front page article about Moors in the Philly Inqui

[FlyinGN]

It was so sad to read.. It is to be closed after Irish weekend this fall.. Its so many sad people..

[MMM]

Thanks Frank - here's the article:


www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/12320521.htm


It's last call for a North Wildwood institution

By Amy S. Rosenberg
Inquirer Staff Writer


NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. - How much are we supposed to care about a place like Moore's Inlet, anyway?

As the Jersey Shore gets homogenized, condo-ized, dequirkified, should we mourn as a classic old watering hole passes into history?

Do we get worked up at the loss of a place like this, a place perpetually in need of a paint job (one color, blue, covers nearly every surface), a place of tents and folding chairs, plastic cups and patios, ocean views and reunions, live bands and old disc jockeys, decor ranging from Bud to Bud Light? Oh, and four imported palm trees.

"I'm in denial," said bartender Paul Hagerty, 49, who is in his 31st summer at Moore's, a not-uncommon resume here. People keep coming back.

Co-owner Mike Guadagno - he and DJ Joe Bilbee bought the bar from the Moore family in 1976 - says the deal that would turn Moore's Inlet into luxury condos is still being finalized. He doesn't want to say much more about it.

But who can blame him for doing a deal. With soaring property values and the entire Wildwoods crashing upscale this year, this piece of property is obviously way too valuable to remain simply... Moore's Inlet bar.

Just as in Margate, where property values and a blistering condo market made it foolish for another classic old Shore bar, Maloney's, to remain just... Maloney's, even with three beach-volleyball teams and a bike-athon. It's been sold to a developer.

And it's not as if the imminent demise of Moore's Inlet will bring the historic-preservation people out in protest. Maybe they'll come for the blue painted sign, but that'll be it.

But still.

This place has been around since 1912, when the South Philly Moores (as in the street) set up their original tavern. During Prohibition, bootleggers rowed to shore here and stashed their loot in caves carved into the rocks nearby.

This is a place where people danced until 5 a.m., then headed straight for breakfast, a place to which sisters made annual trips together, a place where you met the people you married, with Bilbee spinning the records and running the music-trivia games, Elvis-contemporary Charlie Gracie still performing oldies on the patio, and Tony "Mr. Entertainment" Mascara running the karaoke. A North Wildwood institution, but also a Philly one, like a Port Richmond or South Philly bar transplanted to the Shore.

"I am proud to say that I won approximately 15 T-shirts over the years I went to Moore's playing music trivia," said Vince June, 45, now of Atlanta.

That kind of place.

A place described by a regular as one where you go to bump into the people you knew before you became who you are. That bit of unexpected existential wisdom was uttered over a Michelob Ultra at midday just last Tuesday.

And there you go: A midday beer at the Shore, a little watering-hole philosophy, a view of the inlet - this is what's being threatened by rising property values, deals too good to pass up, and so-called upscale tastes.

"It's most traumatic," said Mayor Aldo Palombo, who says the bar will close after the season's last event, the North Wildwood Irish Festival, in late September.

Frank Leo, a retired plumber from Sewell, Gloucester County, who has shown up at Moore's on Tuesdays for three decades to fish on the beach out front, calls the place an "optional fisherman's paradise."

By which he means: "You have options. If you're having a bad [fishing] day and it's hot, you have an option. You'd walk into Moore's Inlet, have a beer, take a break, have a fried-oyster sandwich. You can see your rods from the bar. If the fish swim by, they want to get hooked, that's their problem."

This is the kind of place that inspires tributes such as this e-mail, from a woman who said she started going to Moore's 30 years ago with her girlfriends:

"When I'm there, I'm still 21," she wrote. "I loved sitting at one of the outside bars, looking out over the ocean, and thinking this is just as beautiful as anywhere else in the world. I feel like I grew up with all the bartenders. That's what I really liked about Moore's - seeing the same bartenders and people season after season. And Bilbee... always played the best dance songs. Where will people go now for a good time?"

Where, indeed. Not across the street to the Beach House bar, also targeted for demolition, to make way for a motel.

Said Rob Walker, 42, of Prospect Park, Delaware County: "Moore's will be missed the way you miss your old schoolmates or relatives you haven't heard from in a while, with a mix of sadness because they are out of your life, acceptance that change is part of life, and happiness in the memories."

