City advances Paramount fix
Asbury Park officials have started the process to repair and reopen the historic Paramount Theatre on the boardwalk. The City Council authorized Mayor John Moor to enter a contract with Madison Asbury Retail, owner of the Convention Hall complex. "These repairs are needed to ensure that the theater is structurally safe and watertight," a city spokesman said. According to the contract, Madison will be paid no more than $1.3 million for the first phase of the Paramount work. The money is part of a $20 million grant from the state's Boardwalk Preservation Fund. [MORE]
Development proposed for key oceanfront block
A developer has presented plans for residences and ground floor retail space at one of Asbury Park's most prominent interactions. If approved, the triangular block at Cookman and Asbury avenues would contain a five-story condominium, a four-story townhouse string, and a three-story mixed-use building. [MORE]
Church demolition likely
By a 3-2 vote, the Asbury Park City Council likely paved the way for the demolition of the former Holy Spirit Church at Second Avenue and Main Street. The council voted not to send the matter to the city Planning Board to determine if redevelopment is needed at the site. [MORE]
Landmark radio station goes silent
Two local radio stations -- including the former 1310 WJLK in Asbury Park -- have been taken off the air by their most recent owners, Townsquare Media. WJLK, known for years as "The Radio Voice of the Asbury Park Press," was most recently known as WADB, the former call letters of another local station. [MORE]
National honors for oceanfront hotel
The Asbury Ocean Club Hotel can add 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award Winner to its list of accolades. "Stepping inside the Asbury Ocean Club
Hotel, you might be forgiven for thinking you've accidentally stumbled into a private beachfront home," the Forbes guide noted about the property, which occupies the fourth floor of a 17-story building. [MORE]
Rita Marano 1931-2024
Rita Marano, one of Asbury Park's most iconic and beloved public personalities, passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2024. After leaving the employ of the city itself, she owned and operated the Kingsley Deli, a local meeting place where everyone was welcome for 22 years. [MORE]
