
Demolition of the former Merge nightclub in Seaside Heights, N.J., Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
A Seaside Heights nightclub that has not operated in more than six years has been demolished.
Crews began the demolition of the former Merge nightclub, located at 308 Boulevard, on Friday. The demolition was largely completed by the weekend and only debris and the outline of some of the building’s outer walls remained.

Demolition of the former Merge nightclub in Seaside Heights, N.J., Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Demolition of the former Merge nightclub in Seaside Heights, N.J., Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Mayor Anthony Vaz said the owner of the nightclub had applied for a demolition permit. In August, the borough council approved a consent order that gave the property owner, Robert Bennett, who acquired it from longtime owner John Saddy, 60 days to propose a redevelopment plan or face condemnation. The building was declared a safety hazard by the town earlier this year, at which point it was fenced off to prevent passersby from being injured.
Vaz said no proposals have been submitted to the borough indicating what may eventually be built on the plot of land, which is located directly across the street from a miniature golf course and ice cream shop that Bennett also owns.

The former Merge nightclub in Seaside Heights, fenced off for safety reasons, Aug. 2018. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The former Merge nightclub, part of a three-block area that may be slated for redevelopment in Seaside Heights, NJ. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Demolition of the former Merge nightclub in Seaside Heights, N.J., Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The Merge property has previously been declared an area in need of redevelopment by the borough council and planning board. Under state land use law, that designation forces the owner of a blighted property to submit and put into place a redevelopment plan that adheres to the borough’s conditions or sell the property. The law also allows the borough to condemn the property as a last resort.

Advertisement

Police, Fire & Courts
Seaside Park Police Blotter: June 24, 2022

Police, Fire & Courts
Teen, Dad Indicted In Connection With Fatal Boat Crash on Barnegat Bay

Seaside Heights & Seaside Park
Last Call? Jax Garage Shuts Doors After Liquor License Restrictions

Seaside Heights & Seaside Park
150 Tons of Sand Dropped in Seaside Heights for Sand Sculpting Competition

Seaside Heights & Seaside Park
Last Call? Jax Garage Shuts Doors After Liquor License Restrictions

Shore Environment
Summer Glow at Sunset, Coastal Flood Advisory Wednesday Into Thursday

Ortley Beach & North Beaches
Crews Begin Emergency Repair of Ortley Beach Oceanfront

Ortley Beach & North Beaches
Memorial Appears at Site of Deadly Toms River Beach Collapse, Fire Officials Urge Caution
