text:
Martell's Plan to Rebuild Pier Hits a Bump
Correction: David Bassinder asked the town if Martell's can use the parking lot during rebuilding (see below)
Point Beach Council is not allowing Martell's Tiki Bar to use a town-owned parking lot to store lumber and equipment needed to rebuild the end of the pier destroyed by Sandy.
Councilmembers Kristine Tooker, Bret Gordon and Michael Corbally, at Tuesday night's council meeting, voted against Martell's to use a parking lot behind the south end of Risden's Beach and off New Jersey Avenue to store materials and equipment for roughly 5 to 10 days.
Counclimembers William Mayer and Stephen Reid voted yes. Councilmember Tim Lurie was absent.
Mayor Vincent Barrella did not get a vote because in the Borough Council form of government the mayor only votes when there is a tie.
Correction: Barrella said that David Bassinder, the former owner of Martell's, wrote the letter asking if Martell's can use the parking lot. (On Thursday, Barrella said that even though David Bassinder sold the business to his son, Scott, David signed the letter.)
Barrella said that he would have voted yes, even though he was galled that David Bassinder had the "chutzpah" to ask.
"Chutzpah is defined as killing your mother and father and then pleading for sympathy because you're an orphan," Barrella said. "My feeling is I can't believe he's asking. This is chutzpah. I believe that if I had a vote I would look at the situation as this is a very small man making a request of this council and this council should be bigger than the small man. I would have voted yes, but I don't have a vote."
"A Simple Request" That Got Complicated Fast
Scott and David Bassinder were not at the meeting but Martell's was represented by attorney Ronald Gasiorowski. Gasiorowski said the contractor planning the work for the pier said there is no other place to store the materials and equipment than the parking lot off New Jersey Avenue.
The contractor wanted to use that spot because the boardwalk was wiped out, making it easy to get equipment and materials onto the beach where they can be moved toward to Martell's.
When asked after the meeting what Plan B is, Gasiorowski said, "I don't think there is a Plan B. The contractor said that's the only spot."
"I'm really surprised at this vote," he said outside the meeting room afterwards. "They are making my client out to sound like a bad person and that's not true. This is just to use a lot. I believe they were prejudiced against my client. This decision is all because of the petulance of three council members."
Gasiorowski told the council it's a simple request to use a town lot for five to 10 days while Martell's decking and pier are rebuilt and that Martell's would secure a certificate of insurance to guarantee compensation for any damage that may occur.
But the "simple request" led to a long, heated discussion about whether certain council members have a conflict of interest because of connections to boardwalk business owners, whether boardwalk lawsuits should have been settled and how many interruptions during the discussion were one too many.
Corbally said Martell's pending lawsuits against the town and refusal to compromise on a settlement hardly laid the groundwork to be entitled to getting a favor.
"You can't keep poking people in the eye over and over and keep asking for favors," Corbally said.
Tooker and Gordon also said after the meeting that they can no longer say yes to boardwalk business requests when the businesses continue to pursue multiple lawsuits against the town.
"This is like someone who keeps suing me and costing me a lot of money and then asks, 'Hey, can I borrow your driveway? What would you do?" Tooker said.
"Now there will be people who will say we're not letting them use the lot," Tooker said. "But they don't realize they are suing us and those lawsuits are costing us money every day."
Mayer said afterwards that saying no was allowing politics to block a business' need to rebuild.
Efforts to negotiate towards a settlement on Martell's lawsuits against the town's attempts to close bars at midnight and against its parking plan have recently failed, as many others have in the past.
The parking plan was implemented this summer during overnight hours in District 4.
The effort to close bars at midnight was brought to a temporary halt by the state and is still pending. Barrella had said a couple of months ago that because the parking plan successfully kept loud bar patrons off residential streets, he could go along with foregoing the earlier bar closings if the boardwalk businesses dropped all pending lawsuits.
So far, no lawsuits have been dropped. Mayer, Lurie and Reid have been against the parking plan and earlier bar closing proposal.
Does Better Mean Bigger?
Gasiorowski said Scott Bassinder, owner of Martell's Tiki Bar, has contracted for restoration of the pier within the parameters of the original planning board site plan approval, within the foot print there prior to storm.
That was questioned by some of the council members. Gordon said Martell's Facebook page said the pier would be rebuilt "bigger and better."
The Martell's Facebook page has a Nov. 30 post that says "After 1 solid month of cleaning up more wood than I have touched in a lifetime, phase 2 begins reconstruction of our pier, it will be bigger, stronger & better than ever. I will keep you updated on how things are going, we will be open and ...ready by March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday."
"Leave My Wife Out of It"
But the discussion really kicked into high gear when Corbally said he has long been concerned with what he characterizes as "conflicts of interest" that Mayer and Lurie have voting on boardwalk matters.
Corbally said Mayer has a conflict of interest because his brother-in-law, Harry "Chip" DiCorcia, was Director of Security for Martell's this past summer.
Mayer, clearly livid, said he did not help DiCorcia get the job, that he did not discuss issues pertaining to Martell's with DiCorcia and that he has no conflict of interest.
"Chip doesn't need me to get him a job," Mayer said. "He's very qualified," he said, noting after the meeting that DiCorcia has extensive law enforcement experience.
"So because Chip worked for Martell's this summer, and hasn't worked since Labor Day, so because of that I have a conflict of interest and shouldn't vote on the parking lot?" Mayer asked Corbally.
"The legal question, Mike, and I know you didn't want to read the statute, but the legal question is whether I have a personal issue with Martell's that would impair my ability to vote, I don't," said Mayer, a lawyer.
"You just called Bill immoral," Reid said to Corbally. "You owe him an apology. You're making things up."
"OK, let's not engage in back and forth," Barrella said.
Reid countered, "It needs to be back and forth."
"No, no," said Barrella.
Mayer, continued to defend himself and said, glaring at Corbally, "And leave my wife out of it."
"Don't even go there," piped up Reid from the end of the dais.
"Stephen! Enough!" Barrella said.
"I'm trying to talk," Mayer said to Barrella.
"I know and Stephen is interrupting and I'm trying to control him," Barrella said, exasperated, turning towards Mayer. "Go ahead."
Mayer said to Corbally, "Let me ask you a question. You're a defendant in a lawsuit with Martell's. They're suing you personally. Does that impair your objectivity?"
Corbally said no.
"Mike and I exchanged emails over the weekend and I told him not to bring in this issue," Mayer said. "I told you last week that you were wrong."
Prompted by a question from Mayer about whether he had a conflict of interest, as defined by state statute, Gertner said, "No, because this is not an immediate family member. So there is not a legal conflict. After that you're left to your own devices."
Are a Father and Son Separate?
Corbally also said Lurie, in his work as an engineer for DW Smith Associates, represented Martell's Water's Edge in Bayville this past spring and, therefore, has a conflict of interest.
Gasiorowski said Martell's in Bayville was owned by David Bassinder, until he sold it about a week before Sandy struck, and that Martell's in Point Beach is owned by his son, Scott Bassinder, who had bought it from his father.
Lurie, in a telephone interview on Wednesday, echoed that David Bassinder owned the Bayville property and Scott Bassinder owned the Point Beach property when he did work for the Bayville restaurant.
"They're two separate entities," he said. "For three years, Dave's had no interest in the Tiki Bar."
He said he only worked for Martell's in Bayville last August on a planning board matter and that he has had no conflict of interest.
The Martell's restaurant in Bayville is now closed due to damage from Sandy, according to its website.
Lurie did not run for re-election and his term ends at the end of the year. He said he missed Tuesday's meeting for a health-related reason, may have to miss the Dec. 18 meeting because he may have to appear, for his job, at a Lakewood meeting, and that he does not know yet if he will attend the reorganization meeting on Jan. 1, which would be his last meeting until the point during the meeting when Andy Cortes is sworn in to replace him.
9:23 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Council members are childish and spiteful and need to grow up
David Daur
8:58 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
I don't even live in Point Pleasant yet I cringe and feel embarrassment every time I read a story about local gov't news dealing with the boardwalk. Martell's and Jenks should close down for a summer and see how quick the mayor and board misses the taxes they collect from these businesses. Then when they have to raise property taxes to cover expenses, watch how quick the residents are crying for them to open up again. Do they have any idea how much money is generated by parking tickets and other violations from the very same people they "think" they despise.
