RED BANK: SMALL SURPRISE UNDER THE HOOD
When it comes to cars, it’s usually horsepower that matters, but a vehicle in for servicing at Red Bank Volvo Cars Tuesday morning had a little something extra under the hood: a trio of newborn squirrels.
RED BANK: COASTAL FLOODING EXPECTED
Hurricane José is expected to affect the Greater Red Bank Green with moderate coastal flooding, wind and rain Tuesday.
The category 1 hurricane “may end up being a glorified nor’easter, without the snow,” according to the Weather Channel.
RED BANK: LIQUOR STORE GETS A REBOOT
The former Yogi’s Liquors, at Drs. James Parker Boulevard and Leighton Avenue, has been rebranded A1 Liquors. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
A liquor store on Red Bank’s West Side that had a seedy reputation was getting ready to reopen last week with a new look, a new business plan and a new approach to customers, its owners said.
RED BANK: HURRICANE JOSÉ HEADS NORTH
With Hurricane José moving northward off the Atlantic coast, the National Weather Service warned of impacts beginning Tuesday afternoon in the region that includes the Greater Red Bank Green.
Along with strong winds and moderate coastal flooding, the Jersey shore could get up to two inches of rain from Monday night through Wednesday, according to the forecast issued early Monday.
Here’s the forecast through the coming week:
RED BANK: MAN CAUGHT IN CHILD PORN SWEEP
A Red Bank man was among 14 Monmouth County residents arrested in a summer-long investigation focused on online consumers of child pornography, county Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a statement issued Friday.
RED BANK: MARINE PARK RESTROOMS OPEN
Visitors to Marine Park in Red Bank may be relieved to know that the long-awaited new restrooms are open.
But will they be more accessible than those at nearby Riverside Gardens Park? Read on.
RED BANK: WEEKEND WEATHER FORECAST
There was water, in different forms, above and below the New Jersey Transit rail bridge across the Navesink River Thursday afternoon, as seen from the Red Bank side. (Photo by Trish Russoniello. Click to enlarge.)
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service said early Friday that it expects Tropical Storm José to “make a close pass” to the shore Tuesday, possibly bringing coastal flooding along with strong winds. Meantime, here’s the forecast for the Greater Red Bank Green through the coming weekend:
RED BANK: MORE SEX CHARGES AGAINST DOC
A 72-year-old Red Bank pediatric surgeon indicted two months ago on charges of criminal sexual contact with a 17-year-old female patient is is now facing similar allegations brought by three other purported victims, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said in a statement Thursday.
ON THE GREEN: TWO TICKETS ON THE AISLE
Joseph York (The Prince), Alison Levier (Cinderella) and Gina Teschke (Little Red) are among the storybook characters going “Into the Woods,” when Phoenix Productions stages the Sondheim musical at Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre. (Photos courtesy Tom Martini)
On a weekend that marks the official curtain-up for Two River Theater’s season-opening production of A Raisin in the Sun, two of the area’s longest established community stage companies are offering up something for those who get a thrill from first-nighting — with fresh local looks at a couple of Broadway favorites from the 1980s and 1990s.
When last we looked in on Red Bank’s own Phoenix Productions, the resident theatrical troupe of the Count Basie Theatre was marking its turf with a revisit to West Side Story — an early success for the young lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and an indicator of great things to come. When the company’s 2017 season resumes this Friday, September 15, it will once again look to the Sondheim playbook — and to the storybook realm of the Brothers Grimm — with a musical journey Into the Woods.
RED BANK: POLS PULL U-TURN ON PARKING
The redevelopment plan for the White Street parking lot, outlined in red above, will be rescinded in an effort to end a lawsuit and address concerns about building size, borough officials said. (Image by Google Maps. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Red Bank’s search for a downtown parking solution took a U-turn Wednesday night, when the borough council put in motion a plan to derail a pending lawsuit by former councilwoman Cindy Burnham that members say has impeded progress.
In what was also described as a “compromise” between Republicans and Democrats over proposed building sizes , the council agreed to scrap a contentious nine-month-old redevelopment plan for the White Street parking lot.
