Days Are Numbered For The Rusty Structure In Seaside Heights
It's been sitting there, looking ugly and getting rustier and rustier. Over a decade ago it was supposed to be the next big nightclub in Seaside Heights but, according to Jersey Shore Online, owner Vincent Craparotta (heh) blamed the financial crisis of 2008 along with a lack of financing following Superstorm Sandy in 2012 for the stoppage of construction.
Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz has been determined to make the eyesore a thing of the past. Vaz says the township got an appraisal for the property, and hopes to settle with Craparotta. If a settlement cannot be reached, they will go to court, and it's likely that Seaside can claim eminent domain and take over ownership.
If and when Seaside Heights take over, they could do literally whatever they wanted with the location. Obviously the structure would come down, and they could replace it with a new building to house any type of business, or even just make it a parking lot.
It's crazy because it has become the sort of thing that I can't even remember what it was like before. The giant metal skeleton is just a weird part of Seaside, like it's always been there and always will. It has become a sort of landmark, something you use if you want to give directions ("Make a left at the rusty thing") or to tell someone how far you are from the bar ("I just passed the rust, I'll be there in five").
The lot is a great location, so it'll be interesting to see what ends up taking over. We'll keep you updated with anything we find out!