Government

Demolition of Odd Seaside Heights ‘House-Motel’ Property Underway; Townhomes Planned

by
Daniel Nee
December 13, 2023

A property that is up for auction this week in hopes of finding a new owner is also having two long-derelict structures currently occupying it demolished this week.

Though unique in its development, which pre-dated modern zoning codes, the 40-by-100 lot at 229 Franklin Avenue was essentially over-developed, with a multifamily home fronting the street, behind which was located a medium-sized motel-style building that had been used as a rental property for years.

Demolition of the property at 229 Franklin Avenue, Seaside Heights, Dec. 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Acquired by the borough in Oct. 2022 for $1.1 million, tenants had been living in the deteriorating property into 2023. An engineering survey, ratified by the planning board and council, found that the buildings on the property were considered a safety hazard. They were often was the source of a large number of calls for police activity as well, officials have said.

The engineering study led to the declaration of the property as redevelopment area, which allowed the borough council to develop a site-specific plan for the parcel. In this case, the redevelopment plan calls for the construction of three townhomes.

The two buildings under demolition this week had long plagued borough officials as well as law enforcement.

“Within the past two years, the units at the subject property have been without approved certificates of occupancy while renters were present,” a report from the engineering firm handling the redevelopment designation stated. “The buildings have also lacked basic fire safety equipment, which is especially significant given the ongoing reports of fire damage to furniture, appliances, and walls. Some units have also lacked access to essential services, including a functioning stove, and hot water furnace. These conditions and other maintenance issues have persisted at the property, despite action taken by the borough’s code enforcement office.”

Demolition of the property at 229 Franklin Avenue, Seaside Heights, Dec. 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

An online public auction is continuing through Thursday of this week on the Franklin Avenue property as well as two other lots on the north end of town. The winning bidder will be required to comply with the redevelopment plan for the site, including approvals by the planning board and council.