no kruze night this year

[admin]

Jeff,

Do you have any info to back up the claim that Kruize Nite is in trouble? Just curious.

[admin]

I just had an interesting conversation with someone who went to council meeting last night. It appears that a number of events were approved last night including the concert series. ;D

What was notably absent was Kruize Nite. Still no official word on that. It also seems that several members of the FCP showed up. I was told the Mayor and Council went into executive session and then reopened the meeting to the public.

We will have to keep an eye out in the papers to see if there will be anything further of interest. If any readers have further and relevant information, please post it.

[leelye]

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/NEWS/80325058



FREEHOLD -- The borough's popular Cruise Night events may not be held this year, unless the Freehold Center Partnership can allay Borough Council members' concerns in coming weeks.

Council members and representatives from the partnership discussed the summer events' cancellation at Monday's council meeting, with several local business owners asking the administration to reconsider their decision.

"Cruise Night is such a pillar of recognition to the town of Freehold," said Mike
Page, co-owner of the Court Jester restaurant and chairman of the partnership.

Borough Council members had several concerns Monday about Cruise Night, including: the cost of providing police for the events, which tend to draw crowds of several thousand; noise complaints, particularly about motorcycles; and the number of people who carry open alcoholic beverage containers on the street.

"It's more than unmanageable. It's gotten out of control," said Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer.

The Council held out hope for business owners, however.

If the Freehold Center Partnership can devise a plan that addresses the council's
concerns, members may reconsider their decision, Mayor Michael Wilson said.

[novillero]

It's funny. Many people think Kruize Nite is something great about the boro. I tend to avoid it, but thought that many (though not all) businesses had an postive immediate impact. Other business hopefully gained by the general positive feelings about the boro generated.

I thought that the past year, motorcycle noise was cut substantially, as well as alcohol - I've never seen alcohol past the checkpoints. Is this really a comment about the event or the policing of the event, or about who pays for the police? I mean what is the real problem here?

This sounds like the case of the puritans sitting at home seething at the idea of people enjoying themselves.
...
Well, I guess I'll just see everyone at the Latino Fest.

[admin]

Like you Novillero, I do not go to Kruize nite very often either. It is one of the events I least attend. I have no good reason for it, I have nothing against Kruize Nite.

The one thing about it was that it did provide some very positive exposure for our town, something we need more of. Without doubt, it had become one of the most popular, if not the most popular, events we have here.

Let us hope that there are plans to replace it with something good that will also become a positive attraction drawing people to our town.

[admin]

leelye said:

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/NEWS/80325058



FREEHOLD -- The borough's popular Cruise Night events may not be held this year, unless the Freehold Center Partnership can allay Borough Council members' concerns in coming weeks.

Council members and representatives from the partnership discussed the summer events' cancellation at Monday's council meeting, with several local business owners asking the administration to reconsider their decision.

"Cruise Night is such a pillar of recognition to the town of Freehold," said Mike
Page, co-owner of the Court Jester restaurant and chairman of the partnership.

Borough Council members had several concerns Monday about Cruise Night, including: the cost of providing police for the events, which tend to draw crowds of several thousand; noise complaints, particularly about motorcycles; and the number of people who carry open alcoholic beverage containers on the street.

"It's more than unmanageable. It's gotten out of control," said Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer.

The Council held out hope for business owners, however.

If the Freehold Center Partnership can devise a plan that addresses the council's
concerns, members may reconsider their decision, Mayor Michael Wilson said.

Leelye, I had not realized that you posted this. We posted at the same exact minute and you beat me by a hair. I deleted my post so as not to have a duplicate.

I again have to repeat.....

[glow=red,2,300]You all read it here first[/glow]

[lisas84]

In my opinion, this is not a harbinger of doom. It is evolution.

I used to love to saunter around during Kruise Nites and become somewhat mesmerized by each classic auto; peering into the interior, trying to imagine a family in the 1950s, 1940s, etc…but in the past several years, the burgeoning crowds made it practically impossible to get up close.

It appears to me that a re-engineering of this event is a great idea. There are many interests and sides to consider, it appears.