[Robert]

Well, the Wildwoods are all over as we knew them. "Upscale tastes" Bull****! If I want upscale I can go to Cape May or Avalon or a fine restaurant in Philly. The boardwalk had better not change too much or I'll puke. If the Golden Nugget doesn't reopen or gets demolished I'll puke. If the Castle doesn't get rebuilt I'll puke. If the ratio of condos vs. motels is greater in a few years, I'll puke. The Wildwoods were always known for their tacky bars, clubs, motels, and classic amusement rides, but now that's all changing. Wildwood will soon be the "ritz, upper class, upscale" capital of the shore.

[Doowopper]

I could'nt help but notice that it said the Beach House Bar is being torn down to make way for a motel. A motel? They are actually building somthing other than a condo in the Wildwoods?

[Doowopper]

Not neccessarily true. Many of the motels and even retauaunts torn down were doing fine and had the potential to make a great deal of money. One must look no farther than the Starlux, Carribbean, Loli-Pop etc. Even the Blue Olive Resturaunt.

And I don't see these condos helping the town at all. Half of them are for rent. In fact, I recently read somewhere that HUNDREDS of condos are for sale/rent as we speak. All of this greed is going to leave alot of people hurting in the not to distant future. It's a shame some of the motel owners who sold didn't try harder to find someone that would buy the building, renovate it, and keep it open.

[Crippled_Visions]

darkrideguy said:

Robert when was the last time you spent any money in the Wildwoods? Better yet when was the last time your Mom spent money in a old seedy hotel or overpriced substandard restaurant in th Wildwoods??? Bottom line is the Dollare Sign Good ol Bobby. These people are selling out cause the gettin is good. But you wouldnt have a clue about that would you. People now a days expect more for their hard earned money. Not a small outdated musty room and horrible frozen fish dinner for 30.00 pop. Wake up Robert. Times are changing. Sorry if you and your dreaming Doo Wop buddies cant see the reality of making money. Some of these owners have put up with bad seasons for years. If the they can cash out now i say good for them . Stop dreaming s_ it ball. If you never came down here to spend money and and help the small independent business man then you have no right to complain about it. Bottom line is the dollar sign fool.

A little harsh Dark, but I do agree. Robert is going to be doing a lot of puking in the near future.

[Al Alven]

I do have to agree with darkrideguy that the bottom line is money. That’s the reality of the situation. And, as I’ve said many times before, I don’t blame these longtime bar and motel owners for doing what they feel they have to do.

You’re right, many of these folks have persevered through difficult seasons, and, in some cases, have lost a lot of money. Now is the time for them to sell and do well for their families. I honestly can not begrudge them that.

There are some opportunities for owners to turn their properties around, like the examples Doowopper mentioned with the Starlux, Caribbean and Blue Olive Restaurants. But, business ventures such as the ones undertaken by the owners of each of these establishments are not “sure things.”

Taking the money while you can is a safe investment for these businessmen. Considering the dollar amounts being thrown around, it is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for most of them.

Having had the opportunity to speak to many motel owners who have decided to sell over the past two years or so (I haven’t had the chance to talk to the owners of Moore’s yet), I can tell you that selling their properties, despite the enormous monetary return, has not been an easy decision for most.

Sure, there are some owners who are getting up in years and have been looking to “get out” and retire to some place warm and sunny. But, from my experience, the vast majority of owners, regardless of their age, have always had a great deal of passion and respect for the uniqueness of the Wildwoods and their individual properties, and have had a hard time coming to terms with the realities of the situation (that being, the knowledge that once the sales go through, their properties will become history).

Again, for better or worse, it all comes down to money. But, the shame of it is, something of great value is being sacrificed in the process. Even the former owners, in most cases, will concede as much.

When I look at what is happening to the Wildwoods, I can’t help but second-guess the role the local politicians are playing in all of this. North Wildwood major Aldo Palumbo is quoted in Sunday’s Inquirer article that the loss of longtime institutions like Moore’s Inlet is “most traumatic.”

I can’t understand for the life of me then why more isn’t being done to stop it.

Yes, I realize that in many cases, even the hands of the locals who want to stop the rampant wave of demolition are tied. But, if you’re going to talk a good game, at least back it up.

I’m sorry, is there not some insane double-standard here?

I will mourn the loss of Moore’s, a classic establishment that has served the Wildwoods well for generations, just as I have shed a tear (figuratively and, yes, in some cases literally) for the dozens and dozens of other local landmarks that have fallen to the wrecking ball due to a lethal combination of greed and the failure of the local leaders to understand the value of the cultural and architectural goldmine they are (were?) sitting on.

I lament the missed opportunities.

