200 million in capital along with their national retail development and marketing expertise.

Their work has been evident the past several months, with temporary repairs and making the construction area more presentable along with some preliminary marketing. Most notably, they managed to reopen the former Howard Johnson's as the Salt Water Cafe and plans to open the Paramount Theatre the last week of June.

They also plan on creating new plans for various tracts in the Waterfront Redevelopment Area, including more parking then the current plan.

Hopefully, their skills in development will keep the ball rolling in Asbury.

While the Esperanza complex is beginning to get a foundation, North Beach Asbury and Wesley Grove are welcoming their first residents.

Opportunities still exist to purchase pre-construction at the Esperanza or to move in this summer at North Beach.

Contact:
David Dorfman
Gilman Commercial Realty LLC
Residential and Commercial
Office: 732-517-0088
Cell: 732-539-2914

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

From Wildwood to Asbury - A day on the Jersey Shore

I woke up Saturday morning iwht nothing really planned. Ocean Grove was having their giant flea/craft fair and my sister was working this with her stuff. So I hopped on my bicycle and off I went - through Deal, Allenhurst and Loch Arbour anf finally along the Boardwalk. This is always the best part, for some reason. North Beach under construction, the quick foul smell of the sewer plant. Once you reach convention hall, you ride through at 8 am and the the air inside is cool and you look down the whole boardwalk to the Casino. This entire stretch of the boardwalk is all new. The Casino is once again opened for passage and through I went. New roof. Into Ocean Grove I rode and walked around the festival. Free sample of Kettle Corn, got a "caribbean" iced tea and braided pretzel. How could you resist? Then for some reason, I came across a postcard that I hadn't seen of Asbury. $8.00. Oh well.

I hung out for a while and rode back to Ocean Township. Shook my daughter up and siad let's go for a ride. She got a jeep and has a permit and I want her to drive around some. "Where?", she asked. Wildwood, I said.

We got down to Wildwood, parked and got out. I told her all I wanted was a Kohr's Ice Cream and a cheesesteak. We walked around some and she commented on the people and some of the stuff that was going on. We then noticed they had a motocross event on the beach. So we paid and watched that for a while. Ate a burger, walked around and then she told me she never really liked boardwalks. Like her mom, I thought.

I got the hint and found a Kohr's. I got my favorite - the orange and vanilla in a cone. She got a vanilla. She couldn't even eat the whole thing. Dad, this is REAL. Real heavy. They'll admit it. Same recipe since 1920's. Fat and more. Yum. Like eating a filet mignon. Actaully, I once saw an old hershey bar wrapper with the slogan "more nuttious then meat". Well, so was this Kohrs.

We hopped back in the jeep and worked our way along the shore towns heading north. All thos cute little bungalow towns long gone. Most replaced with the same 3 story, narrow lot home. No one outside. Boring. We wiggled our way to Ocean City, where we once again hopped out. She looked around and "nope". Off we headed north. We drove through Atlantic City and we were tired. So we headed back to the parkway and got home by 7pm. My grand tour. BUT, we drove back through Asbury, where she remarked how unique and different Asbury WAS and IS. It has it's own life, identity.


That night, I needed something to do. I wound up on the boardwalk in Long Branch, I mean Pier Village. Packed. NO place to sit for even a drink. So I jumped back in the car and went to Asbury and wound up at the Brick Wall on Cookman Avenue. Great Burger. Then my wife called, "meet me at Rooneys". So back I went to Long Branch.

A long day on the Jersey Shore. There is something magical about the Atlantic.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Hot dogs and Fresh Air

June 1, Asbury Park New Jersey.

I made an appointment with a client to show the new condo project in Asbury Park, The Esperanza. It was hot as anything inland - around 87. "down the shore" in Asbury, a breezy 74.

I finished my appointment, then took a walk along the boardwalk to see the work taking place on the exterior of the Paramount. They redid the entrance, loads of new plantings.

The newest partners in the redevelopment of beachfront, Madison Marquette seems to have taken a lead role in at least getting the appearance of the buildings and grounds in shape. Ocean Ave has a finished roadway, the avenues leading to the great beaches are planted and look great.

I wanted to try the Salt Water Cafe, but they are not open for lunch just yet. I noticed down the boardwalk that the Mayfair was open.

Can you please burn me one, I asked and throw the bun on the grill.