In the spirit of trying to prevent this thread from being a complaint thread, I would love to know how each of you who care to respond would change this event so that it can go forward in a successful manner in the future. What do you personally like about Kruise Nite and what don’t you like?


Me, personally, I would attempt to omit the motorcycle enthusiast crowd, even though I love classic Indians…but I feel the downtown area really is too tiny to hold both autos and motorcycles and their fans. I would go back to the roots of simply the autos. This is great for kids too, to be able to see how autos have evolved through the decades, what their parents and grandparents (!) used to drive.




So – what do you think?

[novillero]

lisas84 said:

In my opinion, this is not a harbinger of doom. It is evolution.

I used to love to saunter around during Kruise Nites and become somewhat mesmerized by each classic auto; peering into the interior, trying to imagine a family in the 1950s, 1940s, etc…but in the past several years, the burgeoning crowds made it practically impossible to get up close.

It appears to me that a re-engineering of this event is a great idea. There are many interests and sides to consider, it appears.


In the spirit of trying to prevent this thread from being a complaint thread, I would love to know how each of you who care to respond would change this event so that it can go forward in a successful manner in the future. What do you personally like about Kruise Nite and what don’t you like?


Me, personally, I would attempt to omit the motorcycle enthusiast crowd, even though I love classic Indians…but I feel the downtown area really is too tiny to hold both autos and motorcycles and their fans. I would go back to the roots of simply the autos. This is great for kids too, to be able to see how autos have evolved through the decades, what their parents and grandparents (!) used to drive.




So – what do you think?

I've never had a problem getting up close, especially to cars in the large lot by the old hall of recs.

The noise from the bikes also decreased, as they were put on a side street.

I think it is hard to move around the sidewalks on East Main, but not so bad as to ban the event.

Like I said, I've never seen alcohol outside the permitted perimeters.

The biggest problem I had was the garbage. And that could be solved by a few hundred bucks worth of extra cans. The event is cleaned up by the next day and there is little evidence that it even happened.

So I really don't agree with Schutzer's comment, the size is due to the success. Unless she was trying to paraphrase Yogi Berra, this place is so crowded that no one goes there any more.

I think the decision will hurt some of the businesses that have supported the town for many many years.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

lisas84 said:

In my opinion, this is not a harbinger of doom. It is evolution.

I used to love to saunter around during Kruise Nites and become somewhat mesmerized by each classic auto; peering into the interior, trying to imagine a family in the 1950s, 1940s, etc…but in the past several years, the burgeoning crowds made it practically impossible to get up close.

It appears to me that a re-engineering of this event is a great idea. There are many interests and sides to consider, it appears.


In the spirit of trying to prevent this thread from being a complaint thread, I would love to know how each of you who care to respond would change this event so that it can go forward in a successful manner in the future. What do you personally like about Kruise Nite and what don’t you like?


Me, personally, I would attempt to omit the motorcycle enthusiast crowd, even though I love classic Indians…but I feel the downtown area really is too tiny to hold both autos and motorcycles and their fans. I would go back to the roots of simply the autos. This is great for kids too, to be able to see how autos have evolved through the decades, what their parents and grandparents (!) used to drive.


So – what do you think?

OK Solution one....

Kruse night 50's, next month Kruse night 60's, next month Kruse night 70's, and Bike Night Kruse night..... Not sure how this will limit the crowds, but just a thought.

Kruse night issues outlined in the APP did not suddenly crop up in 2007. There has been plenty of time over the years to re-engineer, evolve, morph, ....what have you.

A SEVEN month disconnection between FCP, FBPD, the mayor and council? This is dysfunctional. Sorry LS84, but this the lack of connection is a negative.

Watch, a solution will be provided before the "season" kickoff. Another observation, this is a sign that the American Hotel will NOT be open for the summer as the Mayor heralded . Can you imagine what the investors of the American Hotel would say and do if Kruse night was no more? OUCH

I live near downtown, and have been hearing "HOGS" till midnight as long as I can remember living here. Generally, I do not mind the hustle and bustle of Kruse night, its only four nights of the year.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

novillero said:

Like I said, I've never seen alcohol outside the permitted perimeters.

