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Post by admin on Jul 18, 2007 6:31:41 GMT -5
Yesterday there was a press conference at town hall about this topic. The News Transcript must have received some information beforehand in order to get this article printed this week. I am sure we will see some follow up stories as well.
The bottom line and the good news-- the American Hotel is moving ahead. This will be a much needed boost for our town.newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0718/Front_Page/021.htmlFreehold landmark slated to become a hotel again Guest rooms, banquet space, day spa in plans for American Hotel BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD - Steve Goldberg took on a challenge of epic proportions when he said yes to purchasing one of Freehold Borough's most beloved historic landmarks. Stepping up to the plate and taking a giant leap of faith, Goldberg, of Manalapan, purchased the deteriorating American Hotel for $2.5 million at an auction on March 23, 2006. He has been on a mission ever since: to bring the building back to what it once was in its heyday - the linchpin of Main Street, or what Mayor Michael Wilson has called "the hallmark of the downtown area" and "the focal point of western Monmouth County." Last week Goldberg joined Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina and Freehold Center Partnership Board of Directors member Rob Kash to reveal his plans for the building. Goldberg said the building will be refurbished as a hotel, restaurant, bar and community gathering place. "What was there worked. It always did work," Goldberg said. "All of the functions that the hotel was originally designed for are still viable services." For many years prior to its closing, the American Hotel had not been a hotel. It was, however, a well-known and much-loved banquet facility that served generations of local families. Goldberg said that with the help of some local private investors, he will bring the building's interior design up to modern day standards with only subtle changes. The physical look of the exterior of the hotel will remain the same, with the exception of an expanded front entrance that will lead into the lobby and lounge area. "This hotel will unleash Freehold's potential and re-establish Freehold as the nucleus of the hottest growing part of New Jersey," Kash said. "The restaurant will make Freehold Borough the capital of Monmouth County," Bellina said. Architect Michael Testa and representatives of T&K Construction will work with Goldberg to accomplish the remaking of the American Hotel. The new design, according to Goldberg, reflects the input of members of the borough's Historic Preservation Commission. Plans for the building call for an upscale cafe restaurant, a lobby and lounge with a bar, renovated ballrooms and 22 remodeled guest rooms. The four existing ballrooms for catered events have been redone. Plans are to use the smaller room for events such as birthday parties, christenings, seminars and business conferences. One room can be used as a chapel while the larger rooms can be used to accommodate weddings and banquets. The second and third floors will once again be a home to travelers who are looking for a night's lodging. The accommodations can also be part of a wedding where out-of-town guests can be made comfortable before heading home after the big party. An elevator has been added to the building. The original 40 "boarding type" guest rooms will be transformed into suites, according to Goldberg. There will be two bridal suites with balconies overlooking East Main Street. A day spa is expected to be built on the lower level. Calling Goldberg's plan an exciting development for Freehold, Kash said the hotel will complement existing businesses and attract a new group of people to develop and invest in the borough. "This is an intangible relationship where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts," he said. "The Freehold area community will enjoy a classic catering facility in a place and town with great character and historic significance," Goldberg said. "The facility is situated in such a way that guests can stay and enjoy the convenience and charm of the Freehold downtown area, including the county facilities, restaurants, shops and other attractions. "There is a certain sense of community and history that lives in downtown Freehold that you just can't get on Route 9," Goldberg said. "We hope our project adds to the efforts of the borough and other area businesses in bringing back this feeling."
