Latest news with #OceanGroveCampMeetingAssociation
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ocean Grove developers pitch plan to replace burned-out North End Pavilion
NEPTUNE -- Developers want to construct a state-of-the-art facility on the beachfront in Ocean Grove to replace the North End Pavilion that burned down nearly six years ago. However, what kind of beach club they plan to construct is currently to be determined. Two real estate developers, Joe Betesh of Ocean Township and Ezra Shehebar of Brooklyn, New York, have entered into a contract to acquire approximately 50,000 square feet of beachfront property in Ocean Grove. The site was formerly home to the iconic North End Pavilion, which burned down in 2019. Ocean Grove: Massive fires part of history here "We have plans to build a major modern beach club there and we think Ocean Grove is on a major shift similar to Long Branch and Asbury. We are trying to create some kind of energy and excitement around the project and around the town," Betesh said. He added "if all goes well and all goes through," this project would be a boost for tourism in Neptune. "(It would) bring in a lot of tourists and a lot of people who would never have any other business being in Ocean Grove or maybe even never heard of the town," Betesh said. "There is a lot of potential there and I think it is starting to get unlocked." Church vs. state in Ocean Grove: How the town developed its unusual kind of government The project and all its renderings are still in the conceptual stage. No plans have been submitted to the township for approval just yet, as the contract for the land was just signed. This is not the only plans in the works for that area. Developers have been eying the North End for years. In 2018, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association reached a development deal with a group of investors to bring a new 40-room hotel, 39 condominiums, 10 single-family homes, along with new retail space to the area. On Feb. 26 of last year, the Neptune Township Committee voted 3-2 to move forward with that development on the north end of Ocean Grove, a plan with a mix of retail, condominiums, single-family homes, a hotel with an underground parking garage. The developer, OG North End Development LLC (OGNED), is seeking preliminary and final site plan approval before the planning board on Thursday, Feb. 26. The location of the former pavilion is directly across from the OGNED site. Betesh and Shehebar said they are committed to "ensuring that the new facility aligns with Ocean Grove's distinctive aesthetic requirements." Future designs will likely incorporate elements that reflect the town's famous Victorian architecture and seaside charm, helping to maintain the unique character that is associated with Ocean Grove as a special destination. "Ocean Grove historically is a pretty tough town," Betesh said, referring to Ocean Grove's strict development rules. "They have pretty traditional ways." Beach battle: Ocean Grove surrenders on allowing Sunday morning beach access Ocean Grove was created in 1869 by Methodist clergymen and is known for its Victorian-style homes and the Great Auditorium, which frequently attracts religious gatherings. It is commonly known by the nickname "God's Square Mile." It is part of Neptune Township, but the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association owns most of the land except for the streets. Homeowners and businesses there rent their land from the association. "I want the town to see there is a lot of potential here, for there to be excitement," Betesh said. "I think a lot of people will like it. The more positive energy we create around this development, the better." The developers say they are seeking "restoration of a key beachfront landmark" with "enhanced amenities for beachgoers" and an economic boost, as they consider this future site as the rebirth of the North End Pavilion. "A beachfront wellness facility, a beach club, that is the idea," Betesh said. "I am from the area. Born and raised in Ocean Township. I grew up going to Ocean Grove my whole life." Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@ This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Ocean Grove North End Pavilion: Developers promote beach club plan
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Specialized van of Jackson man with cerebral palsy wrecked, but you can help replace it
