We have lived here on Barnegat Bay Island for almost 40 years and without a doubt love it very much, even more now that we're retired. I even love being here when the visitors flood into the area when the weather warms in May. The Island towns rely on the tourist dollar to survive and even the dreaded "Benny" brings cash to our towns, businesses and economy. We were the outsiders when my wife and I first moved into Lavallette in 1974 and now we are the locals. At least we think we are, lol.We've seen the face of our Island change, usually for the better but change is change and not always welcome by all.We've witnessed Point Beach grow, wither up and regrow like a beautiful perennial flower that has now spread its blossoms of thriving restaurants, coffee shops and eclectic boutiques. For years people have talked about the development of the area in Point Beach along the channel that leads from Will's Hole County Park at the train bridge towards the Lobster Shanty. Different plans and ideas have popped up and disappeared.
Today I heard talk of a major hotel chain that is in the process of planning a resort style complex on the Channel Drive waterfront. From the sounds of it, it could bring enormous ratables and an employment boost to Northern Ocean County. New restaurants and shops could create a year round destination much like a Fishermen's Wharf.There are numerous locations like this around the country that have developed their waterfront communities and by doing so have grown their local economies. Most of us that travel are automatically drawn to these tourist destinations.Even Pier Village in Long Branch has grown to a destination for thousands of people year round.I walk the channel drive area almost daily and can tell you that the condition of many of the docks, bulkheads and buildings is despicable, unsafe and an eyesore.I hope that the rumor is true and that we live long enough to appreciate the improvement to the Northernmost section of Point Beach. I would love to walk with Mrs BBI,NJ and Kona along the Gull Island Channel Promenade.