Central avenue
9:23 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
And so it begins. As if anyone was foolish enough to believe that the mayor and his cronies would not do everything they could to block and hinder the boardwalk businesses from rebuilding. Disgusting.
Michael Ramos
9:23 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
My only question regarding the accusation of conflict of interest against Bill Mayer is this: "Did the council speak with thier attorney prior to the meeting to inquire about this potential "conflict of interest" and did he inform them that it did not exist?" I strongly feel that this town has been devastated by hurricane Sandy - the last thing we need is more political bickering and infighting! Before questioning the character of anyone in public - I belive one should do thier homework and be absolutely sure that the accusation has merit - not if it will make a good headline. I am dissaponted that an opportunity to start fresh and work together has been squandered.....I sinccerely hope that 2013 yields better results. Councilman Mayer deserves an apology.
Edward Glenn
9:23 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
So much for the spirit of cooperation as we try to rebuild our community for the benefit of ALL of the taxpayers. Without the boardwalk and the businesses back up and running ASAP, we all suffer through less revenue being generated via parking & fines. The attempt to hold key stakeholders hostage by denying them simple accommodations (store materials in an empty lot for a week or two) unless they give up their lawful rights after the most catastrophic storm this town has seen is nothing shy of disgraceful. Talk about "chutzpah" and "small" people. Shameful. Time to put our big boy and big girl pants on and rise above the petty nonsense. Unfortunately, history suggests that won't happen.
9:23 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I like how Mayor Barrella said he would have voted "yes" because it was the "big" thing to do. I guess we can all translate that to mean those who voted "no" are not "big". Good show Mr. Mayor, that sounds like a statement from an "adult" who puts the interest of his town first. Curious too is that some council members are speaking of a conflict of interest of others. Yet they voted "no" citing anger over litigation in which they are directly involved. Isn't that a conflict of interest too? On another note, please clear away those sand dunes by your streets. The pedestrians are walking in traffic to get around them, not safe.
9:23 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
This is petty and short sighted behavior on the part of certain members of the town council. They should be willing, within reason, to do what it takes to get a local business and employer back to capacity as quickly as possible. Attitudes like this will certainly not help the town or it's businesses in the long run.
fed up with 4
9:23 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
This story just leaves another black mark on these three council members and the mayor. They are a disgrace. To be so shallow at a time like this is unthinkable. Remember this in November..
E.Nagle Moylesworth III
9:28 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Petty politics. Re: the Martels lawsuit - what came first the chicken or the egg? Would there be a lawsuit if the closing time and parking restrictions had not happened? Who harmed whom, first? As the Mayor suggests, rise above the fray and make the practical, non-vindictive decision. Allow the use of the parking lot. A deal might have been worked out where for the use of the lot, the contractor might have replaced some bdwlk pilings on the way out.
9:50 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
no one is stopping martells from rebuilding they just have to do what every one else does find a place to keep there stuff that doesn't belong to the town.
Nj Ghost
10:39 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
It's called "helping your neighbor"....I hope they help you when and if you require it...
E.Nagle Moylesworth III
10:43 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Hmmmm ... I did not realize how simple the solution was. 'Rules is Rules'! The opening in the damaged bdwlk does not factor is somewhere? That huge pile of debris in Silver Lake lot isn't an unusual use of town property? Aren't the rules concerning garbage at the curb being bent a little bit too?
2:37 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
town's garbage and garbage at the curb is what the town asked people to do
Nj Ghost
9:51 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Yet they, (the local govt.) That was elected by the people , for the people and of the people expect neighbors to help neighbors when they themselves are incapable of such human gestures.
The rage that lives in me becuase of this is well justified. It's nothing more then a power trip. These tiny minded elected officials who have no idea on how to rebuild a community after a catastrophie such as Sandy need to grow up and resign...it would be the right thing to do.
They are disgusting!!!
Usually Quiet
10:22 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
They say you see the "true character" of someone during a crisis. I think we are all witnessing it first hand.
gwyn lucas
2:25 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Town council and the mayor lack character....crisis or not. Glad I moved out of that town.
10:42 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Given the devastation that we all experienced, I would have hoped that all differences could be put aside despite personal or political views. In the days and weeks following Sandy it was clear that our town came together to help those in need. I know I am very proud that my family members were among the many who made a difference in our community. Some left their own damaged homes to lend a hand to neighbors, family acquaintances or strangers.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to justify how the same people repeatedly turn their backs on what is best for the town; what is good for our people and quite simply put, the right thing to do. I knew a very smart man who said, "Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching". Something to consider.
9:30 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
More like putting on a show. This entire town lacks "integrity" when one is watching or not.
Peg Born
10:44 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
How sad. I am sick to death of all this anger and vengance by certain council members. How about "do the right thing". Martell's wasn't asking to use the parking lot for months ...they were asking for days. Very dissappointed in Gordon, Tooker and Corbally. You three do not represent "Good Will" in the wake of total devastation to our town. Shame on all of you. And please, STOP the fighting -- act like a collective group of res[pectful elected officials that work for the residents of this town.
Deborah "Debbie" Venedam
2:50 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I agree with you Peg Born, well said.
gwyn lucas
2:30 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Well said is right...besides lacking character...they lack respect for their town. They are all just full with their own egos....nothing else. Oh, I'm wrong..one more thing. Spite....full of spite.
Da Poppa
12:00 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I was just going to post about this very article. Martells hosting a Sandy benefit for families of the Beach. Maybe they should cancel, you know, act "small" like the mayor said. Be petty and vindictive. That seems to be the way the Beach council and mayor, the "big" people in this dispute, go about doing business.
James Ward
10:54 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Disgusted... we need to come together now more than ever, what a joke. Meanwhile Belmar is selling their boardwalk board by board, raising over 100k in 10th Ave Freeze Out event and continuing to positively promote the town for its residents, guests & businesses - and Point Pleasant Beach starts right back with negative headlines - someone help us.
8:04 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
I have all the information and math related to the "buy a Board" program. I would love to bring this all to the next town meeting but was told that the decision was already made as to how our boardwalk was being rebuilt and by whom... sad too because we would have been able to build a walk that would have been considered "storm proof". Is there a committee for our boardwalk by OUR people??
10:59 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
And to think that after Hurricane Sandy I thought we could come together as a town. What was I thinking. I think the great people of Point Pleasant Beach need to speak up about the people who are speaking for them. This is an embarrassment.
Peg Born
11:11 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
We should get a town wide peititon going to over-turn the council and give Maretll's the parking lot to re-build.
David Daur
9:29 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
From what I've read, even if every single resident of Point Pleasant Beach signed a petition in favor of Martell's using the parking lot, these four idiots still wouldn't have the common sense to do the right thing and what the people of PPB wanted.
9:36 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
David Daur, The last petition did not go well in this town. I doubt many would sign anything.
11:07 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
"This is like someone who keeps suing me and costing me a lot of money and then asks, 'Hey, can I borrow your driveway? What would you do?" Tooker said.
You could be a grownup and act like the professional that was ELECTED to represent the best interests of the people of PPB, not to engage in petty vindictive behavior. Restoring the town and businesses after a 500 year storm should be first priority. You're about to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. How does doing the crappy thing make the whole lawsuit thing better for the residents? Did you not learn that two wrongs don't make a right growing up?
Carl Wilton
11:19 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I would hope that, in light of what we've all been through as a result of the hurricane, the boardwalk business owners would drop their lawsuit and the council would do everything they can to assist any local business, large or small, to rebuild. This is a time for unity, not petty bickering. A drowning person will sometimes frantically try to pull the lifeguard under. Business and government can be each other's lifeguard in a time like this, but not if each is still splashing and flailing. Let's all try to be "big" about this and concentrate on Job One, which is recovering and rebuilding.
2:41 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
how dare you suggest a two way street. don't you get it, drop the lawsuits they don't have to do that, but the town has to let them use town property because they want to
11:28 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
This is crazy... Why can't they just put their differences aside for 5 days? Plus, it's OFF SEASON, and they're only asking to use a section of a lot that isn't even going to really be used. Unreal.
11:38 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
This is completely ridiculous. Everyone here should be sure to contact their elected officials and tell them to grow the hell up. If this decision is not reversed, I will personally contact every news outlet in the region and ask them to do a story on how childish the council is behaving during the rebuilding effort.