I have seen people drinking in the streets in the zone, and this also needs to be eliminated, ... Its the law, yet the open bar crawl is allowed, ... the New Orleans Mardi Gras behavior that has been allowed to build up, must end.

Make this A Family event again. How about Kids eat free till 9 PM from the restaurants,...no liquor off premise and last call at 10:00 PM during Kruse night and ... FBPD or County Sheriff or State police maintain a DWI check point at the FCP expense, during krusie night.

TO eliminate the "KIDS" a "kruse night curfew zone" for anyone under 19 without a parent.

Again, about the drinking, what we see on Kruse night is NOT tolerated at seaside or point pleasant boardwalk or streets. these same protocols must be observed. These too will limit the crowd of undesirables

[lisas84]

Fiber,

Nice decade niche -- i kind of like that. Creative thinking.

Now regarding your seven month disconnection comment -- I don't care to try and cast any blame. I don't think doing so is constructive. It is what it is now, so again, let's think of ideas to move forward -- not backwards.

[admin]

lisas84 said:

In my opinion, this is not a harbinger of doom. It is evolution.

I used to love to saunter around during Kruise Nites and become somewhat mesmerized by each classic auto; peering into the interior, trying to imagine a family in the 1950s, 1940s, etc…but in the past several years, the burgeoning crowds made it practically impossible to get up close.

It appears to me that a re-engineering of this event is a great idea. There are many interests and sides to consider, it appears.


In the spirit of trying to prevent this thread from being a complaint thread, I would love to know how each of you who care to respond would change this event so that it can go forward in a successful manner in the future. What do you personally like about Kruise Nite and what don’t you like?


Me, personally, I would attempt to omit the motorcycle enthusiast crowd, even though I love classic Indians…but I feel the downtown area really is too tiny to hold both autos and motorcycles and their fans. I would go back to the roots of simply the autos. This is great for kids too, to be able to see how autos have evolved through the decades, what their parents and grandparents (!) used to drive.




So – what do you think?

You are absolutely right Lisa, this is no harbinger of doom.

We all have to keep in mind that events change. Some fall to the wayside, others come in to replace them, or they evolve. It is all very normal. How bitter sweet that this event has been cancelled because it got too big!

I had heard some rumblings a while ago about the problems we have seen manifest themselves here. A motorcycle enthusiast I was speaking to told me that this could happen. Naturally, that person was not in favor of the event being canceled.

I would hope that the energy and momentum of Kruise Nite can be harnessed for a similar or other event. My only gripe I have somewhat falls in line with criticizm that Fiber had, but not with as much negativity attached. That is, I think before this issue hit the papers, there should have been a plan between all involved parties to show some sort of forward thinking solution. There is too much that looks as if it is a dead deal, which is not good for the town image. In other words, there should have been a more concrete plan "B" to show that this town still has life and potential. To me that would have been some good PR to of set the blow of losing our most successful event.

Either way, this shoudl not be an end by any means. I foresee a bit of evolution and we will see something come back in it's place.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

lisas84 said:

Fiber,

Nice decade niche -- i kind of like that. Creative thinking.

Now regarding your seven month disconnection comment -- I don't care to try and cast any blame. I don't think doing so is constructive. It is what it is now, so again, let's think of ideas to move forward -- not back wards.

This discontinuance of an annual event that is a serious revenue engine for downtown and the merchants who have decided to stay, and the new merchants who have invested...is cancel. The ball was dropped dear, yes, the team fumbled if the reason that caused the cessation of the activity had been know for 7 months yet no one had been dialogging to offer a solution only until the now. But your entitled to your opinion.

Like a car, you need to check your fluids regularly, you don't wait for the engine light to go off, because thats when you have a bigger more costly problem. The neglected downtown engine lights went off last year. but lets not blame the negligent owner of the car, after all...."let's think of ideas to move forward -- not back wards." I see your point.

[lisas84]

Fiber,

Shame, you've missed my point totally and simply want to continue to blather on about the big blame, which will accomplish exactly what? Granted, so there's a disconnect and I understand your points about revenue for downtown. Again, instead of wallowing in whose to blame, how can this event be successfully driven to the future?