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Post by admin on Jul 18, 2007 6:48:33 GMT -5
And from the APP www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070718/NEWS01/707180427/1004Historic Freehold hotel will get a second life Plans for American Hotel unveiled Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 07/18/07 BY BOB JORDAN FREEHOLD BUREAU FREEHOLD — Plans for a remodeling and reopening of the historic American Hotel on Main Street were unveiled by a Manalapan businessman at a borough hall news conference Tuesday. Steve Goldberg, 54, who purchased the building and its liquor license for $2.5 million in a bankruptcy sale last year, said his plans call for preserving the hotel's history while rolling out a new restaurant, a lobby and lounge area, catering facilities, a general meeting area and 22 hotel rooms. Goldberg said the work, which he estimated to cost $3.5 million, may be done by next spring. "It's an exciting time in Freehold Borough," said Mayor Michael Wilson, who was among the government officials and local business owners attending Goldberg's presentation. "The American Hotel suffered from neglect, poor ownership and a fire. It's coming back to rise from the dead," Wilson said. Goldberg owns the Young at Heart adult day care centers in Brick and Jackson. In October 2005, Truong Dinh Tran, who operated hotels in New York, won the property over 15 other bidders, buying the American Hotel and liquor license for $4.35 million, but he later defaulted on the sale, and Goldberg became the owner in March 2006. The American Hotel was a restaurant/tavern and banquet hall when it closed for fire-code violations in January 2004. The three-story structure was built as a stagecoach stop in 1824 and enlarged in 1928. "It's been about a year since I bought the place, and it's taken about this long to develop these plans," Goldberg said. Goldberg said the hotel lobby, restaurant, catering room and lounge will comprise 17,000 square feet and that the 22 hotel rooms will take up an additional 10,000 square feet. Goldberg said Michael Testa, Manalapan, is the project architect. Anthony Cammallere of T&K Contractors, Freehold, and Rob Kash, who is serving as a project manager and coordinator, are also involved in the work. "This is going to be met with such overwhelming praise," said David Singer, a local business operator. "People have been saying, "What's going to happen with this place?' Now we have a great plan that's really going to impact everything in the downtown area. It's been this eyesore that is going to be transformed." Internal demolition permits already have been obtained. The inside work is partly necessary because of a 2005 fire, Goldberg said. Construction permits will be sought when plans are finalized, he said. "In essence, the project has begun. You don't see a lot of activity outside, but on the inside it's happening," Goldberg said. "We expect the entire renovation will take 12 months or less." Wilson and Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins said Freehold has a tax abatement ordinance that gives downtown business owners an incentive to upgrade their properties. The higher taxes resulting from the improvements can be phased in over a five-year period, they said. Goldberg said he will seek to obtain the abatement. Bob Jordan: (732) 308-7755 or bjordan@app.com |
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Post by admin on Jul 19, 2007 7:58:46 GMT -5
I am surprised by the silence on this topic. I would think that after all the griping we have done about stalled projects around town, some of you might comment on this good news.
In the big picture, and if all goes well, this time next year we should see the American Hotel and the site of the former Bartleson Mansion rehabilitated. These are two of our biggest eyesores and will provide a much needed boost in tax revenue and image.
Now, about that Exxon station........
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Post by Freehold Resident on Jul 19, 2007 10:17:46 GMT -5
Because the fact of the matter is, you can post a million positive things, but none of the "regulars" seem to care. They're only interested in engaging in vitriolic discourse about the town. I can name a handful of posters who fit into this category. In fact, it's pretty irritating actually. That is pretty much why I don't take them seriously anymore. They're just very bitter and miserable people--probably from Manalapan and Marlboro.  FR |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 19, 2007 11:24:22 GMT -5
Because the fact of the matter is, you can post a million positive things, but none of the "regulars" seem to care. They're only interested in engaging in vitriolic discourse about the town. I can name a handful of posters who fit into this category. In fact, it's pretty irritating actually. That is pretty much why I don't take them seriously anymore. They're just very bitter and miserable people--probably from Manalapan and Marlboro. FR Just to play the role of DEVIL's advcate....WHO do you see as Hotel Guests, Grandmother from FLA here for a Barmitzvha in Marlboro, Out of town Lawyers, Lunch and an "Afternoon Delight", Cruz Night Flop House? If we had a Business CENTER, I would defiantly see overnight business Guests at this Hotel, but we are not a Business Center. I am not sure who the targeted hotel guest demographics are. Will this "HIGH PROFILE" Property owner guarantee to higher LEGAL employees as Hotel workers? Progress is great, how will this progress Freehold Boro? |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 19, 2007 11:28:13 GMT -5
The bottom line and the good news-- the American Hotel is moving ahead. This will be a much needed boost for our town.[/color][/size] [/quote] Please qualify how this will "boost for our town"? |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 19, 2007 12:03:31 GMT -5
