Like in many troubled cities, the gay and lesbian community have tried to embrace and restore Asbury Park. Just as in The Castro neighborhood of San Francisco and many southern Florida towns, the gay and lesbian community have tried to keep Asbury Park alive before it truly reaches extinction. Slowly, life is breathing its' way back into the city. It will take time, perseverance and most importantly support - support of the people to visit these businesses and to spread the word. A new owner of the Berkeley Carteret Hotel has plans to renovate, open the restaurant on more then just weekends and enclose the pool for year-round enjoyment.
Efforts are underway to try and save, preserve or rebuild the Palace Amusements.
Efforts are underway to reopen the Albion Hotel. I am told the same is so for the Empress Motel. For more information, visit the Asbury Park sites referenced below. Email us with your thoughts, comments and memories of Asbury Park. If anyone has personal photographs or stories to share, please let us know.