Police in Asbury Park are actively
monitoring several social media posts promoting a “pop-up party” to
occur on the beachfront Saturday or Sunday.
Authorities are probing the
sources of the posts and are attempting to verify details at this time.
Previous “pop-up parties”
in Point Pleasant Beach and
Long Branch resulted in disorderly conduct,
fighting, public consumption of alcohol and property damage -- prompting a
large police presence, arrests and eventual cleanup costing taxpayers thousands
of dollars in services. In Long Branch, over 5,000
people showed up and caused the city over $25,000 in damages.
Businesses in
Asbury Park's Convention Hall are worried what their shore town will look like
if the rumors about a possible “pop-up party” come true.
"We are definitely a little nervous,” says
Luke Mesanko, with Wanderlust Land and Sea. “I wish it wasn't going to happen
this early in the summer. I do have faith in the police department and
surrounding areas now that it's already happened in Long Branch."
Some businesses are nervous that even just the
rumors of a possible “pop-up party” could turn some other tourists away.
"If you have kids, it's definitely not the
scene that you want to be involved in, whether or not it will actually come to
fruition will be in fruition but if the weather is good, I expect people to
still come out,” says Mesanko.
The parties are
advertised on social media and encourage people to bring their own booze
and marijuana.
The cities are seeking court
orders blocking such parties without a permit and calling for organizers to pay
for services and damages. Asbury Park is also following suit.
"Don't like
it at all,” says Frank Carmen of Asbury Park. “Absolutely don't like it at all.
I mean, just go by the rules. If you want to have a party, get your permits
like you are supposed to. Keep the alcohol at bay, keep the drugs at bay. Just
behave yourself and have a good time."
Police say the
party may happen on either Saturday or Sunday. They will be keeping a close eye
on the weekend and the rest of the summer going forward.