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May 25, 2005
ASBURY PARK READIES FOR BUSY SUMMER SEASON
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Asbury Park's waterfront area is showing off its new face this summer, with one of the busiest seasons planned in years. Asbury Partners, LLC, master developer for the 56-acre, mixed-use Oceanfront Asbury waterfront redevelopment, together with the City of Asbury Park, has been actively preparing for the expected crowds, stepping up programming and attractions.
The Asbury Park boardwalk has been totally renovated - new boards, railings, lighting and benches. This season, more than 15 stores, restaurants and amusements are opening in three boardwalk pavilions. The Casino walkway on the south side of the boardwalk also will be re-opened, adjoining the boardwalk in Ocean Grove with Asbury Park for the first time in years. And an extraordinary entertainment lineup is planned in the historic Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre and on the boardwalk and beach.
"Asbury Park's incomparable stretch of natural sand beaches is being cleaned and combed so that it will be in pristine condition for sun worshipers and surfers alike," said Larry Fishman, chief operating officer for Asbury Partners. "The famed mile-long Asbury Park boardwalk has been fully reconstructed to provide a wonderful area for strolling and socializing all the way from Ocean Grove to 6th Avenue. The First, Third and Fifth Avenue pavilions will house a great selection of shops and eateries. And we have an active festival season featuring entertainment and events for the whole family."
Resort Area Offers Something for Everyone
For beachgoers with nostalgic memories of seaside holidays past, Asbury Partners has managed to attract retail tenants for the summer season who will offer the tastes, smells and experiences of days gone by. From chocolates at Gertrude Hawk, a nationally known retailer of fine chocolates, to bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas at Asbury Pedaler, to The Beach Place, a popular Jersey Shore eatery, there will be traditional ice cream vendors, sundries and souvenir shops and an arcade.
Throughout the summer, the boardwalk will serve as the scenic locale for weekday and weekend special events. A fun-filled Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July extravaganza, local Blues and Jazz Artists in free weekend concerts on the beach and boardwalk, events all summer long, day and night, will provide an endless number of events and venues, including Asbury Park's nightclubs, restaurants, and the historic Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall.
Builders and Bathers Will Set the Tone for the City's Revival
Even as Asbury Park residents and visitors engage in summer fun and frolic, construction will continue on the waterfront redevelopment plan. Upgrading of the aging infrastructure has begun, which will include renovation of everything from utilities to sewer systems, sidewalks and roadways.
In addition, three subdevelopers - Westminster Communities, Paramount Homes and Metro Homes - have launched residential construction. Site work is now underway for Phase I developments of 146 townhouses, condominiums and first-floor retail in Westminster Communities' Wesley Grove at Asbury Park, and 157 units as part of Paramount's North Beach Asbury Park. Metro Homes will be converting two residential towers with 224 luxury condominium homes on the square-block site formerly known as C-8.
"The City has worked out a careful plan that allows for construction to continue, without interfering with beach access," noted Fishman. "Even when some streets are cordoned off, there will be clear signage indicating alternate routes. There will be adequate parking and bathrooms. The lifeguard stations will be in place and operational. In other words, builders and bathers will be able to continue uninterrupted throughout the summer, without interfering with each other's progress and enjoyment."
Building on the Momentum
For the past two years, Asbury Park has experienced a 15 percent increase in beach and boardwalk revenues. Last year, thousands thronged to the newly renovated boardwalk, seasonal concessions, pristine beaches, crystal waters and the continuous roster of events and entertainment.
"We are building on the momentum of the past two years and expect this summer season to be bigger than ever," said Fishman. "Asbury Park is truly re-emerging as the Jewel of the Jersey Shore."
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