Still rowdy after all these years — roller derby's back!
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Jersey Shore Roller Girls league in Asbury Park is entering the home stretch of their season, which has seen attendance grow at bouts featuring the three league teams.
Top: Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins skaters wait for the start of a jam session during a Jersey Shore Roller Girls bout at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Aug. 22. Above: Anchor Assassins jammer Christine "Joy Kill Her" Hodan, Freehold, keeps skating as Murder Beach Militia's Clare "Black Eye Betty" Smith, Toms River, tumbles.
The four-team league held a bout between the Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins on Aug. 22 at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Murder Beach Militia won the bout 105- 102. "It was neck and neck through both periods," player Catherine Galioto said, "with Murder Beach Militia winning by three points."
The league was formed in 2007 and currently has three intra-league teams, as well as an all-star team that competes with other teams from around the country.
The league's website touts the success of the league thus far.
"The newest all-women, flat-track roller derby league that has taken New Jersey by storm … the Jersey Shore Roller Girls is now more than 70 women strong and still growing."
According to the website, the league's popularity is growing exponentially.
"The community response to our league has been overwhelming, and we had the Convention Hall packed to the point where we had to turn people away due to fire codes," it says.
The site also explains some of the differences between roller derby now and the popular version of the sport from the '60s and '70s.
"The roller derby of today is a revamped, flat-track version of the old-school sport that many of us remember from years ago. Jersey Shore Roller Girls follows the rules and regulations put in place by the Women's Flat Track DerbyAssociation."
Each team has five players who form a pack that circles around the track, with two pivots at the front of the pack to set the pace. To score, each team's jammer attempts to reach the front of the pack, while three blockers on the opposing team try to prevent the move.
Each roller girl has a camp name, such as Ricin Beans, Black Eye Betty and Bulldozer.
Galioto explained just how challenging the sport is last week.
"There are so many skills that go into roller derby," Galioto, Toms River, said. "You need speed, endurance, to hit hard and to avoid being hit hard.
"We practice two times a week," she added. "There is so much natural athleticism that goes into it."
Galioto also explained that there is a charity aspect for each bout.
"We take a charity angle on each bout," she said. "This bout we will be collecting donations for the Monmouth County SPCA."
Galioto explained that the league collected three carloads of items donated to the shelter during the last bout.
Carrie Hamelink, Brick, who played and refereed in recent years for the league, said the league is a good opportunity for women athletes.
"The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are an awesome group of women from all walks of life who come together to play a sport," she said. "There are not many full contact sports for women once you get out of college.
"This is a great way to get out there and do something."
Galioto said that the women skaters range from age 18 to women in their 40s.
Galioto, who is also known as Chesty McBruiser, compared the roller derby league to a softball league.
"We pay dues just like a softball league," she said. "Just we are more awesome than a softball league."
Galioto acknowledged the roller derby league has a challenge in attracting people to support it.
"The biggest obstacle is that people don't know how it's played," she said.
Galioto said the next bout is scheduled for Oct. 3 and will feature the Jersey Shore All- Stars against a team from Montreal.
She also said that the league holds open gym on Thursdays at Jackson Roller Magic in Jackson.
"It's where we get fresh meat," Galioto said.
After the Oct. 3 bout, the league will wrap up its season with the league championship being held Nov. 28.
The roller girls can be reached online at http://www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net/.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Still rowdy after all these years- roller derby's back!
Still rowdy after all these years — roller derby's back!
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Jersey Shore Roller Girls league in Asbury Park is entering the home stretch of their season, which has seen attendance grow at bouts featuring the three league teams.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top: Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins skaters wait for the start of a jam session during a Jersey Shore Roller Girls bout at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Aug. 22. Above: Anchor Assassins jammer Christine "Joy Kill Her" Hodan, Freehold, keeps skating as Murder Beach Militia's Clare "Black Eye Betty" Smith, Toms River, tumbles.
The four-team league held a bout between the Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins on Aug. 22 at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Murder Beach Militia won the bout 105- 102. "It was neck and neck through both periods," player Catherine Galioto said, "with Murder Beach Militia winning by three points."
The league was formed in 2007 and currently has three intra-league teams, as well as an all-star team that competes with other teams from around the country.
The league's website touts the success of the league thus far.
"The newest all-women, flat-track roller derby league that has taken New Jersey by storm … the Jersey Shore Roller Girls is now more than 70 women strong and still growing."
According to the website, the league's popularity is growing exponentially.
"The community response to our league has been overwhelming, and we had the Convention Hall packed to the point where we had to turn people away due to fire codes," it says.
The site also explains some of the differences between roller derby now and the popular version of the sport from the '60s and '70s.
"The roller derby of today is a revamped, flat-track version of the old-school sport that many of us remember from years ago. Jersey Shore Roller Girls follows the rules and regulations put in place by the Women's Flat Track DerbyAssociation."
Each team has five players who form a pack that circles around the track, with two pivots at the front of the pack to set the pace. To score, each team's jammer attempts to reach the front of the pack, while three blockers on the opposing team try to prevent the move.
Each roller girl has a camp name, such as Ricin Beans, Black Eye Betty and Bulldozer.
Galioto explained just how challenging the sport is last week.
"There are so many skills that go into roller derby," Galioto, Toms River, said. "You need speed, endurance, to hit hard and to avoid being hit hard.
"We practice two times a week," she added. "There is so much natural athleticism that goes into it."
Galioto also explained that there is a charity aspect for each bout.
"We take a charity angle on each bout," she said. "This bout we will be collecting donations for the Monmouth County SPCA."
Galioto explained that the league collected three carloads of items donated to the shelter during the last bout.
Carrie Hamelink, Brick, who played and refereed in recent years for the league, said the league is a good opportunity for women athletes.
"The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are an awesome group of women from all walks of life who come together to play a sport," she said. "There are not many full contact sports for women once you get out of college.
"This is a great way to get out there and do something."
Galioto said that the women skaters range from age 18 to women in their 40s.
Galioto, who is also known as Chesty McBruiser, compared the roller derby league to a softball league.
"We pay dues just like a softball league," she said. "Just we are more awesome than a softball league."
Galioto acknowledged the roller derby league has a challenge in attracting people to support it.
"The biggest obstacle is that people don't know how it's played," she said.
Galioto said the next bout is scheduled for Oct. 3 and will feature the Jersey Shore All- Stars against a team from Montreal.
She also said that the league holds open gym on Thursdays at Jackson Roller Magic in Jackson.
"It's where we get fresh meat," Galioto said.
After the Oct. 3 bout, the league will wrap up its season with the league championship being held Nov. 28.
The roller girls can be reached online at http://www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net/.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Jersey Shore Roller Girls league in Asbury Park is entering the home stretch of their season, which has seen attendance grow at bouts featuring the three league teams.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top: Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins skaters wait for the start of a jam session during a Jersey Shore Roller Girls bout at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Aug. 22. Above: Anchor Assassins jammer Christine "Joy Kill Her" Hodan, Freehold, keeps skating as Murder Beach Militia's Clare "Black Eye Betty" Smith, Toms River, tumbles.
The four-team league held a bout between the Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins on Aug. 22 at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Murder Beach Militia won the bout 105- 102. "It was neck and neck through both periods," player Catherine Galioto said, "with Murder Beach Militia winning by three points."
