#point pleasant

Mothman by Andrew Smart (owllog)

Mothman Teddy Bear Plushie!

A cute little harbinger of doom cryptid, lol. Perfect size to watch over you from your desk or shelf.

Use code JUSTBECAUSE for 20% off!

In 2022, Point Pleasant Beach officials attempted to condemn the Amethyst Beach Motel (circa 1960s) and force owner John Fernicola to sell. They had proposed plans to replace the motel and adjoining park with a massive parking lot.

Instead of accepting his fate, Fernicola fought back. He took the borough to court for violating his civil rights and attempting to take his property without a fair procedure. He claims the borough was not truthful when officials said they wanted to acquire the property by eminent domain because the area needed more parking. Instead, the borough wanted to condemn the motel because they viewed it as a “nuisance,” according to the lawsuit. As of now, the motel remains open.

We stayed at this property recently and it is an absolute gem. I’m really not sure how anyone could attempt to condemn such a beautiful, well kept property. It was clean, close to the beach and already next to a giant parking lot. While this technically can’t be considered a motel revival, I do think it is important to highlight properties like this that have fought for their right to continue operating, even after local government tried to force them out.