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!

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/

The Asbury Park Roastery

The Asbury Park Roastery

Located in this warehouse looking building on Second Ave, between Main St. and the railroad tracks....(aka nowhere) is this little unassuming place called The Asbury Park Roastery. It's here in this warehouse/store room/retail gift shop/coffee house that you will experience something very, very special. Something that will suprise even the most jaded amongst you - those very similar to myself.

Prior to stumbling on this little Guatamalian gold mine - I'd never given coffee a second thought. In fact, I usually bought mine in a dehydrated brick, as it was usually the cheapest. Flavor never really entered into it. I think I was going more for a cup of hot, brown, cream and sugar!

But God has a plan for us all! And his plan was to introduce me to this beautiful woman, named Ali, and her world of Fair Trade and Organic coffee and tea.

Without getting all mushy - I don't even know what to say, except I have never experienced anything like it. The coffee is organic, it comes from 1 of 13 different countries (a different country each day), and it's roasted/ground/and brewed within a matter of hours. Unlike the chains which will hold ground coffee for months!

And she offers FREE HOME DELIVERY! You get set up to buy 1 pound of coffee or more, and every other Friday, she will DELIVER it TO YOUR DOORSTEP!

It's incredible! Just do yourself a favor and go down there. You'll be glad you did!

The New Jersey Zombie Walk

The NEW JERSEY ZOMBIE WALK!
Do you dare!!!!!

At 5:00, from Convention Hall, on Saturday, October 30th, the 3rd Annual NJ Zombie Walk will take place in Asbury Park. Thousands of Zombies from all over the Eastern seaboard will descend on our quaint little community, dressed in the scariest, bloodiest and most bizarre attaire you've EVER seen. All to bleed on our new sidewalks, scare our tourists, freak out our homowners, wreak a little havoc and instill some fright into us harmless mortals.

While it may sound, a bit weird......you really can't believe 1) the number of people who really get into this thing, and 2) the EXTENT at which these folks go! It's really pretty cool. I mean they take it VERY seriously and they have a BLAST doing it. Blood, guts, brains, and gore - everywhere.

And just beneath the scary surface - the entire thing is actually kind of a fund-raiser and a benefit. It's actually - believe it or not......a blood drive! Yeah, there will be certified blood suckers there, collecting the blood of any of those willing and able to give!

What makes this event even more exciting is that The New Jersey Zombie Walk has received the go ahead from the Guinness Book of World Records to make an official attempt to go for the worlds largest gathering of zombies EVER! Currently that prestigious record is held by, none other than, Seattle, WA. They only pulled together 4,200. And apparently the New Jersey Zombies feel they can do better than their deadbeat Starbuck counterparts - so they are going to give it a shot! And they'd love you to help 'em out!

So put your gore on - and come on down! Be a part of this EXTREMELY UNUSUAL event.
October 30th!

For the full schedule go to: http://njzombiewalk.com/ Current Events Page. But here's a short run-down.

Place: CONVENTION HALL, Asbury Park, NJ

Date: October 30th, 2010

Time:
11:00 - 4:00 Check in/Registration, Make up, Demonstrations, Blood Drive, etc.
2:00 All Zombies MUST be checked in to be part of the Guinnes Book of World
Records count!
5:00 Zombie March begins from Convention Hall to Cookman Ave!
7:00 Zombie Fashion Show, music, dance, partying, etc. Downtown Asbury Park
9:00 - ??? Halloween Partys ALL over Zombie Centeral....aka - Asbury Park, NJ

BIKE CHURCH BIKERS

The Bike Church

It's like the song says...."I'm a winner! I'm a leader. I can be anything I want to be"! It is indeed nothing short of a miracle that so many kids show up at this rag-tag place with very little left of their self esteem, and they leave believeing that they are winners - and that they CAN do anything!

There's been a lot of money poured into a lot of programs here in Asbury Park in an attempt to help out our disadvantaged and underprivlidged youth - but perhaps the one individual and program that has made the greates impact is this little unassuming woman they call "Miss Kerri" and her "Bike Church".

Located on the corner of Main and Springwood Ave. she takes in broken down, beaten up, abused, thrown out, has been - bikes, and with a little help, love, belief and 'rebuilding - turns them into something wonderful for the kids who have nothing.

Yeah, she takes what we throw away, fixes 'em up, and them gives them to the kids who don't have one. And when you watch this video - you see the magic that happens!

She also does AMAZING bike repairs at AMAZING prices. So whether you need a tune up or brakes fixed or whatever - before you go to one of those fancy bike shops with guys and dolls in those overly tight lycra bike shorts - go see Miss Kerri. She'll do ya right AND you'll be helping out an AMAZING organization. The Bike Church!

So not only is this yet ONE MORE reason to come to Asbury Park, but if you're already here - it's yet another reason to go volunteer, help out, and/or donate to this spectacular organization.