by giving FB clubs and committees..... a place to convene thereby enhancing the sense of "community". Don't get frustrated, but...we already have VFW, School facilities and a Boro hall for this (FB clubs and committees). As far as Boutique Hotel rooms, great, love it...but for who? Like field of dreams, "if you build it they will come"? not a good investment strategy. I LOVE UPSCALE, heck not my money, lets hope this is a wise investment for Mr. American Hotel Entrepreneur! What his track record, what are his past success? Be great to learn more, YES? |
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Post by GUEST IN ROOM 1408 on Jul 20, 2007 9:13:47 GMT -5
Because the fact of the matter is, you can post a million positive things, but none of the "regulars" seem to care. They're only interested in engaging in vitriolic discourse about the town. I can name a handful of posters who fit into this category. In fact, it's pretty irritating actually. That is pretty much why I don't take them seriously anymore. They're just very bitter and miserable people--probably from Manalapan and Marlboro. FR Just to play the role of DEVIL's advcate....WHO do you see as Hotel Guests, Grandmother from FLA here for a Barmitzvha in Marlboro, Out of town Lawyers, Lunch and an "Afternoon Delight", Cruz Night Flop House? If we had a Business CENTER, I would defiantly see overnight business Guests at this Hotel, but we are not a Business Center. I am not sure who the targeted hotel guest demographics are. Will this "HIGH PROFILE" Property owner guarantee to higher LEGAL employees as Hotel workers? Progress is great, how will this progress Freehold Boro? FIRST IT IS BAR MITZVAH WAS A LODGING LICENSE APPROVED, WHEN WAS OR WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING? ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH WILL THE BORO CHARGE FOR THE LODGING LICENSE AND THE LIQUORE/TAVERN LINCENSE? |
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A Little Bird Told Me
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Post by A Little Bird Told Me on Jul 20, 2007 11:54:50 GMT -5
Marc can't post but he is furious that Steven Goldman and the American Hotel plan is being bashed on the PEOPLE site. He says that this man is already a successful businessman and has studied ours and other towns that have similar hotel operations. He knows what he is doing and has surrounded himself with the right advisers.
Throwing a wet blanket on him and his efforts to revitalize the property and the surrounding areas is just a bad idea and in very poor taste. He's investing alot of money in Freehold Borough.
Marc asked, would you rather have is as it is - or perhaps it could be converted another convenience store selling international phone cards?
Don't look down on the future. If there aren't other more reasonable topics to talk about on this board, then take the weekend off.
A Little Bird Told Me
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Post by LS on Jul 20, 2007 13:08:39 GMT -5
you call that bashing?! One person has posted some questions/comments. boo hoo.
So little bird ...STFU
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Post by GUEST IN ROOM 1408 on Jul 20, 2007 13:12:04 GMT -5
Marc can't post but he is furious that Steven Goldman and the American Hotel plan is being bashed on the PEOPLE site. He says that this man is already a successful businessman and has studied ours and other towns that have similar hotel operations. He knows what he is doing and has surrounded himself with the right advisers. Throwing a wet blanket on him and his efforts to revitalize the property and the surrounding areas is just a bad idea and in very poor taste. He's investing alot of money in Freehold Borough. Marc asked, would you rather have is as it is - or perhaps it could be converted another convenience store selling international phone cards? Don't look down on the future. If there aren't other more reasonable topics to talk about on this board, then take the weekend off. A Little Bird Told Me BASHED??? I see legitimate questions being raise with a general sense of welcome for the project. As fiber asked.." What his track record, what are his past success? Be great to learn more, YES?" Is your birds eye view that this honest question is bashing. Or that Peoples questions are in "bad taste"? If apathy and blind faith are what the natives are advised to aspire too, that is a miserable expectation from a Council and Mayor. Whats been on the menu looks tasty...the boro track record over the last six years is not impressive, it is understandable that people reserve judgment until the final product is delivered. Until there is a final product people will ask questions. Asking about how many illegal aliens this project will employ is a tasteless notion, but an honest question. And if ICE was called to the job site to investigate, this is an honest reaction to tasteless illegal activity. Wondering who the Lodging clientele will be is another honest question. Do not dwell on the Hotel aspect, the rest sounds like a well needed shot in the arm, so lets all smile for this bride. |
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Post by LS on Jul 20, 2007 13:13:20 GMT -5
P.S. I had not noticed much work in there in the past months, but I am glad to report that there is work currently going on. A big dumpster is in the back, the area is yellow taped. So there is progress.
I haven't heard about any zoning or planning board type activities, or any other approvals. But obviously, this a a great first step for this building. It seems that the owner understands a few things about the town. Whatever he is doing to the inside, it seems that he plans on keeping the historic look. I think this particular piece of news very heartening.