Who the hell do these council members think they are? This is public property paid for with taxpayer money. As a business who pays a fairly large amount of taxes in town Martell's should be able to use that space as requested. If the council members don't want to get sued, maybe they should not pass ordinances that will get them sued.
D4 Resident
4:41 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Contact news outlets! NOW! This has to stop. This is such an embarrassment and abuse of an elected position. Something has to be done about this. If you have contacts in the media.... get moving and contact them!
9:40 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The businesses are the ones who contact the news outlets and are on the radio pushing their views. They are big sponsors with all the money and power. I think it is the wrong thing to do.
I have spoken
11:40 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Goodness....This Mayor and council are an embarrassment to the residents. I hope you all think of this in November.
11:41 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Here's a thought. Since PPB has been limiting access to their town with their restricted parking laws, etc. amongst other things, should disaster aid relief be limited or denied. I mean that is the same mentality as what the PPB Council apparently has. Perhaps Sandy wasn't the only disaster to hit those poor people of PPB.
Da Poppa
11:43 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Amazing ... The boardwalk, businesses and homes are in ruins, people are trying to rebuild, and the council will now put up every roadblock imaginable to prevent it. Congratulations District 4 cabal.
Lets sumnarize ... Can we use the unused parking lot (unused because the boardwalk and BW businesses are closed) for 5-10 days. The council votes against, calls the oppositions ethics into question, the mayor calls the owner of Martells "small" while declaring himself "big", the council question everyone's morals, and at the end of the night, nothing gets done to start the rebuilding process.
In the meantime, every other town along the Shore has begun issuing permits, clearing roads and obstacles to try rebuild as quickly as possible, realizing the financial ramifications of delaying the process beyond this summer season. Manasquan, Bay Head, Mantoloking, Seaside ... All underway. Point Beach? Nope, nothing. Congratulations, Beach, your march to the designation "Asbury Park South" has accelerated ... It began with the parking restrictions and revised business closing hours and fines, but you've picked up the pace ... Say goodbye to your precious school system.
Arrogant knuckleheads ...
9:59 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Da Poppa...The new beach school system is far from precious. This is not the same school it once was. It has changed for the worse. Please don't blame the students or parents. We really have no control even though they want others to think we do. The top leader lacks "integrity" that has the trickle down effect on the employees going right down the line to the school boards who also lacks "integrity" They crafted such and allowed the schools to become tainted.
fed up with 4
11:46 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Mr. Wilton
Are you suggesting that the businesses who were attacked with early bar closings and a parking plan that was voted down by the people should now drop their lawsuits in order to get a 5 day privilege to store material and equipment to start rebuilding their establishment? Are you for real? These four members of the governing body (3 council and mayor) should be asked to step down. I think Peg Born had the right idea with the petition but it should really be a petition for their resignations.
2:32 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Fed, these guys completely IGNORED a town wide vote. What makes you think that a petition would make any difference? They simply don't care about our opinions. It's THEIR town, not ours and Town Hall is THEIR clubhouse, we're only allowed in because they haven't figured out how to hold their meetings in secret.
D4 Resident
4:43 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I agree 100%. A petition must be started immediately for the RESIGNATIONS of these council members.
Carl Wilton
6:24 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
No, I'm not suggesting that anybody do anything "in order to get" ANY sort of quid pro quo. I'm just hoping that, after surviving a 500-year storm, perhaps both sides will come to realize, simultaneously, that the ONLY thing of any importance, right now, is rebuilding this devastated community. Does anyone seriously imagine that, 50 (or even 10) years from now, this squabble will matter the tiniest bit to anyone? Maybe it did on October 30th. It doesn't any more. For a great many local residents, still mucking out their houses, it no longer matters even now. And that is what I consider "getting real."
Chief Wahoo
11:49 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Just use the parking space. By the time these clowns make a move, the lumber will be long gone......
fed up with 4
11:54 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
One or two other things. Didn't the boardwalk businesses just provide a townwide Thanksgiving dinner for all who lost their homes and belongings. Is this the thank you they deserve? I am ashamed to live here anymore.. We are now the laughing stock of NJ. Towns all over the state are waiving building permit fees for any construction caused by Sandy but not us. These people on council are using the storm as a money grab. Tooker Corbally Gordon Barrella ITS TIME TO GO
Vince Barrella
11:20 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I just paid over $300 in permit fees to the building department. So stop with the money grab nonsense.
12:11 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
The bassinders have been manipulating and taking advantage of that town for decades. It's time the council stopped appeasing their desires. The son's indignant nature is highlight by the fact he had his father who no longer owns the business address the council. The premise there was that daddy command ls more respect. Ultimately, these people have made a tradition of buying friends, loyalty, and support when and where they need it. They are entirely self-serving and will continue to take whatever they can a they need until someone stops them. My applause to the council.
Nj Ghost
1:22 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Sounds like you are carring a grudge..."Former" tiki manager.
11:03 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I feel majority of the businesses made it a tradition on buying friends, loyalty and support.There is lackeys on all sides of the fences.
8:12 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Your kidding me right?? You have the ability to own and operate anything you want, why haven't you? Your bitterness should only be against yourself. If they built this business from the ground up, passed it down to their family members who have been a part of their business since its conception, why is that wrong?? Are you forced to be a patron? To give them your money?? Be realistic, you did not accomplish YOUR American Dream and are now resentful to those who have...
12:19 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Hey... PPB... you brought the lawsuits onto yourself by adopting those BS ordinances.
This is an easy appeal which will cost PPB legal fees. smh..
Judge will rule... all were bias and acted arbitrarily, without legal basis, etc..
Karen pearce
12:30 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I can't believe the council would vote against martells. You know it's time for you people to just grow up..What happen to what the people and business want RESTORE THE SHORE...ITs what everybody been saying for weeks...I guess you council members don't care what the people want..
RE Jumbo Jim
12:44 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Greetings Point Pleasant People! What a mess this whole fandango has become. One previous poster said that PPB would " become a laughingstock of NJ". Well, I reside up in Bergen County and sorry to say, after being notified by one of your residents after the storm and following what is and isn't getting done in PPB, you are well on the road to Laughingstock status. Having been in local government, things like this should be handled with a few phone calls. The lawsuits will play out in the courts, let them handle that end of it. The Mayor and Council should look at the BIG PICTURE! Whatever their personal feelings are about this business should be put to the side and had they allowed this seemingly minor request, they would have come out of this like champs. Instead, their petty remarks and behavior has them looking like CHUMPS! Doesn't your towns livelihood depend on the success of its' businesses? If I were a business owner looking to set up shop in PPB, I would run as fast as I could in the other direction due to the attitude towards business from the M&C. Whatever history Martells has with those living and working in PPB, they are still a part of your business community, they bring much needed tourists to your area and you should be working with them instead of against them! Aren't they holding a fundraiser for the community on Dec 13? People of PPB, show up at council meetings and run for office and get rid of these do nothing's.
1:24 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Do any locals even go to martell's anymore? $20- cover charge to get in, insanely high drink and food prices, and rude management are not my idea of being "neighborly". I say good riddance to them and their pier!
James Ward
1:39 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thats not even the issue you phenomenal dolt. You people that can't look 1 inch past your faces have me astounded. Its Point Pleasant Beach as a whole and single ecomomy. Maybe someone doesn't go pay the $20 cover but they do rely on that tourist magnet to sell their coffee afterwards, or tshirt, perhaps just the pride that we live in a BEACH TOWN THAT CARES and makes headlines for the right reasons as opposed to this ridiculous bickering and nonsense. Hope the view is nice from the cheap seats "NY" we really have a leadership crisis here and after the worst natural disaster EVER there couldn't be a worse time.
4:11 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Just because you feel it isn't worth your money due to your own inadequacies doesn't justify your deplorable and rude comment, but then again, ugly is ugly...and no high cover or expensive drink will help you anyway. Merry Christmas...
1:24 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
this whole name calling and accusation throwing is embarrassing and all involved should be ashamed. let them use the parking lot .... it is only for a few days...
1:40 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
for 8 to 10 days...what a joke this is...politics suck
RE Jumbo Jim
1:40 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Obviously someone is paying the $20 cover charge and insanely high prices for food and drink, otherwise, they would not be making any money and ultimately go out of business. Unless they have the place up for sale, seems like you are stuck with these unneighborly neighbors. So, the other alternative is to not assist them in rebuilding and watch the whole place deteriorate a la Asbury Park South. Every small business owner puts a lot on the line and takes a monetary gamble they hope will pay off. Too bad there seems to be such bad blood between Martells and the locals, Oh well, I guess I'll just take my hard earned vacation dollars and spend them in Belmar!
