Monday, April 16, 2012

Asbury Park High School presents "The Wiz"

ASBURY PARK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PRESENT:

"THE WIZ"



Sometimes it's way to easy for us to make assumptions about the Asbury Park school system, it's teacher's and most importantly - it's students.   But in the end - that's just not fair.  The truth is, there are lots of faculty, staff and students working very hard, everyday, to do the right thing.

And there are  28, students who have been working very hard to produce an amazing production of "The Wiz".  18 cast members, and the rest as orchestra and production.  

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Asbury Park High School.  7:00 p.m.   Tickets are $5.

Come out and see these fabulous kids and all they have accomplished!  Let's go Asbury Park!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

ASBURY PARK, Open Houses, April 15th

OPEN HOUSE in Asbury Park, N
Sunday, April 15th
12:00 - 2:00


I'll be hosting an Open House this Sunday in Asbury Park.

The Villas
512 1st Ave
12:00 - 2:00

This is a stunning 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo is really breath taking.  You walk through the door and into this very large, open, living space.  A gourmet kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances, granite counter tops and plenty of cabinets.  

A gas fireplace with a large flat-screen TV above it, sets the mood for the entire space.

The unit features 3 outdoor spaces, a 200 s/f storage unit in the basement and garage parking.

The public library, and Library Square Park are at the end of the block, and Trinity Luthern Church is just around the corner.   And of course - the beach, and the world famous Asbury Park Boardwalk, is just 4 blocks away!

Drop by and check it out!

For additional pictures go to  Asbury Park Mark Facebook Page

Mark McDonald is a very successful and experienced Realtor in Asbury Park and can be reached at 908-489-1268 or Mark@123Vail.com

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Asbury Park: A Gay History

A Brief Gay History Chronology 
of Asbury Park, NJ

Asbury Park, the city by the sea, has had a long and exciting history.  Yet the one constant throughout it all has been the presence of a gay community.   

This post is a very brief and high level overview of some of that history.  For the sake of brevity, many people, stories and establishments are not included.

During WWII, British soldiers were billeted at the Berkeley Cartet Hotel on Sunset Ave.  Some of those soldiers were gay, and they frequented establishments along with locals and men from New York and Philly such places as Fox's and The Plantation.  The Plantation was a straight bar that was 'gay', one night a week. Both located in the area of Summerfield and Lake.  At that time, Summerfield ran all the way to Lake Ave, and did not stop at Cookman.

During the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's, if you were gay, Asbury Park was a place that you come to to "be yourself",   It was a place were people could feel relaxed and not 'intimidated'.  In the 40's and 50's, here men were able to dress casually in the bars, and not wear the suit, tie and hat that they did in the bars in New York City and Philadelphia,  This is that story.

The Blue Note was one of the most popular establishments in Asbury Park during the 60's.  Lines outside and down the street were not at all unusual.  Originally a straight Jazz club, the owners soon made it a very successful gay bar.  Located on the east side of Bangs, between Bond and Monroe, it had a piano bar and a lounge.  The old police station use to be just down the street.  The Blue Note was closed for 6 months in 1965-66 by the State of NJ Alchohol Beverage Control (ABC) for "catering to homosexuals".   After it re-opened, the doorman was responsible for circulating through the crowd to make sure men were not touching or kissing each other. 

The Owl & The Pussy Cat opened as a lesbian bar on the corner of Main and Cookman.  The building where Brando's Citi Cucina restaurant is today.    In 1981, it moved to The Albion Hotel on Kingsley.  The Albion was a lesbian hotel with 4 bars, a restaurnt, 65 rooms, and a pool.   It operated until 1989.   The Rainbow Room neon sign that hung at The Albion during it's hay day (pre-gay) now hangs at the  Asbury Park transportation center.

The Colony Baths were located at 500 Summerfield or the southwest corner of Summerfield and Grand.  It burned down on Halloween in 1980.  Another bath house operated for 1 year in an old hotel on Kingsley.

The Loading Dock was a lounge and dance bar located on south side of Cookman Ave, between Main and Bond, in the middle of the block.   The front door was on Cookman, however, many men didn't feel comfortable walking inside from such a visible location as Cookman Ave.  So they walked down the alley and entered through the back door.  Management and patrons, found this much more discreet.

The Bond St. Bar was a lesbian bar on Bond St. that operated between the 70's and 80's.  

Chez Elle (french for "her house"), opened around 1965 at the corner of Summerfield and Cookman.  It was owned and operated by one of Asbury Park's most legendary women, Margaret Hogan. In 1967, Manny's Den, (later The Den in New Brunswick) and Val's in Atlantic City went to the State Supreme Court to challenge the states ability to to deny and/or revoke a bars liquor license for serving "apparent homosexuals".  They were victorious.  Court documents showed that ABC agents testified that they could identify "fruits" "by the clothes they wore".  "Such as tight jeans, turtleneck sweaters, gaily printed pants, very casual shirts, sneakers, moccasins, and boots".