The league was formed in 2007 and currently has three intra-league teams, as well as an all-star team that competes with other teams from around the country.
The league's website touts the success of the league thus far.
"The newest all-women, flat-track roller derby league that has taken New Jersey by storm … the Jersey Shore Roller Girls is now more than 70 women strong and still growing."
According to the website, the league's popularity is growing exponentially.
"The community response to our league has been overwhelming, and we had the Convention Hall packed to the point where we had to turn people away due to fire codes," it says.
The site also explains some of the differences between roller derby now and the popular version of the sport from the '60s and '70s.
"The roller derby of today is a revamped, flat-track version of the old-school sport that many of us remember from years ago. Jersey Shore Roller Girls follows the rules and regulations put in place by the Women's Flat Track DerbyAssociation."
Each team has five players who form a pack that circles around the track, with two pivots at the front of the pack to set the pace. To score, each team's jammer attempts to reach the front of the pack, while three blockers on the opposing team try to prevent the move.
Each roller girl has a camp name, such as Ricin Beans, Black Eye Betty and Bulldozer.
Galioto explained just how challenging the sport is last week.
"There are so many skills that go into roller derby," Galioto, Toms River, said. "You need speed, endurance, to hit hard and to avoid being hit hard.
"We practice two times a week," she added. "There is so much natural athleticism that goes into it."
Galioto also explained that there is a charity aspect for each bout.
"We take a charity angle on each bout," she said. "This bout we will be collecting donations for the Monmouth County SPCA."
Galioto explained that the league collected three carloads of items donated to the shelter during the last bout.
Carrie Hamelink, Brick, who played and refereed in recent years for the league, said the league is a good opportunity for women athletes.
"The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are an awesome group of women from all walks of life who come together to play a sport," she said. "There are not many full contact sports for women once you get out of college.
"This is a great way to get out there and do something."
Galioto said that the women skaters range from age 18 to women in their 40s.
Galioto, who is also known as Chesty McBruiser, compared the roller derby league to a softball league.
"We pay dues just like a softball league," she said. "Just we are more awesome than a softball league."
Galioto acknowledged the roller derby league has a challenge in attracting people to support it.
"The biggest obstacle is that people don't know how it's played," she said.
Galioto said the next bout is scheduled for Oct. 3 and will feature the Jersey Shore All- Stars against a team from Montreal.
She also said that the league holds open gym on Thursdays at Jackson Roller Magic in Jackson.
"It's where we get fresh meat," Galioto said.
After the Oct. 3 bout, the league will wrap up its season with the league championship being held Nov. 28.
The roller girls can be reached online at http://www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net/.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
T.F. residents will vote on open space funding
T.F. residents will vote on open space funding
CFO: $1.7M currently in open space fund
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tinton Falls residents will have the opportunity to decide whether or not to cut the current level of open space funding in the upcoming election.
After two straight meetings of intense debate over the proposed open space referendum, the Borough Council passed a resolution to place the question on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election.
The council voted 3-2 on Aug. 18 to have residents vote on whether they want to drop the open space tax rate from 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 2.25 cents. Councilmen Andy Mayer and Duane Morrill voted against the measure.
For the third straight meeting, the council considered cutting the dedicated tax.
Under the current 3-cent tax, Tinton Falls will collect $901,774 in dedicated open space funding, according to Director of Finance Stephen Pfeffer. If the tax cut is approved by voters, more than $676,000 would be collected during the 2010 tax year.
Pfeffer also said that currently there is approximately $1.7 million in the open space trust fund.
Under the proposed tax cut, the average resident will receive a $25.79 tax cut a year.
Last year a resident with a house assessed at the borough average of $343,760 paid about $103 in taxes for open space.
Debate during the previous two meetings centered on saving land from development and the value of open space as reasons not to cut the tax. Relieving some of the burden on taxpayers and the fact that the open space fund had grown after the recent revaluation were cited as reasons to cut the tax rate.
Mayer has fought the hardest against the potential referendum in recent meetings.
"A reduction in open space will increase development, increase taxes in the long run," he said before voting against the resolution. "A reduction in open space limits our ability to pay cash and do less bonding, which will cost the taxpayers more money in the future. The current open space tax money is a great investment in this town."
For other members of the council, this topic has been a stressful battle.
"This has literally kept me awake at night," Councilman Scott Larkin said. "It's difficult for me because each time I hear someone talk I want to agree with them."
Larkin was the one who originally proposed the 2.25-cent tax when the council was virtually stalled between dropping it to 1.5 cents and leaving it at 3 cents.
"To me it was a pragmatic compromise that took into account benefits of open space as well as a reduction of taxes," Larkin said. "It's not going to reduce taxes significantly. It still does represent a reduction, while maintaining open space."
Councilman Gary Baldwin advocated for dropping the tax to 1.5 cents, but still voted for the 2.25-cent level.
"My vote would have been for a different amount," he said. "I'm satisfied that some effort has been made by some of the council to reduce the burden on the taxpayers."
While some residents scoffed at the amount as not making a dent in their growing tax bills, Baldwin defended it.
"Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money," he said. "It's a significant amount and does help the taxpayers to some degree."
Baldwin went on to say that this wouldn't mean the borough would be giving up on open space altogether.
"There is a lot of money left to buy open space," Baldwin said. "I have trust in the Planning Board to control development and do development the way it should be."
The council members weren't the only ones split on the issue, with residents representing different points of view weighing in on the topic during the public discussion portion of the evening.
One resident went so far as to say that cutting the tax was a political maneuver.
"Who is going to benefit from this?" asked resident and former Councilman Brendan Tobin.
"This is a trick. This is not going to help the borough of Tinton Falls in the long run."
Tobin cited money used from open space to make improvements on the football field and soccer complex as reasons why the borough needs the funds.
Tobin also said that he fears that the borough won't be able to control development and hasn't done so in the past.
"We haven't been able to control it," he said. "I don't think you should do it, it's a cruel trick to the voters."
Jonathon Cohen, chairman of the environmental commission, said he agreed with basically everything Tobin said.
"Let's leave it where it is; there is no need to change it at this point," Cohen said.
Stacey Slowinski, chairwoman of the Historic Preservation Commission, agreed with Mayer that development would cost more in the long run.
"I truly feel that money spent on open space now saves taxpayers in the long run," she said. "I personally think it's shortsighted to cut that funding."
But some residents believed that any money saved in this tough economic climate would benefit the taxpayers.
"There are people in Tinton Falls who we are going to see going into bankruptcy," resident Jerry Spumburg said. "We really have to take a look at every dollar."
One resident said that approving the referendum doesn't mean it's going to be passed by the residents.
"By letting people vote doesn't mean we are going to lower it," Denise Catalano said.
She went on to say that development is not all bad and that the outlet center has been a big success for the borough.
"I'm up for some development, and I think the key is smart decisions about development," she said. "The statement that nobody in the town wants development is not a true statement."
The first vote on the open space tax was scheduled for Aug. 4, but the resolution failed for lack of a motion.
The Aug. 18 council meeting was the last possible meeting when the tax could have been discussed, because the deadline to file a referendum with the state for the November election is Aug. 27.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
CFO: $1.7M currently in open space fund
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tinton Falls residents will have the opportunity to decide whether or not to cut the current level of open space funding in the upcoming election.