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Post by richardkelsey on Jul 20, 2007 13:54:50 GMT -5
Marc can't post but he is furious that Steven Goldman and the American Hotel plan is being bashed on the PEOPLE site. He says that this man is already a successful businessman and has studied ours and other towns that have similar hotel operations. He knows what he is doing and has surrounded himself with the right advisers. Throwing a wet blanket on him and his efforts to revitalize the property and the surrounding areas is just a bad idea and in very poor taste. He's investing alot of money in Freehold Borough. Marc asked, would you rather have is as it is - or perhaps it could be converted another convenience store selling international phone cards? Don't look down on the future. If there aren't other more reasonable topics to talk about on this board, then take the weekend off. A Little Bird Told Me I agree -- its great to have a proven, high-end investor come in and invest in a premium property. |
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Post by Eric Shinn on Jul 20, 2007 15:43:09 GMT -5
Since we are going off-topic (again), FIRST, it is " LICENSE," not "LINCENSE" and second it is " LIQUOR" not LIQUORE." It is important to check your own spelling before critiquing someone else. Details, Details Are you focused on the details on how your council plans on driving revenue so that the home owners aren't getting soaked around here pal! You think this AMERICA HOTEL is going to make a contribution to the Tax Base, because you better know that when municipal revenues are flat, like they are, and the cost of operation for this BORO goes up, the BORO homeowner tax base will be eating crow while AMERICAN HOTEL Guests are eating $50 PP plates! Hope you have a fiddel brother They used to tell me I was building a dream
And so I followed the mob.
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear,
I was always there, right on the job.
They used to tell me I was building a dream
With peace and glory ahead --
Why should I be standing in line, just waiting for bread?
Once I built a railroad, I made it run,
Made it race against time.
Once I built a railroad, now it's done --
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Once I built a tower, up to the sun,
brick and rivet and lime.
Once I built a tower, now it's done --
Brother, can you spare a dime?
Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodle-de-dum.
Half a million boots went slogging through hell,
And I was the kid with the drum.
Say, don't you remember they called me Al,
It was Al all the time.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal --
Say, buddy, can you spare a dime?
Once in khaki suits, ah, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodle-de-dum.
Half a million boots went slogging through hell,
And I was the kid with the drum.
Say, don't you remember they called me Al,
It was Al all the time.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal --
Buddy, can you spare a dime? |
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Post by cheryl on Jul 20, 2007 16:20:47 GMT -5
WAS A LODGING LICENSE APPROVED, WHEN WAS OR WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING? ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH WILL THE BORO CHARGE FOR THE LODGING LICENSE AND THE LIQUORE/TAVERN LINCENSE? Please do not type in all caps; doing so on the 'net is viewed as "shouting" and is considered to be at best ignorant, and at worst, rude. To address your questions: Mr Goldberg purchased the liquor license already associated with the property at the March 2006 auction. If you are unfamiliar with the recent history of the property, there are numerous articles available in the online archives of the News-Transcript at newstranscript.gmnews.com/It would be premature for a business license to be applied for or issued until application has been made, public meetings held and approvals given by the Planning and Zoning boards. The cost of a hotel license can be ascertained by calling Borough Hall. The number for the Borough Clerk is 732 462-1259. |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 20, 2007 17:00:11 GMT -5
Marc can't post but he is furious that Steven Goldman and the American Hotel plan is being bashed on the PEOPLE site. He says that this man is already a successful businessman and has studied ours and other towns that have similar hotel operations. He knows what he is doing and has surrounded himself with the right advisers. Throwing a wet blanket on him and his efforts to revitalize the property and the surrounding areas is just a bad idea and in very poor taste. He's investing alot of money in Freehold Borough. Marc asked, would you rather have is as it is - or perhaps it could be converted another convenience store selling international phone cards? Don't look down on the future. If there aren't other more reasonable topics to talk about on this board, then take the weekend off. A Little Bird Told Me (Sorry Cheryl) Freehold - The Largest Little City in New JerseyFrom Frank Dalotto Freehold, New Jersey, the childhood home of Bruce Springsteen, was introduced to America by his song My Hometown describing his thoughts about his hometown. Today it is a town with a revamped downtown that mixes the best of mom and pop establishments, fancy eateries, and Victorian houses.
Freehold has caught on to the sidewalk dining craze, and on warm summer days and evenings, tables along tree lined, brick paved Main Street are packed with patrons. A town as diverse at it is old, with it’s trendy dining spots, historic sites, shopping, and bed and breakfasts, Freehold is a great day or weekend trip for those who love history, architecture, and of course, food!
