Point Pleasant Beach To Buy Storm-Struck Plot By Inlet

Point Pleasant Beach is close to buying 1 Ocean Avenue, a property with a restaurant and two homes severely damaged in Hurricane Sandy, for $475,000 from the bank that foreclosed on the land, which is across the street from the Manasquan Inlet.

Point Beach's Council unanimously approved the introduction of ordinances that would buy the property and then borrow funds to pay for the property.
Council members said the intent is to use the site for a visitor center and rest rooms, which would replace the old ones by the inlet that were lost to the October 2012 storm.

The initial source of the down payment of $23,000 could either come from the borough's capital improvement fund or open space funds.  The town is reviewing its options about which source would provide the most flexibility about how the land is used.

"It's 17 months after the storm and it remains the most unattractive place in town," said Council President William Mayer.

One resident suggested that the town simply condemn the property and force the bank into paying for tearing down the structures.  Also, the town's purchase of the site is taking a high-value property off the tax rolls, the resident said.

However, council members said they would have preferred that a private buyer acquire and rebuild on the site, but it simply hasn't happened.

"There are benefits to making the waterfront look nice," said Councilman Thomas Toohey.

The ordinance will have a final reading and public hearing on April 15, the next Council meeting.