Should I stay or should I go now?
Recent shootings in Long Branch, Neptune and Asbury Park has prompted discussions about guns, drugs and gangs, none of which end at the borders of those municipalities. I've been involved in a few conversations about what effect this has, particularly in Asbury's case, on businesses and real estate redevelopment. Are people nervous about going into Asbury?
My husband and I went to the Market in the Middle restaurant for our anniversary this summer, and we strolled around Cookman Avenue that night, checking out the new businesses, the new townhouses going up, the very cool-looking apartments. We spoke about coming back and checking out the other restaurants, although our calendar, and our budget, haven't allowed that.
Would the shootings keep us from returning? I don't think so. But we all waffle a little bit. I know people who absolutely don't want to go into Asbury right now, others who say they have no problems with the city but might think twice if they were taking their kids, and others who say any violence is the "gang-on-gang" type or drug related, and if you're out shopping or dining, you've got nothing to worry about.
If the violence continues, can Asbury be fully revitalized?
My husband and I went to the Market in the Middle restaurant for our anniversary this summer, and we strolled around Cookman Avenue that night, checking out the new businesses, the new townhouses going up, the very cool-looking apartments. We spoke about coming back and checking out the other restaurants, although our calendar, and our budget, haven't allowed that.
Would the shootings keep us from returning? I don't think so. But we all waffle a little bit. I know people who absolutely don't want to go into Asbury right now, others who say they have no problems with the city but might think twice if they were taking their kids, and others who say any violence is the "gang-on-gang" type or drug related, and if you're out shopping or dining, you've got nothing to worry about.
If the violence continues, can Asbury be fully revitalized?
3 Comments:
"Recent shootings in Long Branch, Neptune and Asbury Park has prompted discussions about guns, drugs and gangs, none of which end at the borders of those municipalities." -- Clare McDowell
"If the violence continues, can Asbury be fully revitalized?" -- Clare McDowell
Far better, I believe, to ask why the violence and crime occurs in the first place. To that end, which revitalization plan will deal with or otherwise speak to the large number of children in Asbury Park that are born to single-parent households?
No, of course Asbury Park can not and will not be fully revitalized. They are simply
"revitalizing" a section adjacent to the ghetto. Much like the City
of New Brunswick where you can dine at the finest restaurants and see live theatre productions - but you best make sure you know your way out of town because even in broad daylight a ride down Joyce Kilmer Ave or Commercial Ave can be
fatal.
I say stay. Gangs evolve and grow in areas like Asbury Park becuase these young adults are enticed to join them becuase they want to be wanted. I am sure that most parents in Asbury Park make their children feel wanted; but the gangs use peer pressure and gifts to lure the not completely happy. It is not until they are members that the rivalry begins.
Great things are happening in Asbury Park. I am not certain that the Asbury Partners are on the right track, but they are laying the ground work for an amazing future. Once there are jobs in Asbury Park and the West Side families can once again provide completely for their children, the gangs will fade.
Just my two cents. Believe in Asbury!
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