[fiberisgoodforyou]

lisas84 said:

Fiber,

Shame, you've missed my point totally and simply want to continue to blather on about the big blame, which will accomplish exactly what? Granted, so there's a disconnect and I understand your points about revenue for downtown. Again, instead of wallowing in whose to blame, how can this event be successfully driven to the future?

Shame on who?

As we see through this example, another one bytes the dust.

OK lets say its 1990, lets look into the future, say 18 years, what will the promise of Downtown Freehold be, where will the successfully driven future lead us???

Some call it blame, others may call it ownership, some may suggest accountability, some call it useless blather others imagine Billie Burk in a bubble, a wand, a pair of yellow shoes and a Ruby Colored Brick road leading us all to Kansas. Now thats successfully driven

If you don't learn from history, you are destined to make the same mistakes over again.

[novillero]

Lisa, but that was my point. I don't understand the real issues. Is there more than the 3 things (cost, alcohol and noise) pointed out in the article?

I really don't get it. Fiber says that people are drinking within "the zone." This would imply that they are drinking where they are allowed to. Pub crawl? What between Federici's and the Jester? For any car enthusiast, there are no classic cars parked in this "drinking zone."

The glimmer of hope in the article is that Kruize Nite can be resurrected. I suspect that an outpouring by the community may also help change council's mind (if they see that the complaints are minor in comparison to the praise).

I may tend to think that the cost is the real issue and that this is an attempt by council to get the local businesses to pony up a bit more? But that is really reading between the lines... or is it?

anyway, perhaps people should let council know they support the event...

[lisas84]

Hi, Nov! I most certainly do not know anything more about issues, nor about cost.

Do you like Kruise Nite? What do you like best? What do you like least?

I like your glimmer of hope, I agree, I also think it can and will be resurrected.

[novillero]

I go hot and cold with cruise night. I like just getting out and seeing the really old cars, like Model Ts or the suped-up cars from the 50s. I also like to people watch... you really get all kinds there (maybe that's why some people complain!)

After going through the parking lot of cars, I then usually fight my way to Ritas or Cafe 360. It's the crowds on the sidwalks that I like the least, but what can you do? (I always say to myself that it was a mistake to walk through the crowds by Feds and the Jester but still I find myself there over and over again. I never learn).

Here are my suggestions:
1. A crossing guard/police man around Sheriff or Spring Street, and one by Throckmorten.
2. More garbage cans for that night.
3. Stop vendors from selling from Main Street. Put them in the parking lot or on Court Street, at the Old Hall of Records, or at the back parking lot. Those vendors seem to create traffic jams on the sidewalk.

Other than that, a classic car show will always be the same. it is what it is, regardless where you go. The only difference is the amount of people. Freehold's is more popular to others I've been to.

MODIFICATION TO POST:
Fiber's idea of decade themes reminded me of something. My pet peeve for cruise night is people that only think their cars are classic. They usually claim that they have "instant classics." That bugs me.

[admin]

lisas84 said:

Fiber,

Shame, you've missed my point totally and simply want to continue to blather on about the big blame, which will accomplish exactly what? Granted, so there's a disconnect and I understand your points about revenue for downtown. Again, instead of wallowing in whose to blame, how can this event be successfully driven to the future?

WE have had site participants beat up on the FCP plenty of times in the past. It is sad, but this recent issue somewhat vindicates what has been written. There is reasonable criticism to go all around.

But, you are right in your thinking, Lisa. We need to think ahead and seek solutions. That is what the future is about, not constantly being negative and complaining. Fiber came up with that good idea of decade themes. That is exactly what I meant when I wrote about using the momentum and fame of the present event and building it into something better and more relevant. Again, these things happen with events and it is no harbinger of doom.

I foresee some good re-evaluation coming out of this for all parties involved.

[lisas84]

Great ideas, Nov! I agree about the vendors right on Main -- they're fun and add to the festive atmosphere, but you are right their locations can and do cause foot-traffic jams. They can be moved elsewhere to not block that flow.

I like the idea of more trash cans too and the crossing guards.

[richardkelsey]

Kruze night is a signature Freehold event -- and I am sure all responsible parties are working to make sure the event continues, but under the best terms for all involved.