Yes, it all comes down to money. But if the local politicians and developers truly realized that and weren’t out to make just a quick buck, they would invest in the island’s heritage and uniqueness, and could quickly help preserve the Wildwoods as the unique, world-class resort that it could and should be.

The Wildwoods have always been defined for their quirkiness, their creativity, their standing as a place like no other. As I mentioned in another thread, this is an opportunity other resort towns long to be able to exploit. And, here, on 5-mile beach, they’re throwing it all away for what is sure to be short-term gain.

Ung.

[shoregirl]

DooWopper - you are RIGHT on the money!!! The bottom is already starting to drop!! Several people that my husband and I know have bought new townhouses in Wildwood in the last 14 months. One lady that works with me has not been able to rent out her new townhouse once this spring/summer season yet!!! I told her not to do it - tons of people think it is going to be soooo easy!!! They purchase a townhouse for anywhere from $279,000 to $850,000 and they think "no problem" I'll rent it out for a few thousand a week, make my mortgage by several more thousand a month then I need - and have it paid off in no time! WRONG!!!!! Most families today that do go away for a full week or more are going to spend that $2,500 to $4,500 a week on something more than the Jersey shore. Families today now have both Mom & Dad working (which is bad for the poor kids) but regardless the greed is there for them because they WANT everything!!!! Most condos & townhouse owners want their places rented out for FULL weeks, not 3 or 4 days here and there. With the rates they are charging - it's not happening!! Several realtors that we know - have quietly admitted that they over-saturated the market on the island too quickly. Places are not selling and the ones that are sold - the owners are panicking because they can't rent them out!!! They told us to sit back and wait about 2 to 3 years - sheriff sales and foreclosures will be abundant on the island!!!! We know 1 couple in particular that just bought 4 townhouses in June - hoping to "flip" them!! They are running scared - they haven't had 1 bite on any of them - that's ALOT of mortgages to meet!!!! People are greedy, and stupid at the same time. Those of us that aren't will benefit from the fools. We just have to be patient!!!

[wildwanderer]

shoregirl said:

DooWopper - you are RIGHT on the money!!! The bottom is already starting to drop!! Several people that my husband and I know have bought new townhouses in Wildwood in the last 14 months. One lady that works with me has not been able to rent out her new townhouse once this spring/summer season yet!!! I told her not to do it - tons of people think it is going to be soooo easy!!! They purchase a townhouse for anywhere from $279,000 to $850,000 and they think "no problem" I'll rent it out for a few thousand a week, make my mortgage by several more thousand a month then I need - and have it paid off in no time! WRONG!!!!! Most families today that do go away for a full week or more are going to spend that $2,500 to $4,500 a week on something more than the Jersey shore. Families today now have both Mom & Dad working (which is bad for the poor kids) but regardless the greed is there for them because they WANT everything!!!! Most condos & townhouse owners want their places rented out for FULL weeks, not 3 or 4 days here and there. With the rates they are charging - it's not happening!! Several realtors that we know - have quietly admitted that they over-saturated the market on the island too quickly. Places are not selling and the ones that are sold - the owners are panicking because they can't rent them out!!! They told us to sit back and wait about 2 to 3 years - sheriff sales and foreclosures will be abundant on the island!!!! We know 1 couple in particular that just bought 4 townhouses in June - hoping to "flip" them!! They are running scared - they haven't had 1 bite on any of them - that's ALOT of mortgages to meet!!!! People are greedy, and stupid at the same time. Those of us that aren't will benefit from the fools. We just have to be patient!!!

I don't know if greed, and being foolish is any part of an investors situation. A smart investor knows when the market is oversaturated. WW is being sold where I live and that is over 2 hours away. However, not everyone is sold on the market. I know plenty of persons who are still investing in the Carolina's. The market is definately better there. We met with 2 Realtor's in WW area and the way they try to get you to buy is unreal. They immediately tell you that this would be the smartest buy of your life. Guaranteed rentable. I really don't know if I want a sherrif's sale house, or condo, or motel room. What good that would be I have no idea. I guess if I got it for less than 100,000 and rented it out for 500.00 a week. I really can't see that happening either. Question: Why are working parents greedy and "bad for the poor kids"? Kids that see that their parents are working to give them great lives gives a sense of responsibility early in life. I give parents credit for working hard to provide a life for their children.

