Esperanza At Asbury Park Offering Refunds

On December 28, I noted that as of that date, there was no word from Metro Homes LLC and those who had deposits on units at The Esperanza at Asbury Park.

However, while this writer has not heard from Metro (not that they have to tell me...), they have communicated with several of those who asked about the status of their deposits.

There is GOOD news. Metro Homes LLC has offered to return deposits to those that request it regardless. That is, Metro is still looking to complete this project and arrange financing to do so. They are still considering this a "temporary" work stoppage - and therefore not legally obligated to return those deposits. This is what I have heard from several of those who placed deposits and were real concerned that their deposit money would disappear.

We're awaiting some official word on what will happen with The Esperanza at Asbury Park. There is lots of talk on how it will be completed - and by whom.

Stay tuned.


After All, THIS is Asbury Park.

Join the fun, the excitement and challenge of this City by the Sea.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.