It seems one avenue might be to raise the fees on outside vendors who are, essentially, free-riders on the event and their presence, while helpful, detracts from the effort to bring new business to existing Freehold stores that slug it out in the town year in and year out.

Perhaps that would help pay for some additional resources to manage crowd control.

Perhaps the Partnership can sponsor a "Freehold Beautiful" day to follow Kruise night. That would work to get community and business and association volunteers to do a town-wide clean-up post event -- lessening the clean-up burden and cost and expanding the effort to better beautify the town. (Schools, girl scouts, boy scouts, and other groups would likely help participate. Maybe the Freehold Voice and the LLA can help too.)

It seems like a real shame to end the event. While I have been harsh on some member of Council regarding the immigration issue --- the negative feedback and costs must be awfully high if they are putting the brakes on this signature event. In this case, they would know far better than I.

[leelye]

richardkelsey said:

Kruze night is a signature Freehold event -- and I am sure all responsible parties are working to make sure the event continues, but under the best terms for all involved.

It seems one avenue might be to raise the fees on outside vendors who are, essentially, free-riders on the event and their presence, while helpful, detracts from the effort to bring new business to existing Freehold stores that slug it out in the town year in and year out.

Perhaps that would help pay for some additional resources to manage crowd control.

Perhaps the Partnership can sponsor a "Freehold Beautiful" day to follow Kruise night. That would work to get community and business and association volunteers to do a town-wide clean-up post event -- lessening the clean-up burden and cost and expanding the effort to better beautify the town. (Schools, girl scouts, boy scouts, and other groups would likely help participate. Maybe the Freehold Voice and the LLA can help too.)

It seems like a real shame to end the event. While I have been harsh on some member of Council regarding the immigration issue --- the negative feedback and costs must be awfully high if they are putting the brakes on this signature event. In this case, they would know far better than I.

Rich,

I've suggested in the past, using the inmate labor program at the Jail as a source of cleanup. The Borough uses the inmate labor from the Jail to beautify the Little League Fields, so why not after Kruise Night.

Perhaps if they eliminate the Motorcycles altogether, that would curb a lot of the problems. Or allow a limited amount and only antique motorcycles. It was originally set up for Antique Cars.

Maybe if they spread the Police presence around the town instead of hanging in one or two areas, there would be less problem areas. With all the police and trooper presence, how many tickets have been generated for cars running red lights, pedestrians jay walking and crossing the streets against the light, open alcoholic beverages?

How about some good old fashioned Traffic Police directing both Pedestrian and Car traffic?

Does the Borough still have the Bicycle Patrol? And in what capactiy are they used?

It's a two way street (both the Police and the Antique cars) and it can be fixed with some of these helpful suggestions.

Leelye

[leelye]

admin said:

leelye said:

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/NEWS/80325058



FREEHOLD -- The borough's popular Cruise Night events may not be held this year, unless the Freehold Center Partnership can allay Borough Council members' concerns in coming weeks.

Council members and representatives from the partnership discussed the summer events' cancellation at Monday's council meeting, with several local business owners asking the administration to reconsider their decision.

"Cruise Night is such a pillar of recognition to the town of Freehold," said Mike
Page, co-owner of the Court Jester restaurant and chairman of the partnership.

Borough Council members had several concerns Monday about Cruise Night, including: the cost of providing police for the events, which tend to draw crowds of several thousand; noise complaints, particularly about motorcycles; and the number of people who carry open alcoholic beverage containers on the street.

"It's more than unmanageable. It's gotten out of control," said Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer.

The Council held out hope for business owners, however.

If the Freehold Center Partnership can devise a plan that addresses the council's
concerns, members may reconsider their decision, Mayor Michael Wilson said.

Leelye, I had not realized that you posted this. We posted at the same exact minute and you beat me by a hair. I deleted my post so as not to have a duplicate.

I again have to repeat.....

[glow=red,2,300]You all read it here first[/glow]

Thanks Brian....I think we did this once before....LOL

[stffgpr2003]

Your discussion regarding Kruize Night has been very helpful to me. Thank you. Please keep it up. When issues are discussed in such a rational and intelligent manner, we all prove to benefit. Kudos to all, who are offering good substance here.

