Behind the curtain in the Land of Oz, Part II - Tactical Withdrawal...

Red Bank NJ: Thursday's Zoning Board meeting saw apartment developers, Incredible OZ, withdraw their application to build 14 units on a derelict single-family plot on the congested and polluted Shrewsbury Avenue corridor.

AIslop view of one block of the proposed units to the 
usual standard of Red Bank "architecture"...

The developers were seeking extensive variances from the town's code and there were also several business and commercial code variations and deletions which needed to be addressed.

Of course, no one, not even the board, could acknowledge the recent public - well, on Facebook anyway - debate on the rate and quality of development in the town. Nevertheless staunch Ready! Faithfuls - and realtors - on the board continued to express their support. 

Whilst many on the board failed to catch the pervading community zeitgeist, at least Incredible OZ seemed to realise the issue.

redbankgreen's report quoted the developers lawyer as saying they'd be back with a  “better product,”.  It will be fascinating to see what they mean by that.

 

How things work in Red Bank... Yet Another Unfortunate Event

Sadly Monmouth Street's School of Rock building has virtually collapsed after what seems like years of neglect...

Image: redbankgreen.com

That seems to be developers' modus operandi in the town**. What are the odds that new luxury apartments and yet another groovy, fine-dining establishment will emerge from the wreckage for the mayor+council selfie collection? And who knows... even a free lunch?

Personally, I'd settle for an asset and a crying need for the community. Maybe something like a full-service mini-supermarket in this allegedly cool little, award winning, and walkable town.

**See Azalea Gardens, Denholtz Plaza, RiverMark, Incredible Oz, et al. 

The Red Bank Community Spirit Service Award 2026

It’s time to cast your nomination! Do you know someone who makes a difference in Red Bank through service, leadership, and community spirit? Nominate them for the 2026 Community Spirit Award! 
Red Bank Community Engagement and Equity Committee 

An honour, which, hopefully, is not only awarded to serve the 👑mayor's pleasure👑...

Nominations close tomorrow, 07/16/2026. The suggested link can be dodgy, so use this>>>