Point Beach Closer To Buying Ocean Avenue Plot

The Point Pleasant Beach Council approved the purchase of a tract on Ocean Avenue by the inlet for $475,000 that would allow the town to remedy a blight that is still damaged from Hurricane Sandy.

However, Mayor Vincent Barrella voiced some objections to the purchase, suggesting that the borough was bailing out Fulton Bank, which came to own the property after a foreclosure.  He did not indicate at Tuesday night's meeting whether he would veto the ordinance, which was introduced two weeks ago.

"I'd rather spend the money on a firetruck," Barrella said, blaming the continued disrepair of the property on "corporate greed."  The 7,600 square foot site at One Ocean Avenue has three structures, including a former breakfast restaurant that was severely damaged from the storm in October 2012.

Barrella said he expects the cost for the land and any building to replace the structures to approach $700,000.

If the ordinance is adopted, Open Space funds would provide the initial down payment.

Council President William Mayer and other council members said no other parties had expressed an interest in buying the property, which is an irregular lot in a zone requiring 10,000 square feet.

Council members said the lot could be used for public bathrooms to replace the ones by the inlet that were lost to Hurricane Sandy. Additional uses could be found for the lot, since the inlet is a big draw for tourists and people who enjoy fishing, council members said.

Mayer said after the council meeting that the lot could also fulfill handicap parking needs.