At the same time, it knocked out, without much explanation, three of the five developers vying to build a parking deck, and more, on the 2.3-acre site.
SHREWSBURY: CRIMES AND ARRESTS
Crime and arrest reports, unedited, as provided by the Shrewsbury Police Department for the period of August 12 to September 1, 2017. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
CRIMES
Report of Stolen Vehicle in the area of Schwartz Mazda, Shrewsbury Avenue on 8/13/17. Victim reports unknown subject(s) removed vehicle from lot. Damages totaling $18,600.00. Ptl. Daniel DeCristofaro investigating.
Report of Burglary in the area of Broad Street on 8/20/17. Victims report unknown subject(s) gained entry to multiple business and removed property. Damages totaling $3,272.88. Ptl. Joseph Barnicle and Det. Sgt. James Ramsey investigating.
LITTLE SILVER: CRIMES AND ARRESTS
Crime and arrest reports for the months of July and August, 2017, as provided by the Little Silver Police Department. This report is published unedited. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
July 5– Jacob Canterbury, 25, of Freehold, NJ, was arrested following a motor vehicle stop on Silverside Ave. for Driving While Intoxicated. P.O. Scott Lorenson made the arrest.
July 5– A resident from Fox Hill Dr. reported Identity Theft after discovering that an unknown subject(s) opened up a fraudulent Dish Network cable account in the resident’s name. Sgt. Martin Scherzinger and Det. Sgt. Greg Oliva investigated.
LINCROFT: EARTH ROOM SPOTLIGHTS TWO
Canadian singer and guitarist Shawna Caspi headlines the latest in a slate of Earth Room Concert at the Unitarian Meetinghouse this Saturday.
Music fans here on the Greater Red Bank Green know that you can tune in to just about any genre in the area’s clubs, concert halls, community rooms and colorful festivals. From choral classics to classic rock; big band jazz to bluegrass Americana; a capella doo wop to alternative DIY, there’s always been a little something for every ear — although for the longest time, folk music aficionados had to bide their time between summertime special events and the odd little coffeehouse jam.
That all changed in 2016, when Lincroft’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation hosted the first in a quietly ambitious Earth Room Concert Series — a slate of events that has matched international acts on the cutting edge of the contemporary folk scene with an appreciative local fanbase.
RED BANK: PARKING GARAGE HEARING SLATED
The council will hold a public forum on proposals for the White Street parking site later this month, says Councilman Mike Whelan. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)
By JOHN T. WARD
Almost six months after they were submitted and three months after they were the subject of hasty presentations, five proposed plans for the redevelopment of Red Bank’s main downtown parking lot will finally get a public hearing, redbankgreen has learned.
RED BANK: CRIMES AND ARRESTS
The crime and arrest reports below were provided by the Red Bank Police Department for the period of August 16 to August 31, 2017. This information is unedited. For additional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
CRIMES
Theft: On 08/20/17 in the area of Maple Ave it was reported that Cash was taken from two separate unlocked lockers. Sgt. Beau Broadley.
Criminal Mischief: On 08/21/17 in the area of Broad St it was reported that the victim’s tires were slashed on the vehicle while parked. Ptl. Michael Zadlock
Theft: On 08/22/17 the victim report several items were taken from the home in the area of Ambassador Dr. The items are described as 1 pair of ½ K each diamond stud earrings valued at $2,000.00, an 18K gold “D” intital letter pendant valued at $1000.00 and a 36” long 14K gold necklace valued at $400.00. Ptl. Cevin Albert.
RED BANK: FREE TROLLEY SERVICE PLANNED
The service will use two E-Tuks, electric versions of gasoline-powered tuk-tuks popular in Asia and elsewhere. (Photo courtesy of Scooter Dudes. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Visitors to Red Bank may have a jaunty, environmentally conscious and free means of getting around town as early as a next week, when a new shuttle service hopes to begin operations.
RED BANK: CHILD SEXUAL CONTACT CHARGED
A Red Bank man was arrested last month on a charge of sexual contact with a minor, police reported Friday.
Javier Sandoval-Villareal, of Shrewsbury Avenue, was arrested August 22 for crimes alleged to have been committed several years ago, Chief Darren McConnell told redbankgreen.
