Abate: Incumbents paved way for waterfront builders
'things are moving again in Asbury Park due to the ground work put in place'
Editor, the Asbury Park Sun:
I am most taken back when I hear it said that the current council has allowed the city to stagnate due to a lack of building on the waterfront over the past five years. I have heard this echoed from candidates and supporters of the non-incumbent parties.
During the past five years, funding for developers and potential homeowners was nearly impossible to obtain. Home values were on the decline and unemployment was on the rise. The reason? A recession coupled by the collapse of the housing market. Where in the country did building continue as if it was in the early 2000’s? Not to mention that the majority of the new units in Asbury Park are being purchased as second residence. For me it is understandable that the construction paused and I don’t blame the current council for a global recession.
When I first came to Asbury Park over ten years ago, I recall all the boarded up homes, the closed businesses on Cookman Ave and the abandoned boardwalk. When I mentioned to people that I purchased a home here, people could not understand why. Over time that changed. Instead of hearing “why would you buy a home there” it became “have you been to Moonstruck / Bistro Olé / Porta?” The perceptions have changed not only to the residents of Asbury Park but for people outside of Monmouth County.
While in many communities stagnation is still a factor from the recession, things are moving again in Asbury Park due to the ground work put in place. Drive through town today and see all the dumpsters from homes being repaired or the new complex nearly built at the corner of Asbury Avenue and Kingsley Street. We need to continue moving forward with stability and integrity. I support Kevin Sanders and John Loffredo who have been there since the rebirth started in 2001 and their colleagues on the Forward Asbury Park ticket – Sue Henderson, Greg Hopson and Will Potter.
— Chris Abate, Asbury Park
[This letter represents the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here. Do not send attachments.]
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