Bad news for the Fast Lane & Asbury Park

I probably wasn't alive when all the good stuff happened in that area. If I was, I was very young, and I STILL felt weird things walking that deserted area. Something I can't quite explain and it's nothing I've felt since. I'm really bummed that they're doing this.

Thanks Kathleen for the explanation, it makes me very sad that they won't even try to blend the past with the future. It's been quite a few years since I was in Asbury, I remember it being shabby but full of life and it had lots of character, it sucks to me that instead of revitalizing the best of what was good they want to just wipe it all away, but I guess maybe if the perception of someplace is bad enough, those with the power to make decisions may feel it's the only choice they have.

Kathleen, do you guys have a system to have buildings/sites heritage listed...or say something like a historical preservation society? Over here, if a building or site gets heritage listing granted, not only is it saved from something heinous [?sp] like this, but our government then provides the funding to [a] fix it up and then [b] keep it that way. May not work, but could be worth a shot.

S.

found a link to these sites:
Preservation New Jersey
http://www.preservationnj.org/
The Asbury Park Historical Society
http://asburyparkhistoricalsociety.org/

Yes - of course we do (you found the links lol). But considering the age of New Jersey (one of the oldest states), the emphasis is usually on preserving the early history of the state in relation to the American Revolution NOT on a rock and roll bar that is still open. That would never have a priority. God knows if George Washington had a drink there back in the day it would be preserved <sigh>

Probably many places are the same but - if it's recent history we wouldn't want to stand in the way of private industry to make a profit If it has to do with the beginnings of the country we can infringe on private business all we want.

Kathleen

More from the Greasy Lake site:

Thanks you guys!

There is going to be a "Save the Wonder Bar" concert on March 10th at the Wonder Bar (the week before they close the doors). The music will be from noon to closing time and the line-up is still being finalized. As soon as it is, I'll let you guys know. Might be a good weekend to get down there, show your love for the Wonder Bar and raise a drink to the place that gave all who had the pleasure of visiting a sense of what Asbury is all about.

On closing night, March 17th, Lance Larson and Days Awake will rock the Wonder Bar one last time. For anyone who doesn't know, Days Awake is one of the best bands around right now but they recently parted ways with their lead singer. Lance (the Asbury Legend himself) scooped them up for some shows (most notably the S.O.A.P show at the Pony) and together they put out some of the most kick-ass rock and jams I've ever heard!

I'll keep you posted.

__________________________

This is too sad for words - for me anyway

Kathleen

I really wish I could be there and help support the cause. I don't think I'll be in town till early June. Bleh.