February 2025
OPENING
The February meeting of the OGCA was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 in the Camp Meeting Association Community Room at 28 Pilgrim Pathway in Ocean Grove.
The meeting was called to order by Joyce Klein, President, at 10:00 am. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by announcements and general updates.
GUEST SPEAKER
Second Act Stories — Andy Levine, host of the award-winning podcast “Second Act Stories” and one of our own notable neighbors, introduced and interviewed Mario Montes of John and Mario’s Back Alley Deli at 54 Olin Street, and Kathleen Terry of Cabana Row at 49 Main Avenue. Each spoke of their backgrounds, their former careers, and the transitions to their current endeavors. Questions followed, and a gift certificate for each shop was presented to a random member of the audience.
BUSINESS MEETING
President Joyce Klein provided an update on efforts by the OGCA to meet with a representative from Jersey Central Power & Light to discuss the concerning issues we have been having with sparking poles and poles catching on fire. The OGCA submitted preliminary questions to JCP&L, and as of our Saturday meeting, we were still waiting for both answers to those questions and a date for a meeting. Joyce reminded everyone that if they saw any street lights out, the pole and its number should be reported to JCP&L.
Joyce also advised the membership that the CMA is expecting in the near future to start repair work on the still closed pier, but cautioned that the work may not be completed for this upcoming summer season.
Committee Reports:
- Giving Committee – Chair Paul Kaplan reported that that in January over 300 eyeglasses were collected and donated to the Eye Glass Center in Trenton for distribution to those in need of glasses. A new campaign, yet to be determined, will kick off in the Spring.
- Green Committee – Chair Philip Orton provided an update which focused on the kinds of trees conducive to growth in the seaside salt air of Ocean Grove. He also mentioned future plantings to be done along the edge of Fletcher Lake, and that a community-wide beach cleanup will be held on Saturday April 12th, from 9am to 1pm. Questions followed.
- Legal Affairs Committee –
- Committee member Robert Ingato reported on the status of the two charging stations on the grounds of the JSAC. There are plans for attorneys from both the JSAC and the CMA to meet and there is hope for a resolution.
- Robert also informed us that the amended North End Redevelopment Plan will come for final review before the Neptune Planning Board at 7pm on Wednesday, February 26th. The developer OGNED will call a series of witnesses whom the public will be also be allowed to interrogate before the Board will decide whether to approve or request further refinements to the plan.
- Chair Barbara Burns reported that reported that she and JP Thompson had gone to Trenton the week of February 10th to attend the CMA appeal to the DEP hearing concerning seasonal Sunday morning beach Access. The DEP has mandated that 24/7 access be must be granted to the public to go onto the beach, and that failure to do so would result in a fine to the CMA of $50,000 per day. The CMA has requested a stay on the fines, and the Judge will be issuing a ruling. Many questions followed.
- Parking Committee – Chair Joyce Klein provided that there was no new information on permit parking, but noted that there is an item on the Township Committee’s agenda for this coming Monday’s workshop to discuss a paid parking proposal on Bond and Lawrence Streets. She had no further information on this agenda item and said that she would report back to the membership on this at the March OGCA Meeting. A lengthy discussion followed.
The meeting adjourned at 11:40am. Respectfully submitted by Theresa Checki, OGCA Secretary.