LINCROFT: CLEARWATER FLOWS AT BROOKDALE
Jody Joseph and her band close out the musical entertainment on the Seeger Stage when the 42nd annual Clearwater Festival returns to the Brookdale campus this weekend.
The Clearwater Festival is a “party with a purpose,” in the words of Ben Forest, environmental policy/coalitions liaison for the Red Bank-based nonprofit New Jersey Friends of Clearwater. And when the purpose is the care of the coast that’s our home, the mission remains the main attraction of the environmental awareness fair, which returns to Brookdale Community College for its 42nd annual edition this Saturday and Sunday.
But still — what a party!
RED BANK: BROWNSTONES PROJECT APPROVED
Mumford’s plan calls for the demolition of six existing structures, including the blocklong factory building at 9 Catherine Street, above. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Red Bank real estate developer Roger Mumford won plaudits Thursday night from neighbors — along with zoning board approval — for a 22-unit townhouse project on a West Side industrial tract.
RED BANK: OCEANFIRST TO BUY HOV HQ
Hovnanian’s headquarters in Red Bank, as seen from the borough library. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
OceanFirst Financial plans to buy the Red Bank headquarters of homebuilder Hovnanian Enterprises, redbankgreen has learned.
RED BANK: HOVNANIAN SELLING HOME OFFICE
Hovnanian’s headquarters in Red Bank, as seen from Maple Cove at the foot of Maple Avenue. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
[This post has been updated with comments from Mayor Pasquale Menna.]Eleven years after moving in, dramatically shrunken homebuilder Hovnanian Enterprises is selling its gleaming Red Bank headquarters and moving to Matawan, redbankgreen has learned.
SHREWSBURY: BABY TURTLES GET AN ASSIST
What was that snapping turtle doing at the edge of a parking lot on Monroe Avenue in Shrewsbury last spring? The answer, or answers, emerged from the mud Wednesday afternoon.
RED BANK: RAISIN’ A FAMILY @ TWO RIVER
Crystal A. Dickinson and Brandon J. Dirden share the stage in the season opening production of ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ (Photo by Lisa Campbell)
While it doesn’t claim anything resembling a formal “stock company” of actors and other creative types, Red Bank’s professional Two River Theater Company has been more than happy to foster some mutually beneficial relationships with a number of recurring players — perhaps none more so than Brandon J. Dirden, the Tony-nominated, Obie-winning stage-screen talent who’s made himself quite comfortable on Bridge Avenue, even as his star ascended on television (The Americans) and Broadway (All the Way, in which he appeared as no less iconic a presence than Martin Luther King Jr.).
RED BANK: TAILOR, JEWELER, VAPE SHOP…
Jeweler Evan Piscitelli, left, and tailor Vinny Sciortino have teamed up in space on Broad Street. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
This edition of redbankgreen‘s Retail Churn could almost have been ripped from the Red Bank Register of a century ago, with news about a haberdashery, a jeweler, a “gentlemen’s club” tonsorial, a rug store and a smoke shop opening downtown.
Ok, that last one’s more a vape shop, but still. Read on for details.
RED BANK: GODDESSES FROM BABYLON
The breathtaking paintings of Iraqi artist Saadi Babely go on display at the Oyster Point Hotel starting with a reception Thursday.
He hails from no less storied a place than Babylon — and we’re not talking Long Island. As a professor at Baghdad University and a member of the Iraq Freedom Art Movement, Saadi Babely escaped the regime of Saddam Hussein and its program of persecution of citizens involved in the arts, and would lose two of his siblings to Saddam’s troops. Educated in the United States, he made his way to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and eventually back to America, where the mythological figure of the Babylonian goddess Ishtar would once again take flight in his paintings.
Inspired by the deep history of his homeland while remaining contemporary in style and theme, Babely’s paintings are the subject of the latest art installation at Red Bank’s Oyster Point Hotel — Goddesses: An Art Collector Shares His Bounty. The exhibit — one of two debuting in town during the coming evenings — opens with a public-welcome reception this Thursday.