After two straight meetings of intense debate over the proposed open space referendum, the Borough Council passed a resolution to place the question on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election.
The council voted 3-2 on Aug. 18 to have residents vote on whether they want to drop the open space tax rate from 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 2.25 cents. Councilmen Andy Mayer and Duane Morrill voted against the measure.
For the third straight meeting, the council considered cutting the dedicated tax.
Under the current 3-cent tax, Tinton Falls will collect $901,774 in dedicated open space funding, according to Director of Finance Stephen Pfeffer. If the tax cut is approved by voters, more than $676,000 would be collected during the 2010 tax year.
Pfeffer also said that currently there is approximately $1.7 million in the open space trust fund.
Under the proposed tax cut, the average resident will receive a $25.79 tax cut a year.
Last year a resident with a house assessed at the borough average of $343,760 paid about $103 in taxes for open space.
Debate during the previous two meetings centered on saving land from development and the value of open space as reasons not to cut the tax. Relieving some of the burden on taxpayers and the fact that the open space fund had grown after the recent revaluation were cited as reasons to cut the tax rate.
Mayer has fought the hardest against the potential referendum in recent meetings.
"A reduction in open space will increase development, increase taxes in the long run," he said before voting against the resolution. "A reduction in open space limits our ability to pay cash and do less bonding, which will cost the taxpayers more money in the future. The current open space tax money is a great investment in this town."
For other members of the council, this topic has been a stressful battle.
"This has literally kept me awake at night," Councilman Scott Larkin said. "It's difficult for me because each time I hear someone talk I want to agree with them."
Larkin was the one who originally proposed the 2.25-cent tax when the council was virtually stalled between dropping it to 1.5 cents and leaving it at 3 cents.
"To me it was a pragmatic compromise that took into account benefits of open space as well as a reduction of taxes," Larkin said. "It's not going to reduce taxes significantly. It still does represent a reduction, while maintaining open space."
Councilman Gary Baldwin advocated for dropping the tax to 1.5 cents, but still voted for the 2.25-cent level.
"My vote would have been for a different amount," he said. "I'm satisfied that some effort has been made by some of the council to reduce the burden on the taxpayers."
While some residents scoffed at the amount as not making a dent in their growing tax bills, Baldwin defended it.
"Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars is a lot of money," he said. "It's a significant amount and does help the taxpayers to some degree."
Baldwin went on to say that this wouldn't mean the borough would be giving up on open space altogether.
"There is a lot of money left to buy open space," Baldwin said. "I have trust in the Planning Board to control development and do development the way it should be."
The council members weren't the only ones split on the issue, with residents representing different points of view weighing in on the topic during the public discussion portion of the evening.
One resident went so far as to say that cutting the tax was a political maneuver.
"Who is going to benefit from this?" asked resident and former Councilman Brendan Tobin.
"This is a trick. This is not going to help the borough of Tinton Falls in the long run."
Tobin cited money used from open space to make improvements on the football field and soccer complex as reasons why the borough needs the funds.
Tobin also said that he fears that the borough won't be able to control development and hasn't done so in the past.
"We haven't been able to control it," he said. "I don't think you should do it, it's a cruel trick to the voters."
Jonathon Cohen, chairman of the environmental commission, said he agreed with basically everything Tobin said.
"Let's leave it where it is; there is no need to change it at this point," Cohen said.
Stacey Slowinski, chairwoman of the Historic Preservation Commission, agreed with Mayer that development would cost more in the long run.
"I truly feel that money spent on open space now saves taxpayers in the long run," she said. "I personally think it's shortsighted to cut that funding."
But some residents believed that any money saved in this tough economic climate would benefit the taxpayers.
"There are people in Tinton Falls who we are going to see going into bankruptcy," resident Jerry Spumburg said. "We really have to take a look at every dollar."
One resident said that approving the referendum doesn't mean it's going to be passed by the residents.
"By letting people vote doesn't mean we are going to lower it," Denise Catalano said.
She went on to say that development is not all bad and that the outlet center has been a big success for the borough.
"I'm up for some development, and I think the key is smart decisions about development," she said. "The statement that nobody in the town wants development is not a true statement."
The first vote on the open space tax was scheduled for Aug. 4, but the resolution failed for lack of a motion.
The Aug. 18 council meeting was the last possible meeting when the tax could have been discussed, because the deadline to file a referendum with the state for the November election is Aug. 27.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Still rowdy after all these years- roller derby's back!
Still rowdy after all these years — roller derby's back!
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Jersey Shore Roller Girls league in Asbury Park is entering the home stretch of their season, which has seen attendance grow at bouts featuring the three league teams.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top: Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins skaters wait for the start of a jam session during a Jersey Shore Roller Girls bout at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Aug. 22. Above: Anchor Assassins jammer Christine "Joy Kill Her" Hodan, Freehold, keeps skating as Murder Beach Militia's Clare "Black Eye Betty" Smith, Toms River, tumbles.
The four-team league held a bout between the Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins on Aug. 22 at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Murder Beach Militia won the bout 105- 102. "It was neck and neck through both periods," player Catherine Galioto said, "with Murder Beach Militia winning by three points."
The league was formed in 2007 and currently has three intra-league teams, as well as an all-star team that competes with other teams from around the country.
The league's website touts the success of the league thus far.
"The newest all-women, flat-track roller derby league that has taken New Jersey by storm … the Jersey Shore Roller Girls is now more than 70 women strong and still growing."
According to the website, the league's popularity is growing exponentially.
"The community response to our league has been overwhelming, and we had the Convention Hall packed to the point where we had to turn people away due to fire codes," it says.
The site also explains some of the differences between roller derby now and the popular version of the sport from the '60s and '70s.
"The roller derby of today is a revamped, flat-track version of the old-school sport that many of us remember from years ago. Jersey Shore Roller Girls follows the rules and regulations put in place by the Women's Flat Track DerbyAssociation."
Each team has five players who form a pack that circles around the track, with two pivots at the front of the pack to set the pace. To score, each team's jammer attempts to reach the front of the pack, while three blockers on the opposing team try to prevent the move.
Each roller girl has a camp name, such as Ricin Beans, Black Eye Betty and Bulldozer.
Galioto explained just how challenging the sport is last week.
"There are so many skills that go into roller derby," Galioto, Toms River, said. "You need speed, endurance, to hit hard and to avoid being hit hard.
"We practice two times a week," she added. "There is so much natural athleticism that goes into it."
Galioto also explained that there is a charity aspect for each bout.
"We take a charity angle on each bout," she said. "This bout we will be collecting donations for the Monmouth County SPCA."
Galioto explained that the league collected three carloads of items donated to the shelter during the last bout.
Carrie Hamelink, Brick, who played and refereed in recent years for the league, said the league is a good opportunity for women athletes.
"The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are an awesome group of women from all walks of life who come together to play a sport," she said. "There are not many full contact sports for women once you get out of college.
"This is a great way to get out there and do something."
Galioto said that the women skaters range from age 18 to women in their 40s.
Galioto, who is also known as Chesty McBruiser, compared the roller derby league to a softball league.
"We pay dues just like a softball league," she said. "Just we are more awesome than a softball league."
Galioto acknowledged the roller derby league has a challenge in attracting people to support it.
