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]
Landmark buildings remain closed
Asbury Park's Convention Hall and Paramount Theater, both closed several years ago due to needed repairs and renovations, will remain closed until funding issues are resolved. [MORE]
New hope for Convention Hall?
Asbury Park has been awarded a $20 million grant from the state Boardwalk Preservation Fund. It is expected the funds will be used to repair and renovate Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre, both closed since 2020. [MORE]
Police pursue accreditation
Asbury Park Police Chief David Kelso announced the department's commitment to achieving accreditation, a mark of professional excellence in law enforcement, and has opened the floor for public comment. [MORE]
Financing set for Kingsley Street venture
Surfhouse Asbury Park, a 226-unit multifamily project, is expected to come online by the summer of 2025. The six-story building will feature a range of units from studio apartments to three-bedroom layouts, along with 3,500 square feet of retail space and three- and four-bedroom rental townhomes. Also planned are a 15,000-square-foot courtyard with a swimming pool and expansive deck, fitness center, rooftop fire pit, EV charging stations and 245 parking spaces. [MORE]
Board OKs church removal, six new homes
Demolition of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Asbury Park may take place soon as the legal battle over the fate of the landmark church comes to an end. The city Planning Board approved a plan to remove the church and build six new single family homes on the site at Second Avenue and Bond Street. Mountain View Development, a subsidiary of JLD Investment Group, bought the property from the Diocese of Trenton for $1.7 million.[MORE]
Developer outlines future plans
The City of Asbury Park supports state tax credits for boardwalk developer Madison Marquette as long as restoration and repair of the Convention Hall complex is a priority. "A new roof and there could be performances [in the Paramount Theatre] tomorrow," said Mayor John B. Moor. Madison Marquette is floating a proposal for a 5,000-seat amphitheater east of the Casino building at the south end of the boardwalk. [MORE]