I am, personally, taking it all in and digesting what will, to some extent, factor into my eventual decision on whether or not to continue supporting the event. I am especially waiting to see what the downtown businesspeople will come back with to satisfy everyone's chief concerns.

It is equally important to know what may satisfy our residents. I certainly support the health and viability of our business district, but the needs and quality of life of our residents must always come first.

In the end, I think the right decision will be made and that decision can go either way depending on the quality of recommendations made.

[admin]

It appears the Nt put this up on line after this weeks edition went to print

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0402/Front_Page/0008.html


Kruise Nite off road for at least a year
Breaking News
By Clare Marie Celano
Staff Writer


FREEHOLD — The future of one of Freehold Borough’s most beloved events is in jeopardy.

It appears that town officials met in closed session on Feb. 19 to discuss public safety matters . As a result, they have decided to suspend Kruise Nite for one year.

The event has been a part of the fabric of the town’s downtown for 17 years.

A Freehold Borough Council meeting on March 24 brought a number of downtown business owners to Borough Hall to voice their strong opposition to the action, which many said would be a detriment to the town and its Main Street businesses.

Comments from several business owners supported continuing the Kruise Nite tradition. Some said the event put the community on the map and drew 10,000 to 15,000 people from all around the region on Thursday nights during the warm months of s ummer. The attention was good for local business, they said.

Town officials said they have been dealing with complaints about Kruise Nite for several years, and those included complaints about noise, traffic congestion and worries about safety issues.

Mayor Michael Wilson said those people wanted Kruise Nite, “gone.”

After listening to the various restaurant and business owners who commented in support of Kruise Nite, Wilson asked Mike Page — owner of the Court Jester on East Main Street, and chairman of the Freehold Center Partnership, which sponsors Kruise Nite — if he and his fellow business owners would come up with some “concrete” suggestions about ways to continue the event in a safer manner.

Page agreed, and will contact Borough

Administrator Joseph Bellina in two weeks with those suggestions.

“The ball is in their court now,”Wilson said, adding that business owners will have the opportunity to come up with a “refined plan that will make Kruise Nite the wonderful family event it once was.”

For a complete story about this issue, see the April 2 edition of the News Transcript.

[leelye]

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080327/OPINION01/803270576/1032/OPINION04

"Kruise Nights," the vintage car and motorcycle shows that have drawn thousands of people to downtown Freehold for more than two decades, also have brought traffic and public safety concerns, prompting borough officials to consider ending the tradition. They have invited the two business groups that host the events to address the problems so the shows can go on. The merchants should accept the invitation and involve vintage car aficionados and motorcycle clubs in the discussion.

The shows, held monthly on Thursday nights from May through August, draw 10,000 to 15,000 people. They help promote businesses and fill restaurants, but they also have attracted a rowdy element. "It's more than unmanageable," Councilwoman Sharon Shutzeer said. "It's gotten out of control."

To help combat the problem, most of the police force is called to duty. Last year, that cost $20,000 in overtime, which was split between the borough and the Freehold Center Partnership.

The partnership and its co-host, the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, should act on several suggestions offered at a meeting Monday to keep the shows running. Limiting the number of motorcycles allowed would be an enforcement nightmare. But cutting back on the number, and hours, of shows is worth considering. Banning open alcoholic containers on the street would help dispel the impression that Kruise Night is one big beer party. And the two business groups should pay for all police overtime.

If the shows do resume, all promotional materials should spell out the new rules. The sponsors and the borough should evaluate how the first event proceeded and be ready to tweak the regulations as necessary. They should do everything they can to keep the tradition alive.

[novillero]

wow, Schnurr really took a stand on this one!!! I hear the mayor was outraged by his comments!!! there are talks of resignations and recalls!!!

By the way, I casually overheard at the bodega that Mr. Schnurr would be firmly noncommittal on deciding how to address or resolve any problems of any interest to no one. Conversely, he was open to the idea of rejecting no unfavorable proposal that was not favorable to no one.

He may decide to sit on the fence to give the appearance of being con-committal with others who have similar positions to his position of noncommittal.