It was not the local police who raided bars or harassed it's patrons.  Instead it was agents from the State of New Jersey Alcohol Beverage Control.  In fact, locals, including the police and politicians - for years - had a live and let live attitude.   Pretty much responding only to complaints of lewd or rowdy behavior.

Danny's was located across the street from Chez Elle, on the south side of Cookman Ave.  Danny's was always rumored to have been mob owned.  The straight owners owners also owned several bars in New York, pre-Stonewall.  It was only open 1 - 2 years.  Danny's had a bouncer named "Murphy".  He was one of the original "Stonewall 9" from New York City.

The Moroccan Room was on the corner of Kingsley and 1st.  It was a large straight club, but it had 2 rooms for 'gay dancing' and shows.

The Atlantis was a totally upscale bar and restaurant that featured performers such as Eartha Kitt.  Fire destroyed the interior in the early '80's,and it re-opened as Visions, and later as Down The Street.

The Empress Hotel on Ocean Ave was built in the '50's as a family hotel, and was a favorite of Judy Garland when she would perform at The Paramount, or the Garden State Arts Center (now PNC Arts Center).   Shepp Pettibone bought the hotel in 1988 after it had been abandoned for many years, opening the dance club Paradise, and in 2004 opened the hotel.

I'll be adding to this over the course of the next couple of weeks.   Adding hotels, bars, and restaurants. I would welcome any and all comments and personal memories you may have, or like to add.

A huge thank you to Mario DeStefano and John Loffredo for your help and input.  It's greatly appreciated!

Mark McDonald is a Realtor here in Asbury Park, and is intimately familiar with the area, it's people and all this community has to offer.  He can be reached at 908-489-1268









Monday, April 2, 2012

Exhibition by Local Artist Jody Thompson


"Repetitive Patterns", an Exhibition By Jody Thompson
Saturday, May 5th

On First Saturday, Saturday, May 5th, local artist, Jody Thompson will be hosting an exhibition from 6:00 - 9:00 at Vail Realty, located at 711 Mattison Ave, in Asbury Park.

Jody is one of Asbury Park's most well know artists and has been painting since he was 12. This exhibition will feature ten paintings, and ten photographs - specfically from his recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.

This fascinating exhibit will showcase the depth and breadth of this exciting artist.

Jody's photographs are a direct contrast to his paintings. His photographs almost entirely of the environment, and focus on color, patterns, light, and repetition.  While his paintings are portraits - focusing on emotions, people and facial expressions. Jody's paintings have a very distinctive and moving style, that focus on intense emotions, often highlighted in a dark or shadowed light.

With 10 paintings and 10 photographs in this one time show, this is a spectacular opportunity to view one of Asbury Park's most notable and distinctive artists!

Saturday, May 5th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm at Vail Realty, Asbury Park, NJ.

For more information contact Mark McDonald at 908-489-1268.  




Thursday, March 29, 2012

Sackman Enterprises Completing Cookman Ave Rentals



Luxury Cookman Ave Apartment Rentals!

It's been a long time coming, but the 500 block of Cookman Avenue is finally under renovation. It's the beautiful art deco building and last section of the Cookman Ave corridor that remains to be finished.

Street level will have a wide variety of businesses - my favorite being Thomas Stevens, Hot Sand Glass Studio. The 2nd and 3rd floors are 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, all with 200 - 400 s/f outdoor patios. Developed by Sackman Enterprises, developer of The Post, The Steinbeck and many other local properties, they're beautiful. Architect Jim Wyatt retained most of the original features, as many of the original fixtures as possible, and all of the art deco style.

There is a large laundry room and gym located in the basement and parking is available at an additional charge.

For some photos of these, go to 550 Cookman Ave Photos

These units range from in price from$1,675 to $2,800.

Mark McDonald is a Realtor in Asbury Park with significant experience and expertise in this shore market.

To see any of these give Mark McDonald a call at 908-489-1268, or email at Mark@123Vail.com.


Asbury Park Summer Rentals


Summer Rentals In Asbury Park, NJ

For years, folks around here would have laughed, if you'd asked about summer rentals in Asbury Park. Especially luxury summer rentals. Well, that's all beginning to change and it's changing quickly. With a vibrant downtown, an exciting boardwalk, an amazing array of fabulous restaurants, festivals, events, some spectacular music, and of course those beautiful beaches -there's a a heck of a lot to do, see, and keep your entire family busy and entertained. But of course - you're going to need a place to stay, and thus, the summer rental market in Asbury Park is on the rise.

Weekly, monthly and seasonally - you can get just about whatever you want. And along with that comes a wide variety of prices, locations and amenities,

If you and your family plan on spending a little time in "The Best Jersey Shore Town on Earth", there are a few things you should know?

1) There are very few summer rentals that have a pool, as Asbury Park's greatest assest is the beach and the ocean.
2) Prices range from $1,500 - $5,000 for weekly, and $12,000 - $25,000 for the season
3) Homes rent seasonally and monthly first. If you're looking for a weekly - the selection may be limited.
4) The market begins in March. So don't wait until the last minute.
5) July and August are the most in demand.

