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News that a city mainstay – The Hardware Store of Asbury Park, located on Main Street at Summerfield Avenue, landed on the up-for-sale block this month, sparked a heated debate via social media this week.

According to the $3.9 million Berkshire Hathaway listing, the 11,863 square foot property sits on two adjoining lots.

Last year, owner Sebastian ‘Sam’ Vaccaro began property improvements and a restoration that included refurbishing the vintage ceiling.  He had planned a second floor expansion of the over 30 year-old business that predominantly employees city residents.

But, he’s since said conflicts with the City prompted the sale and his quest to find a new site across the border in Neptune.

“The hardware store building has a newly renovated second floor that was once apartments but recently built out as an expansion of the store below,” according to listing, which also places a $685,000 value on the assessed improvements and $677,400 on the land, equalling a total assessment of $1,362,400 in 2017.

During a recent conversation, Vaccaro said everything from the addition of parking meters along Summerfield to notices for fire alarm violations led to his decision. He said the City’s choice to use another hardware store despite a long standing relation and the issuance of violations for his Welcome flag also contributed to his decision to relocate outside city limits.  

City Manager Michael Capabianco and Mayor John Moor both said they met with Vaccaro in an attempt to rectify his complaints.

“I met with him numerous times and me and Michael met with him at least twice,” Moor said. “I’ve done everything over the years to help him and I consider him a friend. I understand his situation and that he is frustrated but he has got to do what is best for him. I wish him the best of luck.”

The Parking Meters:

City officials have said the addition of parking meters along Summerfield were put in place to absorb the growth in those frequenting the downton region as well as nearby residential redevelopment.

Moor said skipping the block in front of the hardware store would prove counteractive because motorists would opt to use those spaces, thereby blocking stalls for the store’s patrons.

“The reason for the meters is to get turnover,” he said. “I know no one else has gotten three 15 minute meters.

Capabianco agreed, saying the hardware store received the most 15-parking spots afforded to any business.

The Fire Alarm:

A 2016 change in City laws limits the number of allowable false fire alarm calls.

“Alarm owners will not be held accountable for false alarms triggered by severe weather conditions, electrical malfunctions or phone line problems,” the law reads. “A property owner shall have two ‘free’ false alarms before summons are issued.”

The penalty is as follows: 1st Summons: a $50 fine; 2nd Summons: $100; 3rd Summons: $200; and 4th Summons or more: penalty to be determined by the Judge of the Municipal Court.

The City’s Account:

Both Moor and Capabianco said the City has not stopped using the hardware store for its purchasing needs.

“We told him that we go to him with everything that we can but if something is dramatically cheaper somewhere else, we have a fiduciary responsibility to go to someone else,”Capabianco said. “For smaller day-to-day items, it isn’t an issue. But if we needed something that he charges $150 for and we can get it somewhere else for $75, we have to go to someone else.”

Capabianco said the city spent a total of $15,428.18 at the hardware store in 2015;  $27,093.78 in 2016; $28,484.84 in 2017; and are on track to spend and estimated $22,000 this year.

The Flag & Other Violations:

Capabianco said the violation was for an abundance of signage, which included the flag.

Moor said that any claims that Vaccaro paid $2,500 for a mercantile license is false.

He said the mercantile license costs $100 but Vaccaro paid $200 due to a late payment. Moor said Vaccaro paid $818 for the cafe license, which affords him the right to display wares on the sidewalk outside of the store.

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