"The biggest obstacle is that people don't know how it's played," she said.
Galioto said the next bout is scheduled for Oct. 3 and will feature the Jersey Shore All- Stars against a team from Montreal.
She also said that the league holds open gym on Thursdays at Jackson Roller Magic in Jackson.
"It's where we get fresh meat," Galioto said.
After the Oct. 3 bout, the league will wrap up its season with the league championship being held Nov. 28.
The roller girls can be reached online at http://www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net/.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Jersey Shore Roller Girls league in Asbury Park is entering the home stretch of their season, which has seen attendance grow at bouts featuring the three league teams.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top: Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins skaters wait for the start of a jam session during a Jersey Shore Roller Girls bout at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Aug. 22. Above: Anchor Assassins jammer Christine "Joy Kill Her" Hodan, Freehold, keeps skating as Murder Beach Militia's Clare "Black Eye Betty" Smith, Toms River, tumbles.
The four-team league held a bout between the Murder Beach Militia and Anchor Assassins on Aug. 22 at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Murder Beach Militia won the bout 105- 102. "It was neck and neck through both periods," player Catherine Galioto said, "with Murder Beach Militia winning by three points."
The league was formed in 2007 and currently has three intra-league teams, as well as an all-star team that competes with other teams from around the country.
The league's website touts the success of the league thus far.
"The newest all-women, flat-track roller derby league that has taken New Jersey by storm … the Jersey Shore Roller Girls is now more than 70 women strong and still growing."
According to the website, the league's popularity is growing exponentially.
"The community response to our league has been overwhelming, and we had the Convention Hall packed to the point where we had to turn people away due to fire codes," it says.
The site also explains some of the differences between roller derby now and the popular version of the sport from the '60s and '70s.
"The roller derby of today is a revamped, flat-track version of the old-school sport that many of us remember from years ago. Jersey Shore Roller Girls follows the rules and regulations put in place by the Women's Flat Track DerbyAssociation."
Each team has five players who form a pack that circles around the track, with two pivots at the front of the pack to set the pace. To score, each team's jammer attempts to reach the front of the pack, while three blockers on the opposing team try to prevent the move.
Each roller girl has a camp name, such as Ricin Beans, Black Eye Betty and Bulldozer.
Galioto explained just how challenging the sport is last week.
"There are so many skills that go into roller derby," Galioto, Toms River, said. "You need speed, endurance, to hit hard and to avoid being hit hard.
"We practice two times a week," she added. "There is so much natural athleticism that goes into it."
Galioto also explained that there is a charity aspect for each bout.
"We take a charity angle on each bout," she said. "This bout we will be collecting donations for the Monmouth County SPCA."
Galioto explained that the league collected three carloads of items donated to the shelter during the last bout.
Carrie Hamelink, Brick, who played and refereed in recent years for the league, said the league is a good opportunity for women athletes.
"The Jersey Shore Roller Girls are an awesome group of women from all walks of life who come together to play a sport," she said. "There are not many full contact sports for women once you get out of college.
"This is a great way to get out there and do something."
Galioto said that the women skaters range from age 18 to women in their 40s.
Galioto, who is also known as Chesty McBruiser, compared the roller derby league to a softball league.
"We pay dues just like a softball league," she said. "Just we are more awesome than a softball league."
Galioto acknowledged the roller derby league has a challenge in attracting people to support it.
"The biggest obstacle is that people don't know how it's played," she said.
Galioto said the next bout is scheduled for Oct. 3 and will feature the Jersey Shore All- Stars against a team from Montreal.
She also said that the league holds open gym on Thursdays at Jackson Roller Magic in Jackson.
"It's where we get fresh meat," Galioto said.
After the Oct. 3 bout, the league will wrap up its season with the league championship being held Nov. 28.
The roller girls can be reached online at http://www.jerseyshorerollergirls.net/.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Dream camp hits the big screen
Dream camp hits the big screen
Camp Woz subject of independent documentary
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
What started as a dream week for a group of youngsters now has become an award-winning movie.
FILE PHOTO Campers board a bus at the beginning of their dream camp trip to Camp Woz in northern California in 2008.
That was the progression for social worker Joe Patane, who just two years ago embarked on a trip to the West Coast to launch the first dream camp.
Patane teamed up with Apple founder Steve Wozniak and took 10 Jersey Shore teenagers to California for Camp Woz during the summer of 2007.
The youths selected to attend the camp were classified as having emotional and behavioral problems.
The campsite was the home of Wozniak, one of the developers of the personal computer and co-founder of Apple Computer Inc.
Since that time, Patane has hosted four other camps with the help of West Long Branch nonprofit Monmouth Cares.
Patane has also turned the first camp experience into a 78-minute documentary titled "Camp Woz: The Admirable Lunacy of Philanthropy."
Patane also plans to have documentaries made for each of the camps, and said the documentaries will be not for profit.
"The documentaries are nonprofit and non-exploitive of the kids," he said. "I will keep them all that way."
The original Camp Woz documentary has won awards in both California and New Jersey, which is still somewhat of a surprise for Patane.
"It's really surprising," he said of the awards. "It was a fun thing to do.
"When I came up with the Dream Camp idea, I knew I wanted to film it," he added.
Patane also credited Wozniak for drawing a lot of attention to the camps, his foundation and the documentaries when Wozniak was on the "Dancing With the Stars" TV show in 2009.
Drew Foster and Jarrad Kritzstein, who Patane said talked him into doing the project, directed the film.
The movie premiered in January 2008 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, and Patane said that participants in the first camp have come back to tape some of the other camps.
Patane described some of the campers in an email last week.
"Camp Woz camper Zack Karper is busy putting the finishing touches on the 'Dream Camp Wyoming' short documentary film that he directed with the sound, camera, and editing assistance of Evan and Eric Sanborn, also from Camp Woz," he said.
"Evan got his one-minute film accepted into The Atlantic Highlands One-Minute Film Festival," he added.
Patane, who is a former cast member of MTV's hit reality show "The Real World," used to work with Wozniak as an assistant in one of his computer classes for kids and was inspired by his philanthropy to start the dream camps.
Patane still has fond memories of the inaugural camp.
"I just wanted to take them somewhere wonderful and give them a unique and crazy experience," he said. "It was successful and fun for everyone involved."
One of the main features of the camp was for the participants to make contacts that will help them the rest of their lives.
"I wanted to [acquaint] them with a lot of cool people," he said, "people who they could contact later on for advice and career interests."
Patane also described the participants as needing a little extra push in life.
"These are kids who need an extra bit of love," Patane said. "After the camp, they can think 'Hey, I can do anything.'"
Patane said he believes these young people receive limited attention and resources, and with a little bit extra, they can accomplish great things.
"No one thinks they are capable of anything," he said. "Resources are limited. If we gave them all our resources, it would have one hell of an impact."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Camp Woz subject of independent documentary
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
What started as a dream week for a group of youngsters now has become an award-winning movie.
FILE PHOTO Campers board a bus at the beginning of their dream camp trip to Camp Woz in northern California in 2008.
That was the progression for social worker Joe Patane, who just two years ago embarked on a trip to the West Coast to launch the first dream camp.
Patane teamed up with Apple founder Steve Wozniak and took 10 Jersey Shore teenagers to California for Camp Woz during the summer of 2007.