A a few minutes later, I bit into my first BOARDWALK hot dog of the summer. It's a boardwalk dog because you have to eat it on the boardwalk, on a bench, looking at the ocean. The big dog on a little bun. watching the extras drip to the boardwalk while a pigeon waits nearby. Summer.

No other way.

I feel sorry for those who want them out in Colorado, Texas, California, Florida - the list is endless. Something that is always missed.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Salt Water Cafe

Promising a "cool, hip cafe on the beach," Madison Marquette is set to open the new Salt Water Beach Cafe on schedule at 4 p.m. Saturday in the former Howard Johnson's on the boardwalk.

Gabe Marabella, a seasoned Philadelphia and South Jersey restaurateur, is the operating partner. Marabella has been married for 28 years to Mottola's sister.

Madison Marquette, which signed an agreement with Asbury Partners to take over the entertainment and retail redevelopment, still has to sign a developer's agreement with the city. Those negotiations are expected to be ongoing over the next month.

Last week, at the city's Chamber of Commerce luncheon (that I was at) Mottola said a refurbished Paramount Theatre will open July 1.

The Salt Water will start with seating on the first floor and is expected shortly to open the upstairs. Kevin O'Kane is the Philadelphia-trained chef.

For the first week, the Salt Water will be open daily from 4 to 11 p.m . By the following weekend, it will open for lunch with hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily except for Tuesdays when it will be closed.

Dinners will offer small-plate items in the $12 to $16 range and entrees in the $20 vicinity.

The restaurant wants to draw in the beach crowd.

"If you're in your bathing suit, you need a shirt and shoes," he said. "We'll also have 50 outdoor seats and a boardwalk menu."

This is the beginning of restoring the 5th ave Pavillion with the closed bandshell on the 2nd floor. Earlier plans had called for the demolition of the structure.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Madison Marquette - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

On May 17, 2007, Madison Marquette's Gary Mottola gave a brief presentation of their plans as managing member of Asbury Partners in restoring the beachfront and more.

He plans to have the Paramount Theatre opened once again on July 1 with a number of events planned. One being bringing back the Metro Lyric Opera.

David Rockwell, New York Archtitect, has been engaged to do preliminary concept work. The planned entertainment zone near Wesley Lake, may be redesigned to adjust the retail center into the new and renovated Casino building on the boardwalk. The Casino project would not happen until 2010.

He hopes to make Ocean Avenue as well as the boardwalk a friendly walkway with a mix of retail, entertainment and special events. Walking the boardwalk yesterday, one can see Madison's input into this massive project. The streetscapes are being completed ahead of schedule and items scheduled to be finished after more building occurred will be completed first, even though it may have to be redone at some point in the future.

Mr. Mottola also has a fondness for the Jersey Shore, having grown up in Bergen County, he recalls his past summers in the Beach Haven area where he still goes. Looks like Gary will be walking the boardwalk this summer, which is welcomed. He says he knows what the Jersey Shore is - it's not a shopping center in Kansas or in Texas. This IS the Jersey Shore. This is Asbury Park.

Welcome, Mr. Mottola and Good Luck. We're counting on you.

Madison Marquette, making a difference in Asbury Park.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

The Wave Gathering

Asbury Park, New Jersey. Music City Comes Alive May 18, 19, 20 as the WAVE GATHERING comes into town. The entire city comes alive with music at the traditional venues like the Stone Pony, Wonder Bar and Saint but many other local eateries are taking part as well. From Sunset Landing along Deal Lake to the all new Cookman Avenue.

That weekend, listen to music where you want, when you want. It will be easy to find in Asbury Park.

See the schedule for:

May 18
May 19
May 20

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Asbury Park Real Estate

Asbury Park, New Jersey - May 1, 2007.

Real Estate Sales in Asbury Park remain steady. David Dorfman, publisher of the website asburyboardwalk.com and Real Estate Agent for Gilman Commercial Realty LLC recently noted the following on the real estate market in Asbury Park, New Jersey. All information is subject to change and information obtained from the Monmouth County MLS system, tax records and conversations with other professionals.

There are numberous units available for sale or for rent in Asbury Park. From several new developments to condo conversions - prices from $149,000 for a studio to onver $2m in the under construction Esperanza.

