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June 16, 2004
GOVERNOR MCGREEVEY VISITS ASBURY PARK TO REINFORCE STATE'S COMMITMENT TO REVITALIZATION EFFORTS
For the second time this spring and the fourth time since the start of the mixed-use
Oceanfront Asbury waterfront
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| For the second time this spring and the fourth time since the start of the mixed-use Oceanfront Asbury waterfront redevelopment, New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey (second from right) visited Asbury Park in June to reinforce the state's commitment to revitalization in the city. Pictured holding a check representing a $200,000 grant from the State to the City are (left to right): Terry Reidy, Asbury Park city manager; John Hamilton, Jr., city councilman; Kate Melina, city councilwoman and (seated) James Bruno, deputy mayor. With them are Jeffrey Fernbach, president of Paramount Homes; Jeffrey Freireich, managing partner of Westminster Communities; and Larry Fishman, president and chief operating officer of Asbury Partners.
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redevelopment, New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey
visited Asbury Park in June to reinforce the state's commitment to ongoing revitalization
efforts in the city.
Flanked by Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin, Department
of Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere and Department of Environmental
Protection Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell, Governor McGreevey expressed his
continued support of projects like Oceanfront Asbury. He cited the 56-acre redevelopment
as a prime example of efforts throughout New Jersey that are reclaiming the state's
urban areas while preserving valuable historic landmarks and natural resources.
The Governor spoke to a crowd of area residents, local government officials
and reporters; Oceanfront Asbury master developer Asbury Partners; and representatives
from Westminster Communities and Paramount Homes. Unlike the previous visits, which
were set on the Asbury Park boardwalk, McGreevey's address took place on
the site of Wesley Lake, where, later this summer, Westminster Communities will launch
Oceanfront Asbury's first residential construction work. Paramount Homes
will begin its first phase of residential development soon thereafter, in the
project's North Shore district.
"The setting for the Governor's visit was highly appropriate and symbolically ushered in the next phase of progress for Oceanfront Asbury," noted Larry Fishman, chief operating officer of Asbury Partners. "The side-by-side presence of our state's most prominent officials, key members of the Asbury Park city government, Westminster Communities, Paramount Homes and our team was a gratifying representation of the public/private partnership and cooperative spirit that is moving this phenomenal project forward with such success." Governor
McGreevey and his commissioners highlighted the establishment of a construction
code office in Asbury Park, which will help to streamline the permit process
for redevelopment and development projects there. They also announced a $200,000
grant earmarked for street improvements throughout the city. Governor McGreevey,
Bass Levin, Lettiere and Campbell also lauded the ongoing efforts of Fishman,
noting his commitment to balancing public interests and development goals.
"The McGreevey administration continuously has displayed a strong commitment to urban renewal, and we are thankful for its support of Asbury Park," Fishman said. "Signs
of progress are everywhere on the waterfront. By encouraging our progress and
assisting with a more efficient regulatory process, the state has strengthened
the efforts of the City of Asbury Park and the public/private partnership that
is making this project a reality."
Designed by project planner Clarke Caton Hintz/Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects a joint venture (CCH/EE&K),
Oceanfront Asbury will include 3,500 residential units, a 450,000-square-foot
retail and entertainment component, municipal services and urban empowerment
initiatives on 56 acres. It is expected to be completed in phases over 10 years,
ultimately producing more than $1.25 billion in total economic development. "
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