1:43 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
What does Martell's pay in local property taxes??? Maybe the local community would be more supportive if they knew how much they contribute to the PPB budget!!!!
2:48 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Yes... they pay property taxes... i don't know how much... jenks pays a lot but they own most of the beach...
RE Jumbo Jim
3:38 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
By virtue of the wonderful Internet, I was quickly able to find out that The Martell's pay $93,960 for 2011/12 taxes.
6:24 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
93000 out of 25 million what would we due if they went away
11:59 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
PennyStocks, so you are stating Martell's paid $93,960 toward taxes. What is that for just the tiki bar and beach? Am I missing something. Are you saying Martell's made 25 million. So that answers that question. The business needs the town more than the town needs the business. You can remove one police officer for what the officers make in that beach town. I am sure it cost more money in police every year in boardwalk problems alone. How much does the other business owners pay for just the boardwalk business? It is also funny how after police officers get through using the town they go work for the boardwalk businesses. Maybe Chris Christie our governor needs to put a cap on how much police officer's should make in all these towns. It gets very expensive, especially in all these beach resort towns. Give the towns a break and the power and authority to hire seasonal police and teachers. Hire a Police for 6 months and a Teacher for 9 months. Pay them for the time and hours they actually work.
A Resident
8:34 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Junior, the majority of the police "hired for the boardwalk" make $10 an hour. They are hired for the 3 month summer season. Teachers work 9 months and get paid for 9 months. Yes, some choose to have that 9 month pay split over the 12 months of the year.
You really should get a basic clue as to what you are speaking about before showing your ignorance of some simple facts.
9:24 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
This town has 23 full time officers who make 6 figure salaries for a one mile town. The town does not need that many officers full time. It is a seasonal townThe reports are a bunch of bull. The town needs to lay off some full time officers. They have it fixed in their contract that the town can't hire the specials at $10.00 per hour or part time police officers until they hire all the full time officers back first. Isn't that connivence. It is just as bad as tenured teachers who can't lose their jobs.
10:13 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
A Resident, If that is the case then the "Teachers" and "Regular full time police" are WAY OVERPAID! This is a seasonal business of 3 months summer season town (your words) Hire more of them and get rid of a lot of the full time police officers that are not needed full time. I have seen the back and fourth fighting on the "Patch" about all year round. Just more fictional bull donkey from the officers themselves.
A Resident
10:38 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Vito and Junior, the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs disagrees with you. They were responsible for the report saying PPB should have 25 full time officers. According to the report (which the State created) PPB PD is 2 short.
But go ahead and continue to think that nothing happens in PPB during the 9 months of "off season" time.
James Ward
1:45 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Honestly I'm not certain how many "locals" have any ill will towards boardwalk businesses ---- I do know that the MAJORITY just don't like the lack of leadership or the negative headlines that make the town a mockery. Again, bigger picture - lets start talking about what is best for all of Point Pleasant Beach.
D4 Resident
4:47 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
YES. PETITION TIME. Get these council members OUT!! We need a strong presence at the next meeting of residents and business owners.
RE Jumbo Jim
1:59 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
James Ward, you seem to be the most sensible voice of PPB. As an outsider just reading the headlines and comments on The Patch, I would not want to vacation in your town when there are many other shore towns to visit. Your local government is shooting themselves in the foot and unless you want your town to spiral down into the toilet, you will need to bypass all obstacles preventing PPB from making progress. You need to contact the higher ups in Government,ie Congressman/woman, Assembly, The Governor, The Press! Someone has to be the Bridgebuilder and by their words and actions, it is not your Town Council. I don't even live there and I am appalled at their conduct! You should mobilize and get something going!
James Ward
3:13 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
As Voltaire said: "Common Sense is Not So Common" - unbelievable. I'll be at Martell's Wed December 13th and anyone wanting to get together to discuss some proactive solutions then I'll be ready and waiting...
RE Jumbo Jim
3:43 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Anyone who quotes Voltaire should become Mayor of PPB. Work with your Chamber of Commerce,they have more clout and forget about the M&C. Your town needs the businesses not the "business" from your local government.
Everyone, meet Mr. James Ward on Wed. Dec. 13th at Martell's! He'll be wearing a red carnation and a look of determination on his face!
James Ward
3:52 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Even though I spend all day every day - 7 days/week in Point Pleasant Beach I do not "live" here so I cannot run for Mayor - although "Ward Realty" has served this beautiful town for over 87 years (I'm a 4th generation). I don't know about the red rose but I'll be there on the 13th just the same...
1:59 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I live across the inlet in Manasquan but just reading what has transpired with your mayor, council, and the boardwalk bars, parking, etc. makes the entire town look like a bunch of fools. I know plenty of people in PPB and realize that is not the case at all but your elected officials are a bunch of jackasses. Talk about a Mickey Mouse government.
2:04 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
$20 charge, never if you are going to post something please post the truth.
2:33 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Its funny how certain council members are lightning fast to jump on these forums to attempt to justify their actions, yet not one peep today. This decision was small minded and short sighted. It will surely come back to bite those same council members on their rears come election time.
And for what it's worth, Martell's has the best crab cake sandwich I have ever tasted.
Usually Quiet
3:25 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
pd you are so right with their inactivity, but I sure hope the three "no's" and the one "i would have voted yes" are out meeting with the beautification committee to plant a row of Money Trees in town, cause everytime we turn around they are costing us more of it.
2:48 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
What a terrible local government, always fighting and in the newspaper for something.
Do you thnk People come there for the same overpriced games and rides and nothing else. They hate bars which bring them revenue from parking, tickets, and other fees. This same crappy government denied the twenty thousand person polar bear plunge every Febuary. Seaside picked this up which will return to them not this year, but next.
A Resident
5:22 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
WMS826, most of PPB is happy to see the Polar Bear plunge leave. It cost the town money to have that event here. The Town did not make any money from it...all the cash that was spent was in 2 of the boardwalk bars.
And the number of covered up drunk driving accidents resulting from it has now gone to 0. Can't say that for each year the plunge was here. And why were they covered up?......must have something to do with who the drivers were each year and wanting to keep their jobs.
10:51 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
WMS826, you don't know what you are dealing with when it comes to the "Beach" They are not happy individuals. They don't like anyone that is not originally from there. They don't like any new resident that move their. Sure, they will put on a show for a while and eventually the true colors will come out. They don't like tourist or groups such as the Polar Bear plunge either. They pretty much complain about everything. We are all considered "bennies to them" You are dealing with a bunch of "inbreeds." This fighting has been going on for years. This current council is no different then previous council when I lived there. Same problems businesses and residents going at it, councils going at it, everyone just has a short term memory and gets on the bandwagon. No one has a mind of their own and if they do most likely they will be scolded for it. Personally I feel they are all at fault and bring it upon themselves. It is a downer of a town and exhausting town to live in. I am so happy we were able to get out in time. I feel for those who are stuck there or moved under the "pretense" that the schools were so great. This is one fictional town. The people from there are so proud of that, they refer to themselves as we live in the "beach bubble" they like it. I am glad I moved up into to Monmouth County and loving it. My sons are in a private school and my daughter is in a public school and there is no comparison to the "beach fictional town.
3:30 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
While I agree the town shouldn't do any favors for Martells while litigation is pending, I don't agree with the unprofessionalism of some on the council.
RE Jumbo Jim
3:46 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Let the lawyers and the courts hash out the litigation. This is whole thing is turning into a PR nightmare for the M&C. They represent you, the homeowners, the residents, the taxpayers. Is this how you would like to be viewed?
Sue Hankins
3:32 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
loved the comparison to Belmar. They are pulling together and showing the right attitude. PPB looks like a bunch of jerks! This is beyond petty politics. Grow up! The truly BIG person extends the olive branch. PPB native
3:35 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
In the spirit of cooperation, couldn't Martell's use Jenkinsons parking lot?
A Resident
5:19 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Jenks' doesn't have a parking lot that is accessible from the beach, like the one on the foot of New Jersey Avenue. That is why they want to use that lot....for the open beach access.
A Resident
8:47 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
I believe the boardwalk at Jenks North is still in place, thereby limiting the "beach" equipment from accessing the lot. They will most likely be using equipment running on tractor treads, which don't like cement and/or boardwalks too much.