JACKSON -- The photos in Andrew McGeady's home tell the story of a life lived to the fullest. There are pictures of him being greeted by three New Jersey governors, pictures of him serving as an usher with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, pictures of him with his pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Freehold Township. The 39-year-old Jackson resident is incredibly active for anyone — and especially for someone with a severe cerebral palsy. But what's missing at his home also tells a story — an unfortunate one. The driveway is empty. 'You were absolutely on your own': How LADACIN changed lives of severely disabled people On Dec. 30, 2024, an aide who was driving Andrew home from the gym at CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold Township, where he does therapeutic workouts in a swimming pool, got into an accident with another driver. Andrew's specialized Dodge Grand Caravan was declared totaled. Since that day he's been stuck at home, forced to cancel medical appointments, skip therapy sessions and miss church. 'It's been a challenge, a lot of ups and downs,' Andrew said, adding that he's had 'a couple of meltdowns, as you could imagine, from being cooped up in the house without being able to have the independence to go out and be part of the community and maintain my health.' 'I like working': Compassion Café on LBI offers jobs, meaning for people with disabilities The situation hits home extra hard because Andrew devotes much of his time to advocating for others with disabilities. Since 2009 he's served as a governor's appointee on the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, helping guide policy on quality-of-life issues. More recently he joined Rutgers University's Project ECHO, which seeks to inform doctors, nurses and social workers on how to best support people with disabilities in medical settings. He's always been a can-do guy, and being isolated at home is an unwelcome reminder of just how much he can't do without the proper transportation. 'The disability community on the whole is at a disadvantage because vans and transportation, these things are much more expensive with all the modifications and necessary things,' he said. 'The price is just astronomical.' 'Until it affects you': Wheelchair users still battle to make NJ more accessible Andrew and his mom, Zinke McGeady, purchased their van in 2013 for $65,000. It has a ramp, plus space inside and a special lock for Andrew's motorized wheelchair. The van had 90,000 miles on it at the time of the crash; the McGeadys figured they would get four or five more years out of it, at least. Now they have to purchase a new one, and current models cost at least $85,000. Their car insurance company is compensating them at a fraction of that, based on the depreciated estimated value of their old van. 'Difficult to get cash': NJ bank branch closings raise roadblocks for disabled people Zinke is a 69-year-old retiree and single mom living on a fixed income. Andrew has worked through the years — he spent 16 years in customer service at The Home Depot in Howell — but they don't have the means to cover the gap right now. So they've launched an online fundraiser with a goal of $50,000. In the meantime, they are looking into renting a van so Andrew can get to an ECHO conference at Rutgers in mid-March. The cost is $190 per day and, given the challenges of getting Andrew around, probably requires a two-day rental. A specialized transportation service run by Ocean County, Ocean Ride, does not cross county lines. 'All of Andrew's medical providers are in Monmouth, Middlesex and Somerset (counties),' Zinke McGeady said. The family lives near the Howell border. 'Any of the rest of us, if our car breaks down we can rent something or buy a little Ford Focus,' Zinke said. 'And that's not the case with any person with a disability (like Andrew's), and I don't think the general public understands how restrictive that is.' 'I'm capable': Toms River indoor farm grows work opportunities for those with disabilities The hope is that the McGeadys can get a new van before the summer, when Andrew is the most active. He's a docent with the Historical Society of Ocean Grove, and the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association's 2025 season hits full stride in early June. 'Andrew is there faithfully every Sunday, and he does a great job,' said Jeffrey Newenhouse, who is president of the Ocean Grove Auditorium Ushers Association. Andrew has served as an usher in the Great Auditorium for 15 years, and he volunteers to work other events in Ocean Grove as well, like youth activities. 'If you ask Andrew to do anything, he says yes right away,' Newenhouse said. 'He loves to be around people, and everybody knows Andrew by name — they look for him. 'People are just amazed at his resilience.' That resilience is being tested now, but with help from supporters — a much-deserved reward for Andrew's good works — the driveway won't be empty much longer. 'Take a chance with me': Sea Girt man with cerebral palsy starts disabled job placement To contribute to the online fundraising drive for Andrew's new accessible van, visit Checks also can be made out to 'Help Hope Live' and mailed to Help Hope Live, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100, Radnor, PA 19087 (write 'In honor of Andrew T. McGeady' in the memo line). Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore's interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@ This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jackson man with cerebral palsy needs new specialized van after crash