For more information or to take a look at some homes, give Mark McDonald a call at 908-489-1268.

Bank of America to rent homes to foreclosed customers

BofA to rent homes to foreclosed customers

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

5 Bedroom, Asbury Park Home, Two Blocks To The Beach!


Can You Imagine - Living 2 Blocks To The Beach In Asbury Park?

It's hard to find a 5 bedroom home, only two blocks to the beach at such a great price - but this is it! If ever there was an example of the exterior of a house belying the roomy and comfortable interior of a home - this is it. No way to get around it - the current curb appeal, is, well......less than exciting.

However, it's the interior where we live, eat, entertain and sleep - so let's focus on that. This house has been completely renovated and is a real beauty. With a large open floor plan on the first floor, it's great for entertaining and generally hanging out. The kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless.....and really nice appliances!

Five.....count them, five bedrooms and two full baths. A washer and dryer, central air and the place comes furnished. And all this, just two blocks to the beach.

I've been in this town 10 years, and it really doesn't get much better than this.

And all for $329,000


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Asbury Park's FABULOUS Makeover!


Asbury Park's FABULOUS Makeover!

Torn up streets, removed trees, diverted traffic...what the heck?

If you've been remotely alive and anywhere near downtown Asbury Park in the last few months, you noticed a little something going on. Construction workers, diverted traffic, not a parking spot to be had, torn up streets, and a whole lot of noise!

Well, it's a 14.9 million dollar investment and construction project designed to make Asbury Park not only MORE fabulous, but very pretty!

Brian Grant, City Engineer and essentially 'project administrator' of this huge undertaking, was very helpful in explaining what exactly is going on and it sounds like nothing short of what I like to call...a "Jersey Shore Facelift".

The construction work is being done in the Central Business District (CBD) Redevelopment area, and the Springwood Ave. Redevelopment area.



The Central Business District is getting new asphalt roadways, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains and pipes, new "water quality chambers" (which will reduce the volume of sediment going in to the lake) and of course - trees.



The Springwood Ave redevelopment zone will received the same plus new sanitary sewers, water mains and gas mains.



In regards to those controversial trees.... they were removed after being evaluated by the City's own Shade Tree Commission and found to have various deficiencies. Mostly from disease, and broken limbs from snow and heavy wind. But mostly they had to be removed to make way fot the new curbs, water/sewer mains, and drains. The City will replant twice as many trees (207) in the CBD as previously existed, and approximately 121 trees along the Springwood Ave corridor where none previously existed.



Estimated time of construction is a little less than a year for the CBD, and 18 months for Springwood Ave. Depending on weather this winter, they may have to stop and 'remobilize' for the Spring.


The project is being funded by the New Jersy Environmental Infrastructre Trust (NJEIT) program, and Asbury Park tax payers are assisting by paying for a low interest loan from their quarterly sewer fees over a 20 year period.


For information on street closings or construction updates you can visit the City's website at http://www.cityofasburypark.com/.


Once completed, the roads will last a good 20 years, the sewers 50 - 100 years and the street trees 20 - 50 years. With the current infrastructure being 80-100 years old - it is absolutely critical that this work be done - and be done right. And by all means, it appears as though it is.



So when you're driving around and you get pissed because you can't find a parking spot - chill! Think about what's REALLY going on, and be grateful. The City of Asbury Park is REALLY coming thru for you!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art



The New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art
Innagural Event


If we, the community, the city, and boardwalk developers work together (which may prove to be the hardest part) and play our cards right, Asbury Park could be the home of a an world class, statewide museum of contemporary art - hopefully as an anchor on the boardwalk. More on what we have to do to convenience Gary Mottola and Madison Marquette that this is a good idea later. But for now....

They could have chosen a lot of other places, but the established and highly respected Board of Directors, benefactors and supporters have decided that they would like to make Asbury Park their home. And it's about time we prepare to fight like hell to make that happen, and do everything we can to make this amazing organization feel welcome and at home here in the best NJ Shore town on earth!

The New Jersey Museum of Contemporary Art was founded by Marlboro philanthropist Robin Parness Lipson. She's worked very hard and has secured some serious backing and it's time we take this woman and this organization very seriously!

The first step it to attend their inaugural gala this Saturday, October 23rd at the Paramount Theater. This gala goes from 8 to 10 p.m. and an after party will go from 10 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $150, or $25 for students with identification.

There will be an art exhibit featuring 37 local and international artists, a band, and an open bar. And more importantly, some of the most influential movers and shakers in the philanthropic and art world the state of New Jersey has - and believe me....these are some VERY influential people!

Their strategic plan is well thought out and researched, their business plan is exceptional, and it would add immense value to our community to have such a prestigious organization and institution here in our community. I wish them nothing but the best!

For ticket information as well as more information on the museum, it's strategic plan and amazing business plan, visit them at http://www.njmoca.org/