Either way....it's a shame the Town Council could not Okay 10 days worth of use for the lot.
3:35 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
This is child's play, grow up and let them use the lot for a couple of days! For the betterment of everyone!!! Unbelievable!!!
Da Poppa
4:12 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
It's interesting that some people commenting on this article are asking Martells to drop their lawsuit against the town in order for the town council to approve their request for use of the parking lot for 5-10 days. Let's rewind the clock. The Beach council, against better judgement and counsel from the town attorney and the state board, passed an ordinance illegally restricting the business operations of the boardwalk businesses. The businesses, as is their right (and they were right) sued the town to to have the ordinances invalidated. They've been partially successful having the state set aside the early closing statute. They'll probably prevail in their other lawsuits. The council was wrong, has been proven wrong, but to get use of an unused parking lot, the businesses are once again being shaken down by the government and the District 4 cabal. oh, and let's not forget, Jenkinsons and other boardwalk
businesses are taking part in the lawsuit. Martells dropping out does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Beach residents, your town council has been hijacked by a group of buffoons. They maybe the subject of scorn and ridicule in your town, but their actions have heaped scorn and ridicule upon your whole town up and down the Shore and throughout the state of NJ. Next election is too late. Waiting for the newly elected council members to take office and maybe bring a semblance of sanity to the council chambers in January is too late. Everyday you wait puts the recovery at risk.
Da Poppa
4:14 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
The council and District 4 cabal is under some sort of delusion that they can shutdown the boardwalk businesses and turn the Beach into some sort of Sea Girt or Spring
Lake. They're chasing away summer tourists, and putting boardwalk businesses out of business. What they don't realize is, the Beach never was and never will be Spring
Lake South. The business taxes and tourist dollars are what's keeping your town propped up, and those precious schools ticking. Take that away, and you will become Asbury Park South. you've been treading down this path for the past few years, and a natural disaster, which bought other town together to rebuild, is accelerating the destruction of your town. You are doomed.
6:19 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
dont think anyone asked them to drop anything just said no to use of town property by someone suing the town
4:12 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
What speaks volumes regarding their behavior is that it will only add to the nails in their coffin, RIP...get out of our town, you three have done nothing but caused havoc and have never been solution based...You are not only part of this towns problem, you ARE the problem. What I am hoping for in your disgraceful actions is this....the Judge, "who is human too" will be able to get a clearer picture of the character of these three counsel members and it will benefit Martells in the long run, Bravo!!!!!
Vince Barrella
11:29 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
These three as you refer to them are people of extraordinary character who have time and again done what they believe to be right. If you disagree with them on this decision so be it but I am tired of hearing about their character.
David Daur
3:24 am on Saturday, December 8, 2012
Government Work
One day a boy and his father were at the dining room
table working on the boy's Social Studies homework,
the chapter about government. The boy turns to his
father and asks, "Dad, how many people work in the U.S.
government?" The father replies without hesitating,
"Oh, about half of them."
Vince Barrella
9:35 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012
David Daur:
I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you do not live in PPB, because if you do you should be ashamed of your comment. Our employees as well as our volunteers busted it before during and after Sandy. Our police were out in the middle of it as was DPW. After the storm, they were out in the cold to insure the safety of the public and DPW worked non-stop for nearly 3 weeks. Our administrator was in her office late into the night and continues to put in her usual long days. If you want to make uninformed comments feel free, but stay away from our employees, you are not in their class
David Daur
7:44 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Vince Barella:
As I have stated in previous posts, I am not a resident of PPB but I feel the embarrassment for your community every time you throw your town into the local media. Most people would understand my post that you chose to reply to was nothing more than a silly joke about government... but not you! If you feel the need to force my hand (being an outsider) this comment was posted about you and your three cronies. If in fact you are the Mayor, hasn't any of your family or friends told you to stop answering each and every post about yourself. You look like a buffoon in doing so, but more importantly, what Mayor whose really trying to make a difference would have the time or common sense to do so. It's like you have diarrhea of the mouth and can't help your ego from posting at every possible chance. What other town makes the news like PPB does? I almost called it "your town" again but I'm sure that's what your inflated ego would like to hear. Get off the blogs and go make a real change, a positive change for which you have been elected (and recalled) for. It's time to wake up from your deep sleep of incompetence and join the rest of our productive society in this time of need during post Sandy, where everyone besides the PPB mayor and town council are lending a helping hand. Shame on you Mr. Barella.
9:12 pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
David Daur, Not that I don't agree with some points you are trying to make. You have no idea what is really going on in this town and you are the one who sounds like they have diarrhea of the mouth.
RE Jumbo Jim
4:18 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
An my final comment before I go....just had a look at your borough website...Big $$$ being spent by your M&C...I added up all the bills paid at the Dec. 4 meeting, Holy Smoke! $1,509,066.05 for one month! Emergency Appropriations of $803,000! Ash Britt LLC Debris Removal of $500,000! Albert Marie Change Order Reconstruction for $225,000! You guys should be looking into these contracts, lots of $$$ going out the door. Good Luck People of Point Pleasant Beach, hope you can get the job done and ready for business before Memorial Day 2013!
6:21 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
for someone who doesnt know much you have a lot to say you must be a liberal
4:49 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
PPB Council = Group of mentally challenged individuals. How dare the council pander to quid pro quo doctrine
5:30 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
The 'town" doesn't want martells or Jenkinsons to exist....no surprise they won't help them out.
5:35 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wait to next month when the new Council will present a 3-3 split vote...and Barrella will have to eat his words. . .
PS: Talk about conflicts of interest...it's a known fact that Councilman Gordon's wife hates the Broadwalk businesses...remember when she was outed by Paul Mulshine, the Star Ledger columnist on his blog. . .posting derogatory comments?
Da Poppa
8:31 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
@spooner ... I wouldn't call that a conflict of interest, but it certainly does show a serious negative bias towards the businesses of the Beach by member of the council and their family.
brick strong
5:53 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I guess working together to get everything back to where it was before Sandy is over..Point council your a disgrace people come down to point for the beach,boardwalk,tiki bar and Jenks...WTF...
6:00 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Join the Pt. Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce at their Holiday Party on Thursday December 13, at 7pm. Hosted by Martell's Tiki Bar. Food & Entertainment will be provided. Admission is a $25 gift card of your choice, to be donated to families of Pt. Pleasant Beach in need. What a great way to share some Holiday Spirit with your friends, neighbors & community. You must be 21 to enter.
6:22 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
wonder how all you guys would react if someone suing you asked to use your driveway so that they could save a couple of bucks
Da Poppa
8:27 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I wonder how you would react if someone told you you had to close your business earlier than any other business in town, or any other business/competition in neighboring towns. How would you deal with the loss of business and money? How would you react if the town blocked off access to your business, or harassed your customers. You're a liar if you say you wouldn't do anything, becaus if you did, you'd be out of business, and all your employees would be out of work.
You come out here posting disjointed derogatory comments and calling people names. You must be a D4 resident, thinking that chasing away businesses and their customers is going to make your town better. If you do, you're not a liberal or democrat, a republican or conservative, you're an myopic dolt.
8:31 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
The difference is, it's not their driveway. It's a public parking lot that belongs to the PPB taxpayers.
Da Poppa
8:59 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
@kf I'm not sure what your point is. Everyone is making this driveway analogy, and it doesn't make sense. It's nobody's driveway, and it is a public, town owned parking lot. Martells has request temporary use a space in that lot to stage construction material to rebuild their business. It's not blocking anyone's access to their own property or business, the lot is not being used, and there is no loss in parking revenue because the town does not collect parking fees in the off season. Martells has hosted a thanksgiving day dinner for Beach families affected by Sandy, and will be hosting a fund raiser for the same people. In the spirit of the season, and for the rebuilding effort of this town, the council played it "big" and said no. I guess they thought it was their driveway. Someone needs to educate them.
9:21 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
@Da Poppa I think you misunderstood me. I completely agree with what you are saying. I was trying to point out that the parking lot does not belong to the council, it belongs to the taxpayers, including Martells. I'm well aware of the charity work that has been done by the business owners in PPB over the years. I would personally sue the council members for being arbitrary and capricious. I think the citizens of PPB need to get these people out of office as soon as legally possible before the damage they do, both financial and to the towns reputation, becomes too much to reverse.
