SEASIDE PARK — Demolition of the Desert Palm Inn began Monday, bringing an end to years of legal battles over the long-vacant Seaside Park motel.
Crews began work at the Ocean Avenue property Aug. 31 after a lengthy fight over the borough’s effort to take control of the site through eminent domain. Equipment was brought to the property as the borough moved ahead with plans to raze the building.
The work follows a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that resolved the condemnation dispute in Seaside Park’s favor and allowed officials to proceed with clearing the property.
Borough officials said the ruling ended a roughly two-and-a-half-year period in which Seaside Park had been unable to move forward with demolition while the case worked its way through the courts.
The Desert Palm had been targeted for redevelopment after officials raised concerns about the condition of the property. Engineering findings presented during the process identified health and safety problems associated with the site.
The borough also cited previous police activity connected to the motel while making its case that the property should be designated as an area in need of redevelopment.
Shree Jyoti LLC, which owned the motel, contested Seaside Park’s attempt to acquire the property and challenged the condemnation in court.
The borough prevailed at the Superior Court level in Ocean County and again when the matter went before the Appellate Division. The case eventually reached the New Jersey Supreme Court, where the borough secured the decision needed to proceed.
With demolition now underway, a property that has remained tied up in litigation and redevelopment proceedings for years is finally being cleared.