Freehold, one of the nation's oldest cities, with numerous monuments and landmarks familiar to people all over the country, enjoys a past that is rich in American Revolution History. A walking tour of downtown Freehold is a must. Many of the Victorian buildings along Main Street date back to the 1800’s. The American Hotel, built in 1824, is rich with history. The hotel’s most famous visitor was Abraham Lincoln, who stopped here on the way to the White House in 1861. The American Hotel has recently been purchased by a new owner and plans are underway to revamp it. The oldest building in Freehold is St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, built in 1683. Check out the old cemetery - you’ll be fascinated by dates going back to the times of the pilgrims. The Freehold area has sometimes been referred to as the "largest little city" in NJ. In addition to the downtown area with numerous shops and restaurants, the area boasts of many top attractions, including: Freehold Raceway - The nation’s oldest and fastest daytime half-mile harness racing track. It was first opened in 1853, and is the only operating daytime harness racing track in America. It operates from mid-August to May. Freehold Raceway Mall - A super regional mall, it is the third largest shopping mall in the state of New Jersey. A major expansion by 100,000 sq/ft is planned for 2007 Center Playhouse - Conducts activities and programs to educate and entertain its patrons. Metz Bicycle Museum - A step into the Metz Bicycle Museum in Freehold is truly a stroll through history. The Museum houses one of the world's finest collections of antique bicycles, dating from the 1850's to the 1950's. Hundreds of bicycles are artfully displayed. Boneshakers, high wheelers, quadricycles, tricycles, ordinaries, safeties, children's bikes, trick bikes, and many more unusual and one-of-a kind cycles make up this fascinating collection. Battleview Orchards - An example of why New Jersey is known as the Garden State. A great place to take the kids to pick your produce. Each year from May to October, Battle view, which borders on Monmouth Battle State Park on Wemrock road off Route 33, offers pickers the chance to select some of the areas best fruit. Monmouth Battlefield State Park - One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place in the fields and forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. A reenactment of the June 1778 battle is held every year with authentically dressed troops camped out in the park and situated in the fields for fighting. Frank Dalotto is the editor of New Jersey Leisure Guide and writes a blog about New Jersey on www.new-jersey-leisure-guide.com. He also produces a monthly ezine (newsletter) about New Jersey attractions, events, and restaurant reviews. The free ezine can also be subscribed to at that address. philadelphia.about.com/od/daytripsfromphiladelphia/a/freehold_nj.htm |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 21, 2007 9:10:52 GMT -5
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 21, 2007 9:15:16 GMT -5
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Post by admin on Jul 23, 2007 7:42:04 GMT -5
APP editorial www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070723/OPINION/707230311/1029An American renaissance Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 07/23/07 Post Comment The American Hotel, a longtime centerpiece of downtown Freehold that fell victim to neglect and a fire, is about to make a comeback. A Manalapan businessman who purchased the historic Main Street building last year has unveiled plans to restore it to its place as a Monmouth County landmark. Steve Goldberg said he plans to preserve the hotel's rich history — it started as a stagecoach stop in 1824 — while creating a new restaurant, lobby and lounge, catering facilities, a general meeting area and 22 hotel rooms. The variety of opportunities to draw patrons should keep the hotel busy year-round, as it was in its heyday. Goldberg's local roots are a plus. He owns the Young at Heart adult day care centers in Brick and Jackson. He has brought in a Manalapan resident as the project architect, a Freehold firm as contractor and a local restaurateur as project manager. He estimated the remodeling would cost $3.5 million and be finished within a year. Interior cleanup already has begun. Goldberg bought the American and its liquor license for $2.5 million at a bankruptcy sale last year. The previous owner, who operated budget hotels in New York, defaulted on his purchase for $4.35 million. The project, unveiled last week, has the support of local business owners anxious to see the downtown eyesore transformed. "It's coming back to rise from the dead," Mayor Michael Wilson said. The many people who spent time dining, drinking, celebrating or just schmoozing at the American Hotel of yore have something to look forward to. |
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Post by admin on Jul 23, 2007 10:33:31 GMT -5