8:34 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Good question. I would probably start with the root of the problem, why am I being sued?? But after that question, being that I was to represent a town who IS relying on businesses and knowing it would help them to recover from a tragedy....no brainer, why would you even ask that ridiculous question??? That is the exact reason we have these problems, think outside the box, think for the greater good, not off the cuff.
Frank Jackson
6:32 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
It's not a matter of saving money it's a matter of logistics.
jerzey fish
7:14 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
i have never seen a town that is just stuck on getting rid of one of their biggest money makers for the town. good luck with you taxes if Marttel's was to pull out of town
7:31 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Didn't we hear how the lawsuits were all covered by insurance? Isn't it a public "driveway" . By relating it to a personal driveway haven't we made it a personal issue, with bias?
I'll wait to hear from Mr. Happy, Dave C. and Part Timer before I decide for myself.
Part Timer
9:09 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Hello again, Do not have time to start with the political divide, have issues of my own being I lost the whole first floor as well as everything below grade. I will say that I agree that the town should let them use the lot, even if it was for a month.....
9:18 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Sorry to hear that Part Timer , I can emphasize!
Da Poppa ; perhaps I was being obtuse.
8:10 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Here is another example of Vinnie + 3 using their office to exert power over the businesses. He is a disgrace to this town. Instead of being the mayor of this town during a crisis, he hid in his house and waited for the free meals provided by the church. Obviously a man with serious inadequacy issues and using his power to compensate for his short comings.
Vince Barrella
11:34 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I do wish you would come to a council meeting and register those complaints that you have regarding how I have comported myself both before and after the storm, so that those who know might set you straight.
M Brodeur
8:58 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
beachmon46, I can vouch that Mayor Barrella was not sitting in his house waiting for church delivered meals. I spoke with him often at firehouse #2 where he pitched in to help the many emergency volunteers, the county crews, the PD, etc. He may not have "enjoyed" all of our conversations.....but I would not say he hid in his house at all.
And while he thanked and congratulated all the workers....."Great Job Men" while standing watching was not something I would accuse him of.....others maybe...but not him.
Nick Carraway
9:32 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Mr. Brodeur, I agree with your sentiments. No one in this town should be criticized for accepting help when it was offered. I don't think Mayor Barrella is a good mayor or acts appropriately in his role, but I would not begrudge him receiving help as I know that his home sustained damage, too. That being said, while so many in town were able to put their differences aside to lend a hand where it was needed, I am outraged that Barrella, Tooker, Corbally and Gordon, could not do the same when Martell's asked to use the township's parking lot. St. Mary's church didn't ask people whether they were a member of the church before supplying people in need with meals. The football team didn't ask people whether they had contributed to the Boosters, the school, or had come to a game before they offered help. There is simply no excuse for the public comments the Mayor made about Bassinder at this meeting, and Tooker's comments about use of a driveway? Certainly, Tooker would have the right to deny access to her personal driveway, but this is the township's parking lot. It's not her property. It belongs to the taxpayers, and that includes Martell's and Bassinder, personally.
Missing Brick
8:15 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
What safety concern does using the parking lot create? What potential harm does it cause for the city? Sounds like pretty petty stuff to the ears of one a few towns away. Shouldn't the government at ALL levels being trying to help business and homeowners struck by this disaster? How are past lawsuits even an issue...
8:55 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
maybe they (Martells) should offer to rent the parking spots required to hold all the construction material, then nothing would be given for free and it just becomes a regular busisness transaction. Afterall if the council does it for free for one they would need to do it for anyone else regardless of who or what their status is in the community. From reading the article there is no mention of any offer to pay (or request for reimbursement by the Twp) for the location nor was it implied they expected it for free,so since I wasn't at the meeting I don't know the specifics.
Nick Carraway
8:59 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Someone needs to remind these elected officials that their role is a representative one and that they don't own this property. The property is owned by the township, the taxpayers. The lawsuits that have been brought are the result of decisions that these individuals made while on the Governing Body, and its taxpayers who are footing the bill for the defense. It's the right of any taxpayer to sue the Governing Body for its decisions. I guess if you follow the logic being used by the Barrella bloc, then any taxpayer who dares to sue the town should expect to lose all rights to use public property while that lawsuit is in court. Maybe Ms. Born has the right idea. Maybe a petition needs to be circulated among the taxpayers of the town to demonstrate the amount of people who are willing to allow this public property, the property which we all pay for, to be used to rebuild Martell's. What is happening with the "deal" to repair the damaged boardwalk? 3 weeks ago, the Mayor announced his intent to reveal a deal that would not only provide for the boardwalk repairs but also settle all outstanding issues with the boardwalk litigation. The Mayor scheduled a special meeting to announce this deal to the public. That meeting was held 2 weeks ago, and no deal. I cannot imagine that calling someone a "little man" helps things. Obviously, the Barrella vendetta continues. Corbally is the pot calling the kettle black when it comes to ethical behavior.
9:29 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
you need to remember there are insurance liabilities which need to be discussed involved with what now becomes a storage lot. If property is stolen,damaged,burned or if someone becomes injured by any of the items left on the lot,whether the injured party is at fault or not. One further thing,having worked on many numerous construction projects, things rarely get accomplished on time. What is estimated as 5-10 days could just as easy turn into 2 or more weeks. Again as I said above,once the door is opened for one entity to use public land there becomes a precedent set for any person,homeowner,property owner to have the same usage rights as granted to Martells.
Nick Carraway
10:30 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Clamdigger, in the article, it says that Martell's lawyer said that they would post a certificate of insurance to guarantee compensation for any damage caused. As for potential delays in completion of the project, this parking lot is an empty lot, used primarily during the tourist season. Do we even charge people to park in that lot at this time of year? I know that the meters on the street don't go into operation until the Spring. As for "opening the door," I am sick and tired of hearing that excuse to legitimize a decision that fails to recognize the specifics of a certain situation. Martells had a pier that was destroyed by Sandy. I think it's the only pier in PPB that was destroyed. Are we really so concerned that other people are going to come before the Council and ask to use that lot to store supplies so that they can rebuild? And, if other people truly need to use it, then they should be allowed to do so. We're dealing with a natural disaster of unheard of proportions, and it's time that we stop worrying that people are going to act like children and scream "that's not fair." Fairness dictates that we treat people in similar situations similarly, and as far as I can tell, Martell's is the only business in town to have lost a pier to Sandy. But, I would not be opposed to others using the lot for similar reasons if necessary. We need to help everyone rebuild.
6:49 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
@Nick Carraway; I'm not against Martells using the lot,it doesn't make a difference to me. As for my comment of you are sick of hear re: "opening the door",well that's just the world we live in. There are plenty of people who could expect the same entitlement to use of public space. As far as I'm concerned,if they do get the lot,Martells should pay to have the space as well as provide temp fencing installed to not only protect their materials as well as prevent any "accidents" from happening.
9:31 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Hey Folks, I think I found a solution to the PPB Council's "Problem Children". You see, you're not the only place with these type of people. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/9719247/Amsterdam-to-create-scum-villages.html
Mr. Happy
9:43 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Someone wanted to hear from Mr. Happy I am told. Here it is: there are much more important things now than wasting time here on the Patch. The issues with the local politicians and boardwalk will work themselves out over time, they always do. We can all voice our opinions next November. In the meantime, get out and lend a hand, I'm sure a friend, neighbor or stranger will appreciate it, especially at this time of year.
Happy Holidays.
Nick Carraway
10:38 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Mr. Happy, I think that many of the people in our town have done and continue to do an extraordinary job helping one another. The value of living in a small town has truly become clear during these past weeks since Sandy. However, I disagree with your optimism regarding the issues between the Barrella bloc and the boardwalk working themselves out over time. How much time is that going to take? It's been months since the Barrella bloc adopted that midnight bar closing ordinance, and the ordinance remains on the books. The Barrella bloc will remain in control of the Governing Body for at least the next year. Irene took a portion of the boardwalk away from us, and to date, that portion has not been repaired. Sandy took the rest of the boardwalk away. While other towns are moving quickly to rebuild the boardwalks that were lost, the Barrella bloc is sitting on its hands. I don't think that PPB should have to wait another year before the boardwalk is rebuilt simply because Barrella has a vendetta with the Boardwalk businesses. Waiting to voice our opinions until November is not good enough if we are to have any hope of seeing our boardwalk rebuilt.