The youths selected to attend the camp were classified as having emotional and behavioral problems.
The campsite was the home of Wozniak, one of the developers of the personal computer and co-founder of Apple Computer Inc.
Since that time, Patane has hosted four other camps with the help of West Long Branch nonprofit Monmouth Cares.
Patane has also turned the first camp experience into a 78-minute documentary titled "Camp Woz: The Admirable Lunacy of Philanthropy."
Patane also plans to have documentaries made for each of the camps, and said the documentaries will be not for profit.
"The documentaries are nonprofit and non-exploitive of the kids," he said. "I will keep them all that way."
The original Camp Woz documentary has won awards in both California and New Jersey, which is still somewhat of a surprise for Patane.
"It's really surprising," he said of the awards. "It was a fun thing to do.
"When I came up with the Dream Camp idea, I knew I wanted to film it," he added.
Patane also credited Wozniak for drawing a lot of attention to the camps, his foundation and the documentaries when Wozniak was on the "Dancing With the Stars" TV show in 2009.
Drew Foster and Jarrad Kritzstein, who Patane said talked him into doing the project, directed the film.
The movie premiered in January 2008 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, and Patane said that participants in the first camp have come back to tape some of the other camps.
Patane described some of the campers in an email last week.
"Camp Woz camper Zack Karper is busy putting the finishing touches on the 'Dream Camp Wyoming' short documentary film that he directed with the sound, camera, and editing assistance of Evan and Eric Sanborn, also from Camp Woz," he said.
"Evan got his one-minute film accepted into The Atlantic Highlands One-Minute Film Festival," he added.
Patane, who is a former cast member of MTV's hit reality show "The Real World," used to work with Wozniak as an assistant in one of his computer classes for kids and was inspired by his philanthropy to start the dream camps.
Patane still has fond memories of the inaugural camp.
"I just wanted to take them somewhere wonderful and give them a unique and crazy experience," he said. "It was successful and fun for everyone involved."
One of the main features of the camp was for the participants to make contacts that will help them the rest of their lives.
"I wanted to [acquaint] them with a lot of cool people," he said, "people who they could contact later on for advice and career interests."
Patane also described the participants as needing a little extra push in life.
"These are kids who need an extra bit of love," Patane said. "After the camp, they can think 'Hey, I can do anything.'"
Patane said he believes these young people receive limited attention and resources, and with a little bit extra, they can accomplish great things.
"No one thinks they are capable of anything," he said. "Resources are limited. If we gave them all our resources, it would have one hell of an impact."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
City unveils deluxe new green oasis
City unveils deluxe new green oasis
20-acre Manahassett Park boosts city's recreational space
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch officially opened the $4 million plus 20-acre Manahassett Creek Park last week.
PHOTOS BY SUE LALANAS The newly opened Manahassett Creek Park in Long Branch includes a playground, athletic fields, putting green and a fitness trail. State Green Acres funds helped finance the 20-acre park, which cost more than $4 million to construct.
City officials attended the Aug. 19 ribboncutting ceremony held at the park, located on Long Branch Avenue north of Atlantic Avenue.
Jacob Jones, director of the Office of Community and Economic Development, said in an interview last week that the park includes two soccer fields, two softball fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a full baseball field and a football field.
Also included are a fitness trail, a putting green and a concession stand with restrooms.
Jones explained the uses for some of the fields.
"Pop Warner will use the football field and Little League will use the baseball field," he said.
Jones said that while organized sports will probably have first dibs on the fields, pick-up games are allowed on all of the fields as long as there isn't a conflict.
He also said that a main point of emphasis is keeping the parks clean.
"You can't take gum, candy or soda onto the turf, because they will ruin the turf," Jones said. "That's important."
The city started planning the park in 2002 and broke ground in 2008.
Precise Construction was awarded the $3.9 million contract in May 2008 after coming in as the lowest bidder.
Plans for the park were designed by D.W. Smith Associates.
"We started this in 2002, so it's been seven years working on this park," Jones said last week.
Jones broke down some of the financing for the project.
"It cost over $4 million for the whole thing," he said. "Most came from grants from Green Acres or grants from the Department of Community Affairs.
"We also received a large private donation," he added. "Piecing the monies was quite difficult."
Jones acknowledged that the size of the park and all the features the park includes made the project more difficult to bring to fruition.
"We have 20 acres of active recreational functions," he said. "It's been a major, major undertaking."
The park was not easy for a variety of reasons, many involving the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
"We overcame a parcel of land that was under DEP control because of contaminants in the soil," he said. "Another part of the park was under DEP because of illegal dumping by the state."
In January and February 2008, the site, which is located in a flood zone, was raised some 3 feet to eliminate the impact of storm drainage.
Jones said that some of the fields are built with turf, which includes a drainage system underneath the grass-like turf.
"It could rain all day and the field won't be soaked," he said.
The park includes two sets of equipment for toddlers to play on, which are equipped with shock-resistant padding on the ground to cushion a fall.
Jones explained some of the other changes as well.
"We had the roadway repaved," he said. "We fixed some of the curbs and electricity."
Councilman Brian Unger thinks that the park is going to help the city move forward with recreational sports.
"I'm very proud of this park that we've worked on for so long; it's a great addition to the city's park system," Unger said in an email. "It's really going to help our sports and recreation programs."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
20-acre Manahassett Park boosts city's recreational space
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch officially opened the $4 million plus 20-acre Manahassett Creek Park last week.
PHOTOS BY SUE LALANAS The newly opened Manahassett Creek Park in Long Branch includes a playground, athletic fields, putting green and a fitness trail. State Green Acres funds helped finance the 20-acre park, which cost more than $4 million to construct.
City officials attended the Aug. 19 ribboncutting ceremony held at the park, located on Long Branch Avenue north of Atlantic Avenue.
Jacob Jones, director of the Office of Community and Economic Development, said in an interview last week that the park includes two soccer fields, two softball fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a full baseball field and a football field.
Also included are a fitness trail, a putting green and a concession stand with restrooms.
Jones explained the uses for some of the fields.
"Pop Warner will use the football field and Little League will use the baseball field," he said.
Jones said that while organized sports will probably have first dibs on the fields, pick-up games are allowed on all of the fields as long as there isn't a conflict.
He also said that a main point of emphasis is keeping the parks clean.
"You can't take gum, candy or soda onto the turf, because they will ruin the turf," Jones said. "That's important."
The city started planning the park in 2002 and broke ground in 2008.
Precise Construction was awarded the $3.9 million contract in May 2008 after coming in as the lowest bidder.
Plans for the park were designed by D.W. Smith Associates.
"We started this in 2002, so it's been seven years working on this park," Jones said last week.
Jones broke down some of the financing for the project.
"It cost over $4 million for the whole thing," he said. "Most came from grants from Green Acres or grants from the Department of Community Affairs.
"We also received a large private donation," he added. "Piecing the monies was quite difficult."
Jones acknowledged that the size of the park and all the features the park includes made the project more difficult to bring to fruition.
"We have 20 acres of active recreational functions," he said. "It's been a major, major undertaking."
The park was not easy for a variety of reasons, many involving the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
"We overcame a parcel of land that was under DEP control because of contaminants in the soil," he said. "Another part of the park was under DEP because of illegal dumping by the state."