Marc can't post but he is furious that Steven Goldman and the American Hotel plan is being bashed on the PEOPLE site. He says that this man is already a successful businessman and has studied ours and other towns that have similar hotel operations. He knows what he is doing and has surrounded himself with the right advisers. Throwing a wet blanket on him and his efforts to revitalize the property and the surrounding areas is just a bad idea and in very poor taste. He's investing a lot of money in Freehold Borough. Marc asked, would you rather have is as it is - or perhaps it could be converted another convenience store selling international phone cards? Don't look down on the future. If there aren't other more reasonable topics to talk about on this board, then take the weekend off. A Little Bird Told Me I needed to come back to this thread and address the above post. What we see on this thread is not bashing at all! It all has to be looked at in context. Our town has taken a few steps back words in recent years. Our little town has been kicked in the teeth too many times in recent years. I get the complaint that this site is too negative. If this thread is an example of that, I have to disagree strongly. It is not negative or bashing to ask legitimate questions. The town government, including Marc, should be happy to see these questions being asked. It is always better now than later. We can not afford more failure in this town. If anything, this demonstrates that there is information that the public should be aware of. How did Mr. Goldberg come to the conclusions he did? It is not bashing to ask that. At the end of the day, no matter what happens with a project like the American Hotel, some people are going to also have differing opinions as to what should be done. There is nothing wrong with that! It is healthy! Our town needs ideas! Our town government and Steve Goldberg should be looking at this and realizing that there are good and real concerns that the citizens of this town have. Our town residents rightly should ask if the apparent progress will be just that-progress. Now is not the time for anybody to pat themselves on the back. That will come when we can see that the new owners are living up to expectations and running a world class establishment. With the above said, I doubt very much that any reader or participant on this thread views what is going on with the American Hotel as a bad thing. We should all be VERY happy that the first winning bidder did not stay. That guy, unlike Steve Goldberg, had a very bad record. From everything we see going on, we should all have some optimism about what Steve Goldberg is doing. His record as a business owner backs him up. But, with all things we should have a cautious optimism. There is nothing wrong with asking questions and having concerns. I wish I could have been at the press conference to see it for myself, but I was working. I did talk to Lisa Schoefield who was there. She saw this thread and from what she saw firsthand, does not believe that any of us should be too worried about the quality that will be a make of the American Hotel as a valuable part of our downtown. According to Lisa, Goldberg has done his homework and is going in the right direction. After reading the two articles in the papers and speaking to Lisa, I believe we can be optimistic about the future of the American Hotel. It is all better than what we have now, no matter what our differing views are. |
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Post by Pedo Lamelo on Jul 23, 2007 10:43:37 GMT -5
Marc can't post but he is furious that Steven Goldman and the American Hotel plan is being bashed on the PEOPLE site. He says that this man is already a successful businessman and has studied ours and other towns that have similar hotel operations. He knows what he is doing and has surrounded himself with the right advisers. Throwing a wet blanket on him and his efforts to revitalize the property and the surrounding areas is just a bad idea and in very poor taste. He's investing a lot of money in Freehold Borough. Marc asked, would you rather have is as it is - or perhaps it could be converted another convenience store selling international phone cards? Don't look down on the future. If there aren't other more reasonable topics to talk about on this board, then take the weekend off. A Little Bird Told Me I needed to come back to this thread and address the above post. What we see on this thread is not bashing at all! It all has to be looked at in context. Our town has taken a few steps back words in recent years. Our little town has been kicked in the teeth too many times in recent years. I get the complaint that this site is too negative. If this thread is an example of that, I have to disagree strongly. It is not negative or bashing to ask legitimate questions. The town government, including Marc, should be happy to see these questions being asked. It is always better now than later. We can not afford more failure in this town. If anything, this demonstrates that there is information that the public should be aware of. How did Mr. Goldberg come to the conclusions he did? It is not bashing to ask that. At the end of the day, no matter what happens with a project like the American Hotel, some people are going to also have differing opinions as to what should be done. There is nothing wrong with that! It is healthy! Our town needs ideas! Our town government and Steve Goldberg should be looking at this and realizing that there are good and real concerns that the citizens of this town have. Our town residents rightly should ask if the apparent progress will be just that-progress. Now is not the time for anybody to pat themselves on the back. That will come when we can see that the new owners are living up to expectations and running a world class establishment. With the above said, I doubt very much that any reader or participant on this thread views what is going on with the American Hotel as a bad thing. We should all be VERY happy that the first winning bidder did not stay. That guy, unlike Steve Goldberg, had a very bad record. From everything we see going on, we should all have some optimism about what Steve Goldberg is doing. His record as a business owner backs him up. But, with all things we should have a cautious optimism. There is nothing wrong with asking questions and having concerns. I wish I could have been at the press conference