Vince Barrella
1:14 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Nick, just like your creator F. Scott Fitzgerald, you are proving to be a writer of creative fiction. You lose all credibility with your vendetta nonsense.
No one is sitting on their hands. The process is moving along the way it should. PPB is way ahead of other towns in terms of clean-up. Some on council believe that the commercial sections should be done first and the rest can wait. I continue to hope that the entire length of our boardwalk will be open for Memorial Day. The preparation of bid specs have been authorized and I expect that we will go out to bid shortly. Other towns have an advantage of sorts in that they can secure their debt with beach revenues, we don't have that ability.
James Ward
12:05 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Fitzgerald also observed "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." So let us try to function together. Looking towards next November & other polarizing ideals aren't helping anything at all and I disagree with it as much as I opposed the recall debacle that also did nothing but aid in our status as a laughingstock.... We don't need new leadership as much as we need strength from the ones we have. Mayor Barella has the type of personality that can tell the world to "get the hell back to our beach"... Point Pleasant Beach can SMOKE Belmar with the 10's of thousands of people who would buy a board - we can have a significant event to raise funds for our relief efforts, to bring us and those who love our beach closer together, we can do something to help poor Inlet Drive - instead the type of exchanges amongst town leaders at that meeting have me weeping for this town - lets make headlines for the greater good for a change, anyone with a functioning brain cannot possibly witness that comedy of dysfunction and think its anywhere in the realm of "OK"... Its just not and we need to get it together...
1:08 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Hear Hear. Mr. Ward for PPB Advocate !! What a beautiful and insightful rendition of the possibilities!
10:03 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
You must let our town rebuild. I want to say thank you to all of the volunteers who helped people remove destroyed items from their homes in a time of crisis over the past weeks and months. These townspeople even helped Mayor Barella, without question, during all THREE times he called to remove different items from his families home....when he needed help, people helped him. Just as we should all be focused on helping anyone who needs it during this time of crisis, including businesses. If someone needs to borrow a lot to help rebuild a business that supports our local economy (as well as friends and family members jobs), we should grow up, act like leaders, and help us get back to normal. Rally the council, as our towns leader!
Vince Barrella
1:41 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
And I appreciate that help. I especially appreciated the help of a father and two sons who drove from Lancaster, PA to help and ended up at my house for almost the entire day, apologizing for having to leave at 6:00 PM. Their help saved us. I also had people from South River and other towns at my house, as well as one or two from from PPB. In addition, my neighbors helped us and we helped them.
The council has been focused on those in need of help and has taken steps to facilitate the recovery in the Beach. We are way ahead of a lot of other towns.
You know it is funny though that you know how many times I "called." But the point is I called, just like residents came to a council meeting asking for help and the council responded and Mr. Lamanna although represented by an attorney came to the council meeting and sat in the first row while asking for a favor. They didn't send a three line request and the lead litigator in their action against the town to ask for the favor they sought. Like me they asked personally and without any sense of entitlement.
8:42 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Mr. Barrella
Please consider the Buy a Board program that is being implemented in other beach resort communities affected by the same tragedy. It will pay for itself and it will be safer. Allow me to present the information to you for your interest.
Vince Barrella
10:19 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Yes Ruth and one of them was your son Stephen Schneider and I appreciate that and thanked him at the council meeting.
Leave it on the Field
12:38 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Hats off to the Pt. Beach Football Team who brought light & hope & help to so many neighbors when they made the choice to join other amazing volunteers and clean out houses for homeowners overwhelmed & traumatized by Superstorm Sandy. Then on the football field on Thanksgiving Day these incredible young men gave fellow citizens more great community news to focus on. There was energy & joy in our town thanks to the excellence & hard work that earned them their 10-0 Season! For a few days, they connected us all to something bigger than ourselves. They made choices to be a positive force in the lives others by simply helping anyone they could who was under stress or suffering in remarkable conditions. Obviously, Mr. Mayor & the company he keeps didn't learn what these boys already know, which is respect for others is a choice you make every time you open your mouth. Helping people who are in trouble, suffering or in danger is what you do when you've been raised with values. The Pt. Beach Football Team is living the values of leadership & integrity while some adults in Town Hall live to be hateful, spiteful & disgraceful. Whatever Sandy didn't destroy they seem determined to bury. So that makes them what? Very sad.
9:29 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Please stop using our school kids as pawns for the political nonsense that goes on in this town. The school does it all the time and that is disgraceful in itself. There is no room for politics in the school. It should not be allowed and the Administration should be setting the tone. No Politics from the teachers, coaches or especially the Administration. Last time it was a disastrous scare tactics that was upsetting to a lot of kids and parents.
Vince Barrella
1:22 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
What is very sad are those who don't know the facts accusing others of being hateful, spiteful & disgraceful all while hiding behind a high school football team and a fake screen name.
Anyone who wants to talk to me about the facts of the Beach recovery please call me. My number is on the town website but I will repeat it here (732) 330-7910.
David Daur
12:18 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Mr. Barella, there's nothing wrong with your style of leadership although it may be better suited for running a country like Egypt instead of Point Pleasant Beach. You could declare a proclamation that your rule cannot be questioned and see how that goes over. I'm sure a collection would be taken quite quickly for a one way ticket to Cairo for you!
6:26 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
"Barrella said that he would have voted yes, even though he was galled that David Bassinder had the "chutzpah" to ask."
That doesn't sound very spiteful to me, it sounds like someone who wants to get this town back on it's feet.
9:09 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
The thing about this is that Martell's will still find a way to get their rebuilding taken care of with or without the use of the township owned parking lot. Council had the opportunity to put aside these legal differences for a few days to do the right thing and they squandered that chance. It truly shows that the situation has gone beyond political, and highlights personal grudges between the boardwalk businesses and the council members that were elected to represent their constituency.
If there is any one thing to learn from this is that certain council members need to remove their personal views from the situation and use common sense and professionalism to guide their views, instead of their obvious personal hangups.
Nick Carraway
9:15 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Mayor Barrella, the facts are here in this article. I cannot imagine how any elected official, especially the Mayor of a town, thinks that it's appropriate to publicly make the comments that you made about the owner of Martells. You often seem to forget that the office you hold obligates you to represent the taxpayers, all of the taxpayers, which means that you have an obligation to Dave Bassinder (who actually lives in PPB) just as you have an obligation to your personal friends, like the Diazes and the Loders. 3 weeks ago, you announced your intention to solve the problems with the boardwalk, the lawsuits and the reconstruction. You scheduled a special meeting (the taxpayers pay for those special meetings) to announce your deal. Obviously, there's no deal, and with the type of disrespect you exhibited publicly, I'm really not surprised. You and your bloc members need to learn that you can't keep publicly insulting people and then expect that those same people will be able to work with you, amicably. As for you comments about the character criticism of your bloc members, Corbally opened the door to that type of critcism when he questioned the ethics and morality of Mayer. Your hand-picked Boro Atty publicly stated that there was no conflict for Mayer to vote on this issue, and that wasn't good enough for Corbally. He still wouldn't stop. Going after Mayer's wife in public? That's an all time low, even for Corbally.
Vince Barrella
10:27 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Not going to get into it, but according to some David Bassinder is not a business owner in PPB. Your desire to constantly make this about the borough attorney, who by the way was first appointed by Mayor Tom Vogel and who has been described by former Councilman Mike Loughran as brilliant demonstrates either professional jealousy and perhaps a desire to get that position for yourself or even worse a darker side
Nick Carraway
1:03 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Mayor, I find it interesting that, of the comments I made above, you decided to focus on two: 1. whether Dave Bassinder is a business owner and 2. the qualifications of the Boro Attorney. You can split hairs over whether Bassinder is a business owner in town, but you cannot dispute that he is also a residential property owner. As a residential property owner, he is therefore a PPB taxpayer, and, as I stated, is therefore owed the same level of obligation from you, as an elected officials, as you owe to other taxpayers who are your friends. You have an obligation, as an elected official, to all taxpayers of PPB, whether they are your friends or your advesaries, and that is a responsibility you accepted when you were sworn into office. As to Gertner's qualifications, I think that you both missed and simulataneously proved my point by your response. Some think Gertner is "brilliant." You, personally, have supported having Gertner as our Boro Atty for all of the years that you've been in office, too. Obviously, you must respect him and trust in his ability to legal advice. So, why is it that when Gertner publicly stated that Mayer did not have a legal conflict in voting on the Martell's matter, that advice wasn't good enough for your pal, Corbally? That was my point. I think it's absurd that Corbally tried to make smoke where there was no fire, even when Gertner publicly gave his legal advice. It's Corbally, not me, questioning Gertner's legal abilities.