1. The Esperanza - 2 towers built on the Ocean at 4th Ave. 224 Units in total. PRices for a 1 bedroom begin at $385,000 up to over $2m for larger, ocean front units. The average 2 bedroom or 2 bedroom with den begin around $580,000. This project is under contruction and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2008.

2. Northbeach - 3 complexes: The Seville, The Monterey and the Barcelona. 154 units total. Approximately 17 units remain in addition to resales and rentals. Units from $450,000 to $1.3m. Rentals from $2000 per month.

3. Wesley Grove - Built along Wesley Lake facing Ocean Grove and Cookman Avenue. The link from downtown Asbury Park to the Boardwalk. Phase I consists of 91 units. Approxiamtely 41 have been sold. Rental units available from $2000 per month. Occuppancy August of 2007.

4. Downtown Asbury:
a) The Blu - 24 units from $450,000. Southbeach style in downtown.
b) The Mattison - units from $450,000
c) The Grande - converted former Jersey Central Power and Light company building. Rentals from $2,000 and resales.

5. The Steinbach - Historic renovation of a former department store. 63 units. RENTALS from $1350 per month to $2850 per month. Ground floor retail.

6. Ocean Arms (4th Ave), Shoreview (4th Ave), Park Terrace, Deal Lake Village (North Asbury) - converted apartments to Condos from $149,000.

7. The Esplande - An original condo buildng on Sunset Ave. Lake and Ocean views from upper floors.

8. The Bradley - Converted large home to 13 units. Rentals (from $2,000) to resales (from $450,000).

There are plenty more of opportunities in Asbury Park.

Please contact:
David Dorfman
Gilman Commercial Realty LLC
708 Hwy 35, Neptune NJ
(On the Asbury Circle)

732-539-2914

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Asbury Park Easter Sunday

The 72nd Easter Parade returns to the Asbury Park Boardwalk and Paramount Theatre on Sunday, April 8.

Pageant competitions begin at 1:30 p.m. with the boardwalk procession where judges choose best dressed men, women, boys, girls and families and most unusual bonnets to participate in the final competitions. Gifts and prizes range from $500 U.S. Savings Bonds to gift certificates from local stores and restaurants. For more information, call (732) 502-5752.

Walk the boardwalk with judging and awards at the Paramount.

At asburyboardwalk.com - we're always looking for old photos of Asbury Park Easter Parades and more.

Email yours today.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Good-bye Golddigger

The Golddigger, one of the last original hot spots in Asbury Park is gone. Bulldozers took are of the last couple days.

One of my first beers. Pool shooting dates and long nights moping around a cold one.

After a long night working on the boardwalk or running across for a cold six-pack of michelobs.

Dust.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Garden State Film Festival March 23-25

Asbury Park's Paramount Theatre comes alive this weekend with the Garden State Film Festival.
This year, according to their release, The Garden State Film Festival proudly introduce's a new Music Category. Even before film had spoken words, there was music. Our first year brought us an outstanding list of submissions, in many different genres, and we eagerly await what we know will be an even broader list of submissions next year.

This is interesting to me, because my grandmother used to play the organ and piano in NYC theatres for the silent movies. And see spent her last days playing her little organ - in Asbury Towers, over looking the ocean.

This year, the festival includes The Baronet Theatre on 4th Ave and a couple other great AP stops.

It's Asbury, and it's changing by the day.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Madison Marquette joins Asbury Partners

Madison Marquette has signed on as the redevelopers retail and entertainment partner . In the report, they said they expect to invest between $150 and $200 million into the Asbury Park Boardwalk retail and entertainment areas. Total sq footage is estimated at 450,000 sq ft.

It may be very possible that some small rides and other attractions for the younger crowd will be part of the plans.

One of the biggest discussions over the past 30 or more years is what should the boardwalk area become- a residential community or a tourist attraction. As the debate continues on, the development under way in the boardwalk zone provides for plenty of housing. We are awaiting more details on the entertainment zone and retail components.

Will there be a Kohr's once again? Will there be national chains vs. the mom and pops we grew up loving?

Madison Marquette is leading a joint venture with Asbury Partners to develop the entertainment and retail portion of the waterfront the next three to five years. One of the first projects Madison Marquette would like to complete is the renovation of the Casino and rebuilding of the Casino's eastern portion which was torn down this winter after many years of non-use and disrepair.
Madison Marquette has proposed transforming the Casino into a specialty food market and restaurant center, possibly similar to San Francisco's Ferry Building.