to see it for myself, but I was working. I did talk to Lisa Schoefield who was there. She saw this thread and from what she saw firsthand, does not believe that any of us should be too worried about the quality that will be a make of the American Hotel as a valuable part of our downtown. According to Lisa, Goldberg has done his homework and is going in the right direction. After reading the two articles in the papers and speaking to Lisa, I believe we can be optimistic about the future of the American Hotel. It is all better than what we have now, no matter what our differing views are. We all need to shut up, and be lead like sheep because Mr. Goldberg, the Mayor, the Council, the real estate inventors and every one else with their hands in this deal know better then Boro Residents who have lived through the decline of Freehold BARRIO. We are the unruley children told to shut up, be quiet and do what we tell you to do, when we tell you to do it. |
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Post by Freehold Resident on Jul 23, 2007 11:56:23 GMT -5
You know what? Pedo and others, I see you all complaining about this beautiful new hotel. Honestly, I don't understand what is bad about it. Would you rather it sit in disarray as it has for the past few years? Would you rather they bulldoze it and turn it into just another regular store, or would you rather allow it to keep the historical significance, but modernize it? Or, you know what? Why don't I just invest money and open up a nice big gay club in downtown Freehold Boro? That will fix your wagons! FR |
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Post by admin on Jul 23, 2007 12:39:28 GMT -5
You know what? Pedo and others, I see you all complaining about this beautiful new hotel. Honestly, I don't understand what is bad about it. Would you rather it sit in disarray as it has for the past few years? Would you rather they bulldoze it and turn it into just another regular store, or would you rather allow it to keep the historical significance, but modernize it? Or, you know what? Why don't I just invest money and open up a nice big gay club in downtown Freehold Boro? That will fix your wagons! FR FR, Please go back and reread my commentary on this thread. With the possible exception of Pedo, all of us have shown that we support the new owner. Me, Calliope, Fiber, Rich, LS have all shown that we are overall in favor of what is going on. That does not mean that we cannot question what is happening and it does not mean that there may be legitimate concerns. There is very little that can truly be considered negativity on this thread. I have to question those who would think so. That is indicative of going on the defense a little too quick. I am going to go through this thread and rid it of the nonsense. Then reread it and tell me what you see. |
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Post by Freehold Resident on Jul 23, 2007 12:50:37 GMT -5
Brian:
You yourself said, a couple of days ago in this thread, "I am surprised by the silence on this topic. I would think that after all the griping we have done about stalled projects around town, some of you might comment on this good news."
FR
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Post by TNT on Jul 23, 2007 13:18:57 GMT -5
Brian: You yourself said, a couple of days ago in this thread, "I am surprised by the silence on this topic. I would think that after all the griping we have done about stalled projects around town, some of you might comment on this good news." FR And now that there are comments of alternative opinions, ....honest hard questions, your not liking it very much. Is that what your saying Young Padawan FR? |
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Post by LS on Jul 23, 2007 14:09:15 GMT -5
Brian: You yourself said, a couple of days ago in this thread, "I am surprised by the silence on this topic. I would think that after all the griping we have done about stalled projects around town, some of you might comment on this good news." FR And now that there are comments of alternative opinions, ....honest hard questions, your not liking it very much. Is that what your saying Young Padawan FR? Now that that is over, can we get back to actually discussing things? Did you ever see anyone sooo needy? Sooo wanting praise and acceptance? A person complaining about complaining! If you didn't out yourself already, your posts would have done it for you. |
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Post by Freehold Resident on Jul 23, 2007 14:50:01 GMT -5
Excuse me, what the HELL is that supposed to mean?
You have some massive cajones, and nothing to hold them.
FR
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Post by Freehold Resident on Jul 23, 2007 16:25:16 GMT -5
By the way, what does a press release have to do with anything?  Every time I think I understand you, I realize I understand you less. FR |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jul 23, 2007 16:57:21 GMT -5
You know what? Pedo and others, I see you all complaining about this beautiful new hotel. Honestly, I don't understand what is bad about it. Would you rather it sit in disarray as it has for the past few years? Would you rather they bulldoze it and turn it into just another regular store, or would you rather allow it to keep the historical significance, but modernize it? Or, you know what? Why don't I just invest money and open up a nice big gay club in downtown Freehold Boro? That will fix your wagons! FR There is a point to be made here.....FR |
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Post by unwelcome guest on Jul 23, 2007 17:17:03 GMT -5
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