Surf Club's demise?

[Drunk]

Joey Harrison's Surf Club purchase explored by Dover

Published in the Asbury Park Press 5/05/04

By JEAN MIKLE

TOMS RIVER BUREAU

DOVER TOWNSHIP -- Representatives of Joey Harrison's Surf Club have asked Mayor Paul C. Brush and the Township Council whether Dover is interested in acquiring the landmark building and its beach, the mayor said yesterday.

Brush said a real estate agent representing the Surf Club approached the township recently to see if it might be interested in acquiring the bar and nightclub at 1900 Ocean Ave., at the end of Seventh Avenue in Ortley Beach.

Brush said he is interested in Dover buying the property, although he would not disclose the asking price. Joseph Barcellona Sr., who owns the club, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

A packet distributed last month to the council said the club is worth about $10 million, including the bar and nightclub, the beachfront and an adjacent parking lot. Brush said the price quoted to the township is significantly less than that figure.

"I am in favor of continuing negotiations as long as possible to acquire the Surf Club because I like the idea of turning it into a family concession, much like Island Beach State Park," the mayor said.

A beachfront bar and nightclub have existed at the site for at least 60 years. The club annually draws thousands of patrons who come to hear nationally touring acts presented on Friday nights by Sayreville-based promoter Concerts East Inc. as part of its Planet Surf series.

The Surfstock concert, held on the first Friday in July, has showcased up-and-coming acts and annually draws more than 1,000 people to the club. On Sunday "jam" nights, the club traditionally draws a crowd of local revelers.

Such acts as the Smithereens, surfing guitarist Dick Dale, the Psychedelic Furs, the Saw Doctors and the Legendary Wailers have performed at the Surf Club in recent years. Both the Saw Doctors and the Wailers are to return this summer.

Brush admitted that purchasing the club could be a long shot, considering the township's financial situation and the large number of other properties that officials wish to acquire.

On that list is the JAMM Realty Inc. site, about 65 acres at Hooper Avenue and College Drive where 320 apartments were approved by the Planning Board in 2000, and about 43 acres at Fischer Boulevard and Water's Edge Drive where The Home Depot planned to build a home improvement store and garden center.

Those properties are expected to cost several million dollars each.

Council members, who saw a presentation on the Surf Club last month, have privately expressed skepticism about acquiring the site, given the other land the township wants to preserve.

Brush said a meeting has been scheduled soon that will include him; Jesse Goldstein, the real estate agent handling the potential Surf Club sale; 1st Ward Councilwoman Maria Maruca, whose ward includes the club, and Assistant Township Attorney Alison L. Newman.

"I think it would be a nice upgrade to our recreation program and beach program," Brush said of acquiring the club. "Talks are continuing."

The Surf Club opened for the season on April 30, when the reunited band Dramarama performed.

Jean Mikle: (732) 557-5729 or jmikle@app.com