The Park Central apartment Complex in Seaside Park, N.J., is demolished. (Photo: Shorebeat)
Seaside Park officials are planning to create a passive park area on the site of the former Park Central condominium complex, which was acquired by the borough in 2022 and subsequently demolished.
The borough, in its proposed capital budget for this year, appropriated $100,000 for the project. Officials said they hope to receive $75,000 back in the form of matching grants now that the funding has been formally set aside. There have been numerous proposals for Park Central since its acquisition, ranging from commercial redevelopment, to a recreational center, to an open-air market.
“It’s a passive spot,” explained Borough Administrator Karen Kroon. “It’s going to be made up of native gardens, benches, and a new gazebo in the middle.”
The Park Central apartment complex on SW Central Avenue, Seaside Park, N.J., Jan. 2023. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The Park Central apartment Complex in Seaside Park, N.J., is demolished. (Photo: Shorebeat)
Though it is likely to qualify for grant funding, the project first had to be funded by the borough in order to access those grants, according to officials.
“We haven’t been awarded the grant yet, and even when we get a grant, they’re matching grants so we have to spend the money first and get reimbursed,” Kroon said. “Hopefully we get $75,000 or more in reimbursements, but we have to put the full cost in the budget.”
The park setting will help beautify the center of town while allowing space for events and ceremonies.
“We’re just turning it into a nice, passive recreation spot in the center of our town,” Kroon said.
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