The Esperanza Sales Office - 2007


METRO HOMES TO OPEN SALES OFFICE:

From $350,000 to $3m.

the most progressive looking architecture on Jersey Shore will be The Esperanza. Take alook at asburyboardwalk.com

Metro Homes, the third developer building condominiums on the beachfront, received approval from city planners this week to turn the Fourth Avenue Pavilion into a temporary, eye-catching sales office for the Esperanza high-rise as it is built during the next 18 months.

This is the same place the failed redevelopr of the skeleton known as C-8 stood for years until finally coming down with explosives.



Planners approved Metro's plans to use the pavilion and temporarily change the exterior to resemble the design of the Esperanza. The Esperanza is planned for the Ocean Avenue site of the former building shell known as C-8 on planning maps.

Geibel said Metro Homes wants to have the sales center open in 60 days. He said the pilings are finished on the Esperanza site bound by Ocean, Third and Fourth avenues and Kingsley Street. Concrete will be poured, and the building with two towers that reach 10 and 16 stories will start to come out of the ground, he said.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Berkeley-Carteret SOLD $16 million

SOLD. $16 million. Asbury may just get the taste of South Beach if the hotel is refurbished in the style of the Amersterdam Hospitality Group other holdings. Maybe not.

These guys were also a joint venture of partners who bought the Sears Tower in Chicago for $840 million in 2004. Scoop.

New York real estate investors Joseph and Jacob Chetrit bought the Berkeley-Carteret Oceanfront Hotel on Tuesday, paying $16 million for the historic 248-room building on the city's waterfront according to published reports.

Sold by Daniel and Ike Ahn. buyers were the Chetrit brothers (see Cherit Group) want to get the hotel refurbished, restored and reopened as soon as possible. The Empress Hotel, recently reopened, is the only other hotel in Asbury Park.

The brothers' company, the Chetrit Group, based in New York, has large real estate holdings around the country.

Daniel Ahn, a Queens-based entrepreneur, bought the hotel in December 1998 for $5.1 million plus $181,000 owed in back taxes. Ahn and his family refurbished the Berkeley-Carteret and kept it open through the years that the city's waterfront plans were being created, approved and financed.

My favorite piece of the hotel history:

Ahn had bought the hotel from the Maharishi Maheshi Yogi, whose organization bought it in 1994 from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. for $1.85 million, of which $625,000 was for the hotel and the remainder for back taxes and liens. At that time, the property was assessed at $3 million.

The maharishi planned to use the hotel as a Transcendental Meditation university and holistic health care center. The city did not allow those uses. The maharishi had to maintain the hotel's primary use as a hotel.

And then there was Henry:

The owners in the mid-1980s were a group led by local businessmen Henry and Sebastian Vaccaro, who restored the hotel but ended up in bankruptcy. They hit the market at wrong end of the banking and lending scandals of the 80's. We give him the credit at least of getting it re-opened, as prior to that it was completely gone. Lucky it didn't get knocked down or burned down.

Monday, February 26, 2007

The Steinbach - Cool Lofts for Rent READY!

Finally. After who knows how many years - the Steinbach Building - the center of Cookman Avenue - has begun renting units. I took a tour the other day of the 2nd floor. very, very neat. High ceilings, large windows and large bathrooms.

You're in the center of it all.

Old Man Rafferty's - a bar and restaraunt will be opening May.

Once this building is finally up and running, Cookman Ave will be even brighter then it was last night.

Interested? Call David Dorfman at Gilman Commercial Realty LLC 732-517-0088.
dd

Wesley Grove - What's not Happening??

This past weekend (2/24/07) - took a drive past Wesley Grove - the new condos in Asbury Park. We were heading to The Brick Wall Tavern on Cookman Ave for a quick bite and drink.

We're wondering, what is the status of this first phase? The exterior looks complete - but what's not happening inside. Lots of sold stickers on the windows - some which look like rocks have been tossed through.

Getting people into these units would be a big plus to tie the downtown (cookman ave) to the boardwalk.

People were going to move in late '05 , then summer '06. Summer '07 is coming real soon.

How many have been sold - sold so that they will close?

See our next psot about the rentals at The Steinbach. Ready April 1.