The Coaster

The iconic Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park could be restored following the state Economic Development Authority Board’s approval of  a Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion Program tax credit award of up to $75 million to support the $130 million restoration of the complex. NJEDA retains significant enforcement authority under that agreement, including the ability to reduce, rescind, or recapture tax credits if the developer does not meet its obligations.

By DENISE HERSCHEL The Avon Public Library is celebrating a monumental milestone next month. Borough officials will be commemorating the 110th anniversary of the historic, classic early-20th century building Sept. 23, the day in 1916 when they laid the building’s cornerstone at the corner of Fifth and Garfield Avenues. Behind the walls of this quaint building lies an interesting back story as to how the borough library came to be.

By WILLIAM CLARK They’ve taken to the streets and boardwalks. Regular folks as they call themselves highlighting what Debbie Dunne calls inhumane treatment of fellow humans by immigration enforcement agents. On Fri., Aug 21 a group called Jersey Shore Blue sponsored a walk along the Belmar boardwalk, where more than 50 activists held up photographs of some who have been killed as the result of the uptick in enforcement from federal ICE officials under the Trump administration.

Ocean Township is scheduled to hold a Public Administrative Informational Session to discuss a proposal to hold municipal elections in November. Municipal elections in the Township of Ocean are currently held in May. The session, which is open to the public, is planned for  Mon., Aug. 31, from 6 to 7 p.m.. in the township municipal building’s public meeting room. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts on the proposal.

By CHRIS CHRISTOPHER On a recent Sunday afternoon, the Monmouth Trading Cards store was New York Knicks Country. Walt Frazier, whose play at point guard helped the New York Knicks win National Basketball Association championships during the 1969-1970 and 1972-1973 seasons, was the apple of the eyes of 100 fans at the Walt “Clyde” Frazier Meet & Greet at the Consumer Centre in West Long Branch. The legendary Frazier, 81, now a Knicks commentator on the MSG Network, obliged fans for one hour.

The Bradley Beach Tourism Commission plans the Sixth Annual Pirate Day alongside the Inaugural Bradley Beach Reggae Festival  Sat.,  Aug. 22  along Main Street and in Riley Park. The festivities kick off at  noon with the  Annual Pirate Day Main Street Treasure Hunt. From noon to 4 p.m.  swashbucklers of all ages are invited to walk up and down Main Street, visiting local participating businesses to collect loot and treasure.

By WILLIAM CLARK The Asbury Park Planning Board approved the application for a new development bordered by Cookman Avenue, Lake Avenue, St. James Place and Wesley Lake Drive. The Views at Wesley Lake will be a three story residential structure with a parking garage. The building will house 27 apartments that will sit on top of a 42-space parking structure. The project, which originally came up for review in 2022, has been reworked due to environmental concerns officials had at the time.

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Asbury Park has been awarded $420,427 in a 2026 Community Development Block Grant. This funding will support a variety of programs and initiatives designed to improve the quality of life for residents by addressing housing needs, preventing homelessness, enhancing public spaces, and supporting community-based organizations.

Asbury Book Cooperative and The ShowRoom Cinemas invite film fans to celebrate the Jersey Shore on screen with author Marci Mazzarotto and a special evening surrounding “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere”  Fri., Aug. 14. The evening begins with a free Booktail Hour from 4:30  to 6 p.m. at Asbury Book Cooperative, 644 A  Cookman Ave. where guests can meet Mazzarotto, author of “The Jersey Shore on Film,”  enjoy drinks and snacks, mingle and get their books signed.