[Doowopper]

Personally if I owned a motel and someone walked up to me offering millions I wouldn't take it. First off, I need to keep busy or I get bored out of my mind (that's why I am constantly working in my church and it's school). And money dosen't buy happiness. I'd rather be sitting on my motels balcony breathing in the fresh salt air and hearing my happy guests frolic in the pool area below than sit with 10 million dollars trying to figure out what to do with it and having people always asking me for money. Money does weird things to people and their families that I would never want any part of. But that's just me.

[Al Alven]

doowopper2 said:

Personally if I owned a motel and someone walked up to me offering millions I wouldn't take it. First off, I need to keep busy or I get bored out of my mind (that's why I am constantly working in my church and it's school). And money dosen't buy happiness. I'd rather be sitting on my motels balcony breathing in the fresh salt air and hearing my happy guests frolic in the pool area below than sit with 10 million dollars trying to figure out what to do with it and having people always asking me for money. Money does weird things to people and their families that I would never want any part of. But that's just me.

Doowopper, I agree with you that money does not necessarily buy happiness, but there are often many, many, many other factors at play.

Money can, in fact, guarantee financial security for one’s family, and that is an essential priority. It’s easy for someone removed from the situation to say “I’d never take the money,” but different circumstances and varying situations often dictate the way we ultimately act.

Personally, I don’t know what I’d do.

Right now, at age 26, I would like to think that I’d turn down the money.

Owning and operating a business at the shore is one of my dreams in life. Money itself doesn’t make anyone happy. It’s what you do (or what you plan to do) with the money that, ideally, helps you achieve your goals. If, right now, I had my property, I don’t know what amount of money (if any) it would take for me to give it up.

I do have to consider how I would react years from now if the situation remained the same. I have a son now, and we are hoping to have more kids over the next few years. When I’m, say, 55, what will be most important to me? As much as I would be sure to love and be passionate about my “place at the shore,” would that be outweighed by the viable opportunity to ensure the financial protection of my family for years and years to come?

I just don’t know. I don’t think that anyone can answer than question outright because, again, we just don’t know how things (and priorities) can change.

I do applaud your stance, however, Doowopper. You know that.

To me, there is no place like the Wildwoods. All things being equal (of course, you can never realistically rule the money factor out of the equation), I think most of us, and even the vast majority of the motel owners themselves, would readily echo the sentiments of your last post.

[Doowopper]

Yeah you are right Al, I do forget that these motels are sometimes the owners lone source of income for themselves and their families, and if your not making a profit, I guess you really don't have much choice but to sell. I would like to think that there are many individuals, and partnerships who would be willing to buy the motel and keep it open but I'm sure they can't offer what a contractor can. I forgot who said it, but the only way to be sure the motels are saved is zoning. This way a motel owner who needs to get out of the buissiness can, and the motel can still remain open and possibly be renovated. This way everyone wins.
.

[cutietnj]

Sad that it's closing had a lot of fun summer nights there.

[JIMD]

doowopper2 said:

Not neccessarily true. Many of the motels and even retauaunts torn down were doing fine and had the potential to make a great deal of money. One must look no farther than the Starlux, Carribbean, Loli-Pop etc. Even the Blue Olive Resturaunt.

And I don't see these condos helping the town at all. Half of them are for rent. In fact, I recently read somewhere that HUNDREDS of condos are for sale/rent as we speak. All of this greed is going to leave alot of people hurting in the not to distant future. It's a shame some of the motel owners who sold didn't try harder to find someone that would buy the building, renovate it, and keep it open.

Because you can't pay what the hotel owners are getting for theses properties and operate them as a hotel and make any money, you can't even break even as the season is far too short

[Doowopper]

There are many good reasons why some motels can't get enough guests. The Island Time motel was probably having trouble getting guests to stay and thus sold. But after reading the reviews on the motel I'm not surprised it wasen't getting guests. This is true for some others that were torn down. If your going to charge to stay what they do in Wildwood you need to at least make sure your motels housekeeping is doing it's job. From what I understand the Caribbean was getting a little tired before it was sold. Now it's new owners have brought it back, and even better than it's prime and it seems to be doing great. Sometimes the owners just overlook things that people expect these days. The Casa Bahama was another motel that seemed to be let down by the owners. The neon sign burnt out so they stuck a spotlight to it as it rusted to pieces. The way I see it there is no reason why a motel can't get it's due guests. But I'm not one to talk, I don't own one, but by looking how many of the more run down motels lack guests, it just startles me why people think nothing could be done to help bring them in. Selling them to someone who has $ to invest in it could've saved several motels in Wildwood IMO. But I know very little about the buisiness and could be wrong.