In January and February 2008, the site, which is located in a flood zone, was raised some 3 feet to eliminate the impact of storm drainage.
Jones said that some of the fields are built with turf, which includes a drainage system underneath the grass-like turf.
"It could rain all day and the field won't be soaked," he said.
The park includes two sets of equipment for toddlers to play on, which are equipped with shock-resistant padding on the ground to cushion a fall.
Jones explained some of the other changes as well.
"We had the roadway repaved," he said. "We fixed some of the curbs and electricity."
Councilman Brian Unger thinks that the park is going to help the city move forward with recreational sports.
"I'm very proud of this park that we've worked on for so long; it's a great addition to the city's park system," Unger said in an email. "It's really going to help our sports and recreation programs."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Specter of eminent domain looms over Beachfront So.
Specter of eminent domain looms over Beachfront So.
Mayor assures residents condemnation is 'off the table'
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tensions spilled over at a meeting of Long Branch officials and residents of the Beachfront South (BFS) redevelopment zone last week as city officials attempted to break an impasse and move plans for the zone forward.
Planner Pratap Talwar delivered a threehour presentation on the vision for the Beachfront South redevelopment on Aug. 19, stressing that there are several options on the table including residents being able to remain in their homes.
Present were Mayor Adam Schneider, council members Mary Jane Celli and Brian Unger, Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. and Assistant Planning Director Carl Turner, as well as about 35 BFS residents and property owners who had been notified of the meeting by certified mail.
The Beachfront South zone extends from Bath to Morris avenues, between Ocean Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.
A major point of contention between the city and residents is the specter of eminent domain, a tactic used by the city to condemn properties in previous redevelopment zones.
Many residents, shouting over each other, called for the city to adopt a measure that would ban the use of eminent domain in the zone.
"The eminent domain issue is off the table," Schneider said. "We're not going to use it.
"At the end of this process there will not be eminent domain," he added. "Even if this process falls apart."
Schneider defended his word to the crowd, who were vocally skeptical of Schneider's word.
"I've been tape-recorded, how much clearer can I be?" he asked. "You can all call me a liar; it's been done before."
Talwar chimed in that eminent domain is off the table in the area.
"This process is proof that the city wants to find a way out of eminent domain in Beachfront South," he said.
Residents remained skeptical though, as Unger asked them with a show of hands to indicate how many of them wanted an ordinance banning eminent domain. Virtually every hand in the room shot up.
Talwar explained to the residents just what the redevelopment zone they are located in means.
He said that residents would be allowed to redevelop their properties as long as they maintain the same use and structures on the same footprints. Officials also stated that variances of any kind are not allowed in redevelopment zones.
One problem that the 36 privately owned properties present is that many lots in the zone are long and narrow, making them difficult to develop under a cohesive plan.
"This was the problem that the redevelopment plan was trying to answer," Talwar said.
Talwar went into the history of the neighborhood, citing zoning differences in 1985 and 1990, where certain properties [70- 80 percent] were considered non-compliant.
He explained there are general overarching goals that encompass the entire oceanfront, the existing conditions on the ground are different in all parts of the beachfront and therefore plans for the revitalization for different districts are different.
"The goal of the redevelopment plan in Beachfront South is to show a zoning technique that would protect existing buildings that continue to change and would permit the maximization of development value respectful of properties that did want to change, respectful of environmental concerns of the state and respectful of the public goals of the redevelopment," he said.
"It is about making a great public waterfront and organizing cohesive developments for neighborhoods west of it," he said.
One of the challenges the city is faced with in the zone is the many narrow, adjoining lots with multiple owners. Talwar suggested a solution might be for the owners of the properties to sell the connecting properties to a single buyer.
The reason, he said, is that the long, narrow parcels are difficult to develop.
"The facts say that if long, narrow lots are put together, you can build more than if they remain on their own," Talwar said. "It is whatever makes sense for the property owners that wish to come together and develop."
"Basically, we are no longer going to assemble them to our power," Woolley said. "We put the pieces together, we can get a lot more value out of the pieces."
Talwar went on to say that the rules for redevelopment are designed to protect the homeowner in the area by not allowing variances for commercial use and to set restrictions on height and distance of buildings.
"They can be seen as restrictions, they also can be seen as value enhancers," he said. "I can tell you as a planner, the need is for some sort of rethinking of regulations."
Schneider agreed at the meeting that the redevelopment zone might help the property owners.
"I suspect in the end that is exactly what you're going to want," he said. "Things like tax abatements and other sorts of financing are only going to be done in a redevelopment zone."
"I'm afraid there is going to be 24 months of planning while these people have to pay their taxes," he said.
Schneider concluded at the end of the meeting that the city and residents are not that far off.
"You're probably a couple months away from getting this done," he said. "I think you're fairly close to coming up with a zoning plan."
For now, residents will choose whether or not to take Schneider at his word because he said he has no plans to take eminent domain off the table by way of an ordinance.
"The reason I don't want to drop it is I don't want to change the redevelopment designation now," he said. "I think it opens up to a lot of other problems."
Schneider did say that he would pass an ordinance eliminating eminent domain in the neighborhood once the planning process is complete.
Schneider also explained the reason why the city is planning to rezone the neighborhood in order to develop the land further.
"Right now the biggest problem is that the zoning we put in almost requires the use of eminent domain because it requires properties assemblage, which is very difficult to do," he said.
What the city hopes is to develop the land
that residents are willing to sell, while accommodating the residents who wish to remain in their homes.
"If there was no eminent domain, it might be possible not to develop everything, but to develop some things," Talwar said.
"Property owners can make their own decisions now," Talwar said earlier.
"The plan doesn't say anywhere that all the buildings have to be torn down to make a big building."
When asked about potential developers, Woolley said there are currently no talks with developers about the zone, and that officials are not sure how the adjoining properties would be combined.
Some residents however said that the redevelopment zone designation is hindering them in the pursuit to sell their homes.
"When a buyer comes along, you say the mayor says it's off the table, a buyer is not going to buy into that," BFS resident Diana Multare said.
While not all the residents were pleased with the city, some were pleased with at least the opportunity to listen to the presentation.
"I think the plan here tonight helps us immensely," one resident said.
Another concern for Schneider is the use of variances becoming an issue in the area if the redevelopment tag is lifted.
"If we were to drop it now without changing the zone, there are commercial properties in there that would have a very legitimate argument that we could expand now and have a credible argument," he said. "I don't think that's good for the neighborhood, I don't think it's good for the city."
As part of the discussion on eminent domain and the redevelopment zone, the presentation listed other concerns of the stakeholders such as open space, buffer zones and tax incentives.
Among the graphs presented was a look at each stakeholder's current goals for their land, which included some who wanted to remain the same, some who wanted to redevelop, and some who wanted to sell their property.
The two-block neighborhood currently contains 324 housing units, with 300 of those units located in two apartment towers situated on just a third of the land.
Talwar presented three hypothetical situations for development, which range from adding 188 to 355 units.
The three scenarios take into account some residents keeping their homes while combining a varying number of lots of residents who may sell.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Mayor assures residents condemnation is 'off the table'
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tensions spilled over at a meeting of Long Branch officials and residents of the Beachfront South (BFS) redevelopment zone last week as city officials attempted to break an impasse and move plans for the zone forward.
