Why Live in Ocean Grove?

The following chart shows the results of a 2021 Residents Survey conducted by The Ocean Grove Home Owners Association (OGHOA). The Survey, in part, asked residents which factors were important to their decision to live in Ocean Grove. As explained below the chart, the Proposed Pier would eliminate much of what keeps residents in Ocean Grove.

Excerpt from Ocean Grove Home Owners Association, Residents Survey, January 26, 2021

Religious Affiliation is not Important to the Majority of Respondents.

• The Survey showed that “Religious Affiliation” came in next to last (7th out of 8 aspects) that influenced why residents want to live in Ocean Grove.

  • Specifically, 71% of respondents felt that “Religious Affiliation” was not-very to not-at-all influential in their decision to live in Ocean Grove, while only 29% of respondents felt that “Religious Affiliation” was very to somewhat influential.

The Proposed Pier Will Have a Negative Impact on Two of the Top Factors that Influenced Respondents to live in Ocean Grove.

• “Welcoming and friendly” - The 2021 Residents Survey showed that the feeling of a “welcoming and friendly” community was influential to 88% of respondents.

  • There is a legitimate concern that a pier shaped as a Christian Cross could make many potential residents or visitors feel less welcome. The Proposed Pier must be analyzed in terms of the extent of such impact.

• “Diversity Acceptance (e.g., ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions) - The 2021 Residents Survey showed that 61% of respondents chose to live in Ocean Grove due to its “diversity acceptance (e.g., ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions).

  • The Proposed Pier, particularly in light of the OGCMA’s current and past history of discrimination, could drastically reduce the sense of acceptance of diversity in our community, a key factor for many residents’ decision to live in Ocean Grove.