Years ago, West Lake Avenue was one of the premier commercial corridors of Neptune Township. Economic vitality and quality of life can be restored to the neighborhood, but it's going to take vision and commitment. With the Neptune Township Committee and Mayor, the Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC), and CityWorks on board, and with crucial input from the local community, the revitalization of West Lake Avenue can become a reality.
Dates to Remember
February 27, 2006: 7:30pm
Public Presentation of Plan Revisions
February 25, 2006: 9:00am
Black History Month Celebration
February 16, 2006: 6:30pm
Monthly MURC meeting and Board Member Recruitment Dinner
February 9, 2006
West Lake Avenue's redevelopment plan and the Information Center is chronicled in the Ocean Grove Record.
January 19, 2006: 6:30pm
Monthly MURC meeting
January 5, 2006: 4:00pm
The CityWorks/MURC Information Center opens on West Lake Avenue.
June 13, 2005: 7:00pm
Presentation by CityWorks before the Neptune Township Committee and Mayor Neptune Township Senior Center.
June 11, 2005: 7:00pm
Demolition of uninhabited, Neptune Township-owned building at 1507 West Lake Ave and designation of CityWorks as MURC's redevelopment partner.
A Brief History of West Lake Avenue
For 35 years, West Lake Avenue, in the Midtown section of Neptune Township, has been barely surviving, not thriving. A once busy commercial stretch has seen urban blight take hold. It has been impossible to meet the needs and desires of local residents.
It wasn't always this way. There was a time when West Lake Avenue was the center of a thriving commercial and residential community. Businesses like Bill's Dry Cleaners, Little Wonders, Chicks' Fish & Chips, Sharpes' Army/Navy, Nahans' Shoes and Mr. Raven's Deli drew customers. Local residents did not have to go elsewhere to shop, dine out or access the services they needed. The strong commercial base supported a strong residential community. Midtown was a highly functioning urban neighborhood within the city of Neptune.