The Coaster

By RICHARD VIRGILIO
Recapping the 2008, the biggest downer this year – by far – that I have been hearing about was Metro Homes not continuing construction of the Esperanza, after announcing in December of 2007 that the project was temporarily on hold.

The biggest overall joy expressed was the makeover and re-launch of our boardwalk and all the great new businesses. I frequently hear, “Next summer is going to be fantastic” (or amazing or spectacular, basically insert any effusive adjective into the quote). Read the rest of this entry »

Matt O’Ree and Lance Taylor of the Matt O’Ree Band are joined by Eryn Shewell at The Saint in Asbury Park. Read the rest of this entry »

By DON STINE
Capt. Stephen Carasia, a 20-year veteran with the Deal police department, is scheduled to be sworn in as the borough’s new police chief tomorrow (Dec. 19) at 10 a.m. He will officially become chief on Jan. 1.

“Capt. Carasia has worked very hard on the job and advanced through the ranks during his 20 years on the force. I am proud and honored to swear him in as the new chief,” said Mayor Harry I. Franco.

Carasia replaces outgoing Chief Michael J. Sylvester, who has worked in the borough for about 32 years. Read the rest of this entry »

The Coaster will not be published Thurs., Dec. 25, due to Christmas.

The next edition of The Coaster will be published Wed., Dec. 31.

The office will close Dec. 18 and re-open Mon., Dec. 29.

By DON STINE
A landmark groundbreaking for redevelopment along West Lake Avenue in Neptune’s Midtown area was celebrated as an important milestone for the community at a special ceremony on Tuesday.

Mayor Randy Bishop referred to the groundbreaking as “an incredible occasion.” Read the rest of this entry »

By DON STINE
A criminal complaint filed by the Asbury Park Public Library against two leaders of the Friends of the Bruce Springsteen Special Collection organization charging them with theft of library property is now on hold after boxes of materials were returned to the library last week.

Library Director Robert Stewart said that 19 boxes containing items from the Springsteen collection have been returned and the library, in a joint effort with the Friends, will now inventory it to see if it is all there.

“We need to sit down and check it item by item and this will probably not be done until after the first of the year,” he said. Read the rest of this entry »

By DON STINE
Sister Isis of Neptune feels she is particularly blessed this holiday season even though her home and all of her possessions, including her beloved African drums, were destroyed in a fire two weeks ago.

Sister Isis, whose real name is Rosalee McNair, has lived most of her adult life in Neptune and has lived off and on at the 416 Myrtle Ave. house for about 15 to 20 years- a house that was destroyed by fire. Read the rest of this entry »

By DON STINE
Alan Dowling, a 34-year veteran with the Wanamassa Fire Company, was recognized Monday by the Ocean Township Council for entering a burning building last month and rescuing a 92-year-old woman. Read the rest of this entry »