Planner Pratap Talwar delivered a threehour presentation on the vision for the Beachfront South redevelopment on Aug. 19, stressing that there are several options on the table including residents being able to remain in their homes.
Present were Mayor Adam Schneider, council members Mary Jane Celli and Brian Unger, Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. and Assistant Planning Director Carl Turner, as well as about 35 BFS residents and property owners who had been notified of the meeting by certified mail.
The Beachfront South zone extends from Bath to Morris avenues, between Ocean Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.
A major point of contention between the city and residents is the specter of eminent domain, a tactic used by the city to condemn properties in previous redevelopment zones.
Many residents, shouting over each other, called for the city to adopt a measure that would ban the use of eminent domain in the zone.
"The eminent domain issue is off the table," Schneider said. "We're not going to use it.
"At the end of this process there will not be eminent domain," he added. "Even if this process falls apart."
Schneider defended his word to the crowd, who were vocally skeptical of Schneider's word.
"I've been tape-recorded, how much clearer can I be?" he asked. "You can all call me a liar; it's been done before."
Talwar chimed in that eminent domain is off the table in the area.
"This process is proof that the city wants to find a way out of eminent domain in Beachfront South," he said.
Residents remained skeptical though, as Unger asked them with a show of hands to indicate how many of them wanted an ordinance banning eminent domain. Virtually every hand in the room shot up.
Talwar explained to the residents just what the redevelopment zone they are located in means.
He said that residents would be allowed to redevelop their properties as long as they maintain the same use and structures on the same footprints. Officials also stated that variances of any kind are not allowed in redevelopment zones.
One problem that the 36 privately owned properties present is that many lots in the zone are long and narrow, making them difficult to develop under a cohesive plan.
"This was the problem that the redevelopment plan was trying to answer," Talwar said.
Talwar went into the history of the neighborhood, citing zoning differences in 1985 and 1990, where certain properties [70- 80 percent] were considered non-compliant.
He explained there are general overarching goals that encompass the entire oceanfront, the existing conditions on the ground are different in all parts of the beachfront and therefore plans for the revitalization for different districts are different.
"The goal of the redevelopment plan in Beachfront South is to show a zoning technique that would protect existing buildings that continue to change and would permit the maximization of development value respectful of properties that did want to change, respectful of environmental concerns of the state and respectful of the public goals of the redevelopment," he said.
"It is about making a great public waterfront and organizing cohesive developments for neighborhoods west of it," he said.
One of the challenges the city is faced with in the zone is the many narrow, adjoining lots with multiple owners. Talwar suggested a solution might be for the owners of the properties to sell the connecting properties to a single buyer.
The reason, he said, is that the long, narrow parcels are difficult to develop.
"The facts say that if long, narrow lots are put together, you can build more than if they remain on their own," Talwar said. "It is whatever makes sense for the property owners that wish to come together and develop."
"Basically, we are no longer going to assemble them to our power," Woolley said. "We put the pieces together, we can get a lot more value out of the pieces."
Talwar went on to say that the rules for redevelopment are designed to protect the homeowner in the area by not allowing variances for commercial use and to set restrictions on height and distance of buildings.
"They can be seen as restrictions, they also can be seen as value enhancers," he said. "I can tell you as a planner, the need is for some sort of rethinking of regulations."
Schneider agreed at the meeting that the redevelopment zone might help the property owners.
"I suspect in the end that is exactly what you're going to want," he said. "Things like tax abatements and other sorts of financing are only going to be done in a redevelopment zone."
"I'm afraid there is going to be 24 months of planning while these people have to pay their taxes," he said.
Schneider concluded at the end of the meeting that the city and residents are not that far off.
"You're probably a couple months away from getting this done," he said. "I think you're fairly close to coming up with a zoning plan."
For now, residents will choose whether or not to take Schneider at his word because he said he has no plans to take eminent domain off the table by way of an ordinance.
"The reason I don't want to drop it is I don't want to change the redevelopment designation now," he said. "I think it opens up to a lot of other problems."
Schneider did say that he would pass an ordinance eliminating eminent domain in the neighborhood once the planning process is complete.
Schneider also explained the reason why the city is planning to rezone the neighborhood in order to develop the land further.
"Right now the biggest problem is that the zoning we put in almost requires the use of eminent domain because it requires properties assemblage, which is very difficult to do," he said.
What the city hopes is to develop the land
that residents are willing to sell, while accommodating the residents who wish to remain in their homes.
"If there was no eminent domain, it might be possible not to develop everything, but to develop some things," Talwar said.
"Property owners can make their own decisions now," Talwar said earlier.
"The plan doesn't say anywhere that all the buildings have to be torn down to make a big building."
When asked about potential developers, Woolley said there are currently no talks with developers about the zone, and that officials are not sure how the adjoining properties would be combined.
Some residents however said that the redevelopment zone designation is hindering them in the pursuit to sell their homes.
"When a buyer comes along, you say the mayor says it's off the table, a buyer is not going to buy into that," BFS resident Diana Multare said.
While not all the residents were pleased with the city, some were pleased with at least the opportunity to listen to the presentation.
"I think the plan here tonight helps us immensely," one resident said.
Another concern for Schneider is the use of variances becoming an issue in the area if the redevelopment tag is lifted.
"If we were to drop it now without changing the zone, there are commercial properties in there that would have a very legitimate argument that we could expand now and have a credible argument," he said. "I don't think that's good for the neighborhood, I don't think it's good for the city."
As part of the discussion on eminent domain and the redevelopment zone, the presentation listed other concerns of the stakeholders such as open space, buffer zones and tax incentives.
Among the graphs presented was a look at each stakeholder's current goals for their land, which included some who wanted to remain the same, some who wanted to redevelop, and some who wanted to sell their property.
The two-block neighborhood currently contains 324 housing units, with 300 of those units located in two apartment towers situated on just a third of the land.
Talwar presented three hypothetical situations for development, which range from adding 188 to 355 units.
The three scenarios take into account some residents keeping their homes while combining a varying number of lots of residents who may sell.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NOPE continues opposition to Navy housing
NOPE continues opposition to Navy housing
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — A Monmouth County group is keeping up the pressure on the U.S. Navy to come to an agreement with a developer and avert the privatization of housing units on Naval Weapons Station Earle.
The group NOPE, Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle, held two open house meetings recently, in Colts Neck on July 20 and in Tinton Falls on Aug. 3.
The meeting at Tinton Falls was attended by members of NOPE as well as local politicians.
Tinton Falls Mayor Michael Skudera and council members Andy Mayer, Gary Baldwin and NancyAnne Fama were in the crowd, along with Congressman Rush Holt (D-12th District) and Sen. Jennifer Beck (R- 12th District).
"The point of the meeting tonight is to basically update the community on what NOPE is doing," NOPE Chairman Bill Holobowski said. "The overriding thesis here is, putting civilians on an active munitions base flies in the face of reason."
NOPE is campaigning to have the Navy stop planning to privatize the Laurelwood housing units at Earle. The housing consists of 300 units, each featuring from one to four bedrooms.
One of NOPE's main issues is that privatizing the housing units would burden the schools in both Colts Neck and Tinton Falls, which are involved in a legal tussle aimed at keeping the additional students who would live in the privatized housing from attending their schools.