Then the 2 hispanics I was listening to - they were talking in mandarin due to the world languages program outreach program here in the boro - well, they just out and out called Mr. Schnurr an obsequious sycophant (that part was in english). I was shocking into disbelief.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

wlisa54 said:

"Let's fix it," Schnurr said.

[Libyan Sibyl]

stffgpr2003 said:

Your discussion regarding Kruize Night has been very helpful to me. Thank you. Please keep it up. When issues are discussed in such a rational and intelligent manner, we all prove to benefit. Kudos to all, who are offering good substance here.

I am, personally, taking it all in and digesting what will, to some extent, factor into my eventual decision on whether or not to continue supporting the event. I am especially waiting to see what the downtown businesspeople will come back with to satisfy everyone's chief concerns.

It is equally important to know what may satisfy our residents. I certainly support the health and viability of our business district, but the needs and quality of life of our residents must always come first.

In the end, I think the right decision will be made and that decision can go either way depending on the quality of recommendations made.

[admin]

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0402/Front_Page/004.html


Future of Kruise Nite in jeopardy in Freehold
Officials say residents have concerns; business owners want it to remain
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer


FREEHOLD - The question of whether Freehold Borough has hosted its last Kruise Nite remains unanswered.

According to Councilman Kevin Kane, when discussing the popularity of Kruise Nite, the borough may be a victim of its own success.

And because that success brings an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 visitors to town on the evenings when Kruise Nite is held in May, June, July and August, the time may have come to cancel the summer staple.

As of now, the possibility of continuing Kruise Nite in 2008 apparently rests with the directors of the Freehold Center Partnership, which sponsors the event, to come up with a way to assure borough officials that problems that have been occurring in recent years can be handled.

The partnership has been granted a limited window of opportunity by Mayor Michael Wilson to come up with some solutions to alleviate concerns that have been expressed by municipal officials and residents.

Kane and other borough officials discussed the toll that Kruise Nite takes on the town when the Borough Council met on March 24.

Wilson said a decision had been made to suspend Kruise Nite activities for 2008.

"We wanted to let everyone catch their breath a bit and have some time to try to refine a plan that would eliminate some of the problems we've had on Kruise Nite," Wilson said.

After hearing from business owners who pleaded with borough officials to keep Kruise Nite going, Wilson softened his stance just enough to say that a limited time frame exists for solutions to be offered that will address the concerns and allow Kruise Nite to be held in 2008.

Officials said that on Kruise Nite - which welcomes a host of classic cars and hundreds of motorcycles to Freehold on the final Thursday ofMay, June, July and August - they receive numerous complaints from residents regarding excess traffic, congestion, noise and too many motorcycles riding through town.

Wilson said residents have asked officials to put an end to the event that has brought classic cars, music and vendors to Main Street for 17 years. He said the event is so successful that it may have outgrown the town's ability to handle the crowds and safety issues associated with it.

"We need to manage Kruise Nite and not have it managing us," the mayor said.

Business owners immediately panned the idea of canning Kruise Nite.

Mike Page, the owner of the Court Jester bar and restaurant and chairman of the Freehold Center Partnership, told council members, "When I first heard Kruise Nite was canceled I thought, 'Wow,' then I thought, 'Why?' I heard that the town felt it was time to end it before the problems got any worse."

Calling the event a "pillar of recognition to Freehold," Page said that although Kruise Nite was not his favorite night of the summer season, he supports the event because it is important to the town's image.

"Kruise Nite has put the borough on the map. You might only hear about all of the negative things like the noise and the congestion," he added. "I don't know if you hear about all of the positive things that are said."

On March 28, Page told the News Transcript that a group of business owners had met once and was trying to immediately come up with solutions that will address the concerns expressed by borough officials at the March 24 council meeting. He said the business owners are planning to meet again this week to develop an outline that will be presented to the council.

"We are going to try to make suggestions that are realistic, doable and attainable. It's a work in progress," Page said.

Alan Jenkins, the owner of the ReMax Real Estate Agency, said he took over the agency in April 2007.