Vince Barrella
1:49 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
I fully understand my obligations to all of Point Pleasant Beach and have consistently adhered to that principle. In fact, it is my unwillingness to elevate some to a priority status over the rest of the town is what has been the source of friction for a number of years. Just because someone owns a lot of property or pays a lot of taxes does not entitle them to special treatment.
You obviously missed the meeting because if you had attended the issue at least for me was not be whether under a hyper technical reading of a state statute one does not have a "technical" conflict. Some of these relationships, both past and present, quite frankly are to say the least very troubling. You think it is ok for someone to work for a company owned by a father while voting in a manner favorable to a company owned by a son or negotiating on behalf of the council while a relative is in the process of securing a job with the person or entity you are negotiating with, I do not, especially when the council as a whole is not made aware of the facts.
One should not check their common sense or sense of smell at the door.
Usually Quiet
3:55 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Nick, you are on the money. Anyone can see that this whole thing could have been easily avoided and in the midst of all this, you have leadership that is thinking or should I say over thinking of a possible hyper technicality, instead of from the heart. No wonder nothing has been done regarding the rebuild of the boardwalk. It's about effective communication and actions, not hyper technical interpretations, which our own town attorney easily cleared up.
Nick Carraway
10:50 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012
Mayor Barrella, thank you for publicly admitting your unwillingness to follow the law when following the law doesn't suit you. In this case, I'm specifically referring to the law regarding conflicts of interest. I cannot comprehend what purpose it served to go into Lurie's employment background when Lurie wasn't even present at the meeting to vote. The issues that you raise that, in your mind, "smell bad" are typical issues that arise when you live in a small town. I have always been impressed by the fact that PPB is such a wonderful town that children choose to move back here to raise their families, so that we have many extended families living in town. The parents live here, as do their adult children and their children. When people live in the town where they grew up, they naturally know a lot of people, and interact with adults who they've known since childhood. It is, quite frankly, this type of history that has served our town well during these difficult times since Sandy. As for employment history, again, you encounter these types of problems when you have political officials engaged in private industry. In that regard, I find it interesting that the public knows so little about the clients Mr. Davis has represented over the years. Don't be so sure that I wasn't at that meeting.
Time to vote Tooker Corbally Gordon and Barrella Out
9:22 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
You know, Tooker and Corbally are up for reelection in November. Of course they probably understand they will get beat just like Davis did, so they will probably chicken out and not run. Would not want to damage those fragile egos. And so if we got petitions to recall Gordon and Barrella going we could end the nightmare of Tooker Corbally Gordon and Barrella's vendetta politics in less than a year. Just saying.......
9:22 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
So to understand what the Barella Bloc did in actuality: They came to a public forum, demonstrated extreme bias and exerted their self serving will. In other words, if a tax paying entity, not currently in suit with the town, they probably would have been granted use of the lot. Sounds like bias and self serving will. Not rather, what is good for the town. Utterly disgraceful.
Garnet Gull grad
9:51 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
I am appalled at a comment mayor Barrella made in this blog. He referred to people from Lancaster helping "at his house " and referred to people from South River and other towns helping "at his house" and one or two from PPB. He questions and also admits how someone knew he called three times for town workers to remove debris from his property. Does this mayor realize that almost a thousand people were out lending a hand to other neighbors in need and the town workers were busting their asses trying to clean up as well? Does he realize it's not all about him and the employees didn't need to be called three times? He and his three phonies have got to look at their actions and resign. Funny they help 709 but not Martells. Isn't that Gordon's prime watering hole. Conflict?????
Vince Barrella
10:44 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Perhaps you should read the Ocean Star and my letter thanking all those who volunteered. I was speaking of my situation and who helped me. As for how someone knew how many times I called, I just found that to be curious, perhaps you don't, but I do. Trust me, I know it is not about me and quite frankly what I tried to do was stay out of the way and support our professionals and volunteers the best I could. Let me also tell you that Gordon and Tooker were out there volunteering as well. The one group I forgot to thank were the Boy Scouts Troop 6 who also spent almost an entire Saturday helping me and then hosted a Turkey dinner for the people of the Beach on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Where are you getting this I "called the town employees" three times. I never called the town employees for anything. Perhaps you might consider a refresher reading course.
12:41 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Is this the real issue here???? It's obvious some of the politicians do not feel like they are. If we can address this and move forward maybe we can avoid all the nonsense . I know it seems simple but everything i'm reading seems to be an offshoot of this. PPB is fortunate that all vacation home owners contribute to local taxes without utilizing the schools,and other muni resources full time. The budget s/b ahead of the game here. Biz prop. owners also cont. to school taxes and don't utilize them. Why don't we discuss the real problem???
5:13 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Vince Barrella in an earlier post you mentioned about three of the council members character . I believe Mike Corbally should be ashamed of his actions.I cannot believe he hide the paperwork that the county supplied about the permit parking plan. And Kris Tooker made a fool of herself calling Bill Mayer a liar. And next Bret Gordon with his recent flip flopping on the risdons parking lot which cost the town a lot of taxpayers money.
5:23 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Vince Barrella and his block (heads) are just extorting the business owners with the threat that they are not going to fix the boardwalk unless they pay Money or dismiss the lawsuits against the town. PPB derives 3 million dollars per year in parking fees and the hotel tax and court cost. I cant believe Mayor Barrellais going to risk our Money with his my way or the hyway attitude.
Vince Barrella
12:18 am on Saturday, December 8, 2012
There you go again, spewing nonsense and venom
Denise Di Stephan
9:27 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
There's a new story on this, folks. http://patch.com/A-0jfL
11:07 am on Saturday, December 8, 2012
The people in this town once again shows their true colors. They all should be embarrassed on how they act. Let me remind you, the people make the town and obviously the people here are acting insane. Already on the attack just because there is difference of opinions just shows how out of whack this town truly is. You all should be embarrassed to leave such nasty comments on the patch that has no truth to them. The people in this town just proved that it will never change because if this tragedy did not change them nothing will. Maybe each council member feels they are doing what they feel is right. Maybe those on here does not fully know or understand what is going on and the real truth. There is a lot of decisions that transpire behind close doors that no one is privy too. Reason why their should be no back door meetings. Could be the reason why they are basing their decisions on instead of untrue gossip that others are basing their decisions on. What this town needs to understand the right to "Agree" to" Disagree" without all the attacks and name calling. Their needs to be more transparency from every side and then maybe the town will run a bit better.
12:09 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012
VB is getting awfully defense of his behavior during and after the storm. Aside from that, the town's leader should be reaching out in time of a crisis regardless of personal feelings. Our governor is a perfect example of a leader. He cares more about the state than what was going on with the election. Mayor - be a leader not a divider.
5:10 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012
Vinny Barrella is always on the defense because he is a manipulative individual who is still bitter about the recall. He still has not replied to me about any of his positive accomplishments over the last five years he has been in office. If he does not have the boardwalk replaced for the upcoming summer he should resign . Every other beach front town is well underway in their plans to welcome the summer residents with open arms . Not Vinny he is scheming to find out how to tax them.
Vince Barrella
9:40 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012
beachmom46 and ppb1955
There you go again, spewing the same tired nonsense
11:11 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Vince, you know it isn't nonsense! Since you have been Mayor, there is always some sort of fighting going on and people around the state thing this town is a joke. We were once a seashore community that had a great reputation. There was a balance of what was good for the residents and our seasonal businesses. Your leadership cost the town that reputation. You only care about being right and what your "group" feels is right. Every town has problems and usually the Mayor works with everyone to settle it. He is a mediator not a dictator.
1:09 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
beachmom- it's a broken record with Barrella. Remember when he defeated Vogel, thanks to the motel group thinking he'd be their "knight in shining armour". . .only to be double crossed. And of cause the Mayor denied he made any such promises to repeal the motel tax...
...you also remember John Mullen's lawsuit against the Driftwood Motel, whose employees re-graded the motel's dunes to accommodate a wedding party. . .well guess what...according to what Mr Mullen posted here...the town as appealed the Appellate Court ruling. . .so there's more fighting coming.