The housing units are currently designated for Navy personnel, and a handful of students who live in the housing attend Tinton Falls schools under an agreement between the borough and the Navy.
Tinton Falls officials have repeatedly stated that the school district will not accept the additional students when the housing becomes privatized in 2010.
NOPE has taken the position that neither school district should have to be burdened with the influx of additional students.
"There is obviously a school issue that is dividing the two towns," Holobowski said. "The formation of NOPE is instrumental in that we've taken the side that we're not going to take a side on the school issue.
"We are going to take the side that regardless of who takes these kids, we are talking about 300 families that you're introducing into Monmouth County," he added.
Holobowski went on to say that neither town is well equipped to take on the additional students.
"Districts at or above capacity are going to have to build schools to educate these additional kids without any offsetting tax revenue," he said.
NOPE plans to take a wait-and-see approach to the school issue while the group campaigns against the privatization plan.
"So while the legal issue plays out in the courts, we are going to continue to argue that this whole plan stinks," Holobowski said. "No one should live there and no one should have to be saddled with the cost to educate these additional tenants."
The contract Tinton Falls signed with the Navy dates back to the late 1980s, and in it the borough agreed to educate the Navy dependents living at Earle. The Tinton Falls School District is claiming that the agreement was only for Navy children and that the children of private citizens who would live at the privatized housing will have to go to Colts Neck schools.
NOPE representatives said at the meeting that if the Navy does not comply with the April 30, 2010, date to privatize the housing units, then the Navy's contract with the developer states that the developer would receive a buyout and the Navy would retain rights to the housing units.
NOPE is arguing that the Navy should present a buyout agreement to the developer, Seattle-based Teri Fischer, and retain control of the units or decide to do something else with the land.
"We argued that this financial burden is going to burden us. We put the educational cost alone at over $300 million," Holobowski said. "We've argued for a year and a half now that the Navy should exercise [its] right and just void the contract.
"Do the right thing for the surrounding communities, do the right thing with the mission, and just sit down and reach an amicable agreement with the developer," he added.
The politicians also weighed in on the efforts of NOPE and the situation with the Navy.
"I appreciate the efforts that this group has made," Holt said. "I must applaud you for being able to maintain this effort."
Holt went on to say that the matter has been complicated by the lawsuits filed and that he doesn't expect a resolution anytime soon.
Holt said that state and county officials, who are also named in the lawsuits, couldn't say or do much.
"The county superintendent and the state superintendent feel that their hands are tied because of the pending lawsuit," he said. "They feel constrained on what they say or do.
"That means we need to continue to push the Navy before they act," he added.
Beck also weighed in on the issues, citing security as a big concern.
"This is an issue that involves the security of Monmouth County," she said. "This is not a political issue."
While she praised the work that NOPE is doing, she also said that state politicians are also working with the Navy to find some sort of resolution.
"We have been working shoulder to shoulder to make the Navy know we get it," she said. "It's constant vigilance on the part of all of us."
NOPE has planned a rally and demonstration for the fall, and the group is working on obtaining a location for both events.
NOPE can be reached online at
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — A Monmouth County group is keeping up the pressure on the U.S. Navy to come to an agreement with a developer and avert the privatization of housing units on Naval Weapons Station Earle.
The group NOPE, Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle, held two open house meetings recently, in Colts Neck on July 20 and in Tinton Falls on Aug. 3.
The meeting at Tinton Falls was attended by members of NOPE as well as local politicians.
Tinton Falls Mayor Michael Skudera and council members Andy Mayer, Gary Baldwin and NancyAnne Fama were in the crowd, along with Congressman Rush Holt (D-12th District) and Sen. Jennifer Beck (R- 12th District).
"The point of the meeting tonight is to basically update the community on what NOPE is doing," NOPE Chairman Bill Holobowski said. "The overriding thesis here is, putting civilians on an active munitions base flies in the face of reason."
NOPE is campaigning to have the Navy stop planning to privatize the Laurelwood housing units at Earle. The housing consists of 300 units, each featuring from one to four bedrooms.
One of NOPE's main issues is that privatizing the housing units would burden the schools in both Colts Neck and Tinton Falls, which are involved in a legal tussle aimed at keeping the additional students who would live in the privatized housing from attending their schools.
The housing units are currently designated for Navy personnel, and a handful of students who live in the housing attend Tinton Falls schools under an agreement between the borough and the Navy.
Tinton Falls officials have repeatedly stated that the school district will not accept the additional students when the housing becomes privatized in 2010.
NOPE has taken the position that neither school district should have to be burdened with the influx of additional students.
"There is obviously a school issue that is dividing the two towns," Holobowski said. "The formation of NOPE is instrumental in that we've taken the side that we're not going to take a side on the school issue.
"We are going to take the side that regardless of who takes these kids, we are talking about 300 families that you're introducing into Monmouth County," he added.
Holobowski went on to say that neither town is well equipped to take on the additional students.
"Districts at or above capacity are going to have to build schools to educate these additional kids without any offsetting tax revenue," he said.
NOPE plans to take a wait-and-see approach to the school issue while the group campaigns against the privatization plan.
"So while the legal issue plays out in the courts, we are going to continue to argue that this whole plan stinks," Holobowski said. "No one should live there and no one should have to be saddled with the cost to educate these additional tenants."
The contract Tinton Falls signed with the Navy dates back to the late 1980s, and in it the borough agreed to educate the Navy dependents living at Earle. The Tinton Falls School District is claiming that the agreement was only for Navy children and that the children of private citizens who would live at the privatized housing will have to go to Colts Neck schools.
NOPE representatives said at the meeting that if the Navy does not comply with the April 30, 2010, date to privatize the housing units, then the Navy's contract with the developer states that the developer would receive a buyout and the Navy would retain rights to the housing units.
NOPE is arguing that the Navy should present a buyout agreement to the developer, Seattle-based Teri Fischer, and retain control of the units or decide to do something else with the land.
"We argued that this financial burden is going to burden us. We put the educational cost alone at over $300 million," Holobowski said. "We've argued for a year and a half now that the Navy should exercise [its] right and just void the contract.
"Do the right thing for the surrounding communities, do the right thing with the mission, and just sit down and reach an amicable agreement with the developer," he added.
The politicians also weighed in on the efforts of NOPE and the situation with the Navy.
"I appreciate the efforts that this group has made," Holt said. "I must applaud you for being able to maintain this effort."
Holt went on to say that the matter has been complicated by the lawsuits filed and that he doesn't expect a resolution anytime soon.
Holt said that state and county officials, who are also named in the lawsuits, couldn't say or do much.
"The county superintendent and the state superintendent feel that their hands are tied because of the pending lawsuit," he said. "They feel constrained on what they say or do.
"That means we need to continue to push the Navy before they act," he added.
Beck also weighed in on the issues, citing security as a big concern.
"This is an issue that involves the security of Monmouth County," she said. "This is not a political issue."
While she praised the work that NOPE is doing, she also said that state politicians are also working with the Navy to find some sort of resolution.
"We have been working shoulder to shoulder to make the Navy know we get it," she said. "It's constant vigilance on the part of all of us."
NOPE has planned a rally and demonstration for the fall, and the group is working on obtaining a location for both events.
NOPE can be reached online at
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)