"What attracted me to the borough was its diversity of businesses. I wanted to have a business in a thriving economic downtown," he told the council. "On Kruise Nite when I pass out free balloons and popcorn, I am not selling the agency, I'm selling the borough to people.

"Look at the mall," Jenkins said, referring to Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold Township. "It's not standing still. We have to have innovative programs to keep our downtown vibrant and attract prosperous business owners. We need to craft a solution that will help us to control Kruise Nite so it can continue to exist."

Marlene Rogala, who owns Especially For You florist, said the borough has the luxury of having a downtown that surrounding towns do not have.

"It's not about the money for me," Rogala said. "It's about saying hi to people who come into my store on Kruise Nite. I've watched families grow over the years coming to the event. Some will even go over to Rita's Ices and bring me back an ice. I know it's corny, but where else can you find that? If we let Kruise Nite go by the wayside, I feel we'll be letting people down and going backward. It's our hometown. I'd hate to see us have to give it up."

Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer said officials have had conversations with business leaders regarding the ongoing problems with Kruise Nite.

"We said something had to be done. "You," Shutzer said, addressing the business people, "said, 'Let us make some changes.' We said OK, let us see the changes, and still the problems grew and grew.

"I also see and hear residents who have spoken loudly and clearly about this event. I don't want to answer my telephone when the season starts. There are serious concerns here. I have always loved Kruise Nite myself," Shutzer said, noting that the event has changed over the years.

"People tell me they won't take their children anymore. I would no more take a grandchild of mine to Kruise Nite than fly a plane myself," the councilwoman said. "I do agree the business element is the engine that drives the downtown area and I have always been supportive of that. But the residents who ring my phone are saying get it out of here. My heart is in the downtown, but we also have to listen to our residents as well."

Shutzer said Kruise Nite has become "unmanageable."

Wilson said if the business people can quickly come up with a solution to reconstruct the event and present a refined plan that would control the problems, he would be willing to take a second look at the decision to suspend Kruise Nite for 2008.

"You don't have a lot of time," he said.

Kane said he was glad the event was so successful, but said the volume of cars, motorcycles and people who have been attending Kruise Nite in recent years had caused safety to be a concern. He also mentioned a sudden thunderstorm that struck one of the Kruise Nite events last year, which he said caused difficulties because of the number of people who were trying to find shelter.

"We are stretched to the max on our police and a catastrophe would be devastating to handle," he said. "We all love Kruise Nite but there are simply too many people attending and we don't know how to scale it back to the old car show and family event it started out to be. This is a great time for our downtown and we didn't want to lose this, but we need to listen to our residents and our police."

One suggestion from the business people was to eliminate motorcycles at the event.

"That would be a step in the right direction," Wilson said.

Councilman Marc Le Vine said he strongly supports the business district and said he wants it to remain healthy and viable, but he added that the quality of life of the town's residents must always come first.

In a subsequent conversation, Le Vine said Kruise Nite has become "mega-sized" for a small town with limited resources.

"Therein lies the dilemma. It is a victim of its own success," he said. "There are numerous concerns that must be addressed and this is not the first time we broached these issues with downtown business leaders."

Among the chief concerns, according to Le Vine, are crowd control, noise, open containers of alcohol on borough streets and escalating costs for police manpower and other municipal services.

"Still, there is opportunity here" to save it, he said.

Councilman George Schnurr said, "I am a big believer in the fact that our downtown separates us from other towns. The restaurant row and our Main Street businesses are the economic engine that drives our downtown area. I am very reluctant to mess with something that provides an economic boost to our restaurants, such as Kruise Nite."

Schnurr said he always put up with the event because he knew it was held only four times a year. He said he would like to see what changes can be made to make the event work better.

Schnurr said the Kruise Nite events of recent years are a "gross departure" from the Kruise Nite events he remembers in the earlier years.

"It appears more like anAnimal House atmosphere, rather than the family atmosphere it once was. The party's over," Schnurr said. "It has grown too big and we need to scale it down so our police can deal with it effectively. The partnership will have a tough sell on their hands."

Contacted for his views on the matter, Councilman Jaye Sims said he would reserve comment on the entire Kruise Nite situation.

Council President Michael DiBenedetto was out of town and unavailable for comment.