Oh, and tell her Asbury Park Mark sent ya!

The Asbury Park Beach, Summer 2010

Seems hard to believe that the summer of 2010 is gone! But what a great summer it was, and I can't think of a better place to have spent it than, the Asbury Park Beach!

Sand, surf, GREAT boardwalk food, kick ass entertainment, fireworks on the beach EVERY Wednesday night, an amazing dog beach and OH SO MUCH MORE!

And I was blessed to have experienced it every single day!

Check out my video and I hope you enjoy it!

The ASBURY PARK MARKETING FUND, ROAD TRIP & SAND BLAST
Why - If nothing changes, nothing changes!

"If nothing changes, nothing changes". I think it was Albert Einstein who originally said it, and man was he ever right!

Several months ago I raised some concerns about the Asbury Park Marketing Fund/Road Trip/Sand Blast circuit party/combo. After which, the APMF Board of Directors held a closed board meeting. So I continued a community discussion, with some very concerned business owners, home owners, community members and leaders, elected officials, and city leaders. All who were suprisingly, extremely concerned about this years Road Trip/Sand Blast event. While the overwhelming attitude seemed to be “I’m not getting involved with that group again”, “I got so damned burned/hurt last time”, etc. etc., the bottom line was, we offered some very sound suggestions.

They included:

1) APMF should take back and reclaim the name and original vision/intention of Road Trip. Don’t license the name out for a few bucks and put a good organization at risk. Take the name back, and return Road Trip to it’s original vision!

2) Make Sand Blast a separate event. Let Sand Blast event producers assume any and all liability – and profit.

3) Produce Gay Pride in June

Road Trip in July

Sand Blast in August

In a subsequent article, I made several other suggestions to the APMF board which included:

1) Establish, and communicate a simple, clear and exciting mission and vision. One so clear and exciting that we will all want to offer our expertise and volunteer to help you out!

2) Understand board members are not “uber volunteers”. They simply build the framework and vision that creates the space for volunteers to join and make that vision happen.

3) Protect the organizations assets and provide proper financial oversights. If you have nothing to hide – show us!

4) Ensure your organizations legal and ethical integrity. As such, separate yourself from Sand Blast organizers as quickly as possible!

5) Get rid of old, ineffective and/or incompetent board members. Dead wood does no one any good.

6) View community feedback as an opportunity. Not as complaining or bitching.

7) Enhance the organization’s public trust, respect and overall standing. As a non-profit, you ultimately answer to the community – not the other way around.

8) Diversify your board. The board currently consists of seven white men. Only two of whom live in Asbury Park full time, and none own a business in our community. Make the board look like the community you represent. You'll get amazing results!

For the complete article go to: http://asburparkmark.blogspot.com/2010/07/something-for-all-of-asburys-non-profit.html#links

After this years event, I met with several APMF board members, had several phone calls with board members before and after their closed board meeting and was confidently reassured that:

1) there would be some organizational changes
2) the board would be meeting with the “producer” of Road Trip, and APMF would then communicate the results of that conversation
3) there would be an public disclosure of all financials, any audits, and all recommended and completed organizational changes.

Sadly, it sounds as though, Sand Blast is continuing under the Road Trip name and with the APMF blessing. There have been no organizational changes, and in fact, no real board meetings. APMF has plans of producing even more events, with no clear vision or volunteer base.....all in the hopes that things will get better. Unfortunately, if you continue to do the same thing over and over, and expect to get different results - YOU'RE CRAZY! Start at the beginning guys.

When I spoke up the first time, I was criticized for not getting involved, joining the board and “helping out”. An elementary, but nonetheless somewhat good point. So I spoke with the board president and several board members about that very thing. I was asked to join the board. I looked closely at the organization and realized the complete, abliet, well intentioned disarray it was in. What made my decision an easy one was the fact that they had no D&O (Directors and Officers) insurance. Without D&O, board members could be personally financially liable for any decisions of the board and or event producers/promoters. I am simply am not willing to take that risk. I had no choice but to say “Thank you, but no thank you”! I have to effect change in another way.

What did amaze, touch and even bring me to tears was the overwhelming number of unsolicited text messages, emails and phone calls I received from business owners, community leaders, Road Trip volunteers, Road Trip event producers, previous Road Trip volunteers, elected officials – my God all types of people - secretly thanking and encouraging me to continue to speak out. People who – for some reason – seemed very afraid of something or someone, and for that reason would not voice their opinion publicly.

It need not be that way. They, like myself clearly see the need for an event/weekend such as the original Road Trip, and understand that Sand Blast meets a need but that organizationally might best be met if produced separately from the Asbury Park Marketing Fund.

It’s real simple people – and it can happen. Start with a vision we can all believe in and get behind. "Build It And They Will Come"!

Thanks and have a blessed day.