Lakewood NJ , Jewish community (Washington, Clinton: for sale, oceanfront, condos)

[Lepke]

The Haredi community of Lakewood is very different from most other orthodox communities around the world.

They gravitate here because of the big yeshiva Bais Medrash Govoha. These are the most fundamentalist religious fanatics in all of Judaism. The Hasidic communities in Brooklyn are downright modern in comparison.

In a way I can be proud that as far as religious extremists go these are ours and are mostly harmless to the outside world.

It could be worse, they could be bomb wielding, head cutting, trying to force their way of life on others.

[LawrencevilleGA]

It includes the right to offend peoples delicate sensibilities. EXACTLY You seem offended in your post.
Complaining about Orthodox people's rudeness and saying "they must be stopped", is not a legitimate position. I have the right to complain about anyone I want to, even if that person lives in Lakewood, NJ and wears a black suit, black hat and has a beard. It's America!
A senior saying "These people are ruining my retirement; they are so different and they don't respect me, we must get rid of them", is not a legitimate position. They are challenging the bylaws of a community that were agreed to by them before moving into this community. If they are allowed to continue then what's the point of calling it a 55 and over community. Anyone can darn well move in and live there.

[Lepke]

Some (not all) of the Haredim of Lakewood literally believe they own the town.
One of my neighbors even went so far as to tell me they own the town and that First Energy Park the Blue Claws stadium was only built with the permission of the Haredi community who could have prevented it at any time. To me that is unmitigated chutzpah.

[cheilaugh]

Originally Posted by Senator

Don't worry, Lakewood is one of the safest and cleanest towns in the Atlantic region. Check all th information you can online. Jews are a good community subsidary.

you have got to be kidding, senator! when was the last time you were on the jersey shore in lakewood? i agree with "lawrenceville"...lakewood is a dump! you obviously have never visited and experienced the town in pre-shabbat rush hour to get home before sundown. the hasidim are definitely pushing and shoving in the supermarket regardless of anyone else in their way to get through the lines. it is hasidic, cultural behavior. the minority, but "the chosen few". they matter above and beyond everything else, and that's not a prejudiced remark. it's fact. (try living in the utrecht avenue area in brooklyn and you'll know what i mean!)

they run the town; they don't use the schools so they don't care if they are any good for the rest of the residents. it's a mess, like suffern, NY. i feel sorry for the citizens of lakewood. they can't do or say anything without appearing like neo-nazi's, but their town is a mess.

[NewHomeHappy]

A few days ago, I drove through Lakewood, taking Rt.9 South. It has been years since I took this route. I was shocked to see how run down the area has become. I'm not positive but I remember checking the street signs- The streets which are Numbered. 18th, down to Second, I think. Oiy Vay -Wow- I saw Street after Street of unkept yards (grass overgrown, rusted old fences, etc) and many many homes or apartment unkept (broken stairs, broken windows, garbage cans, litter ! ) Sorry but this is really what it looks like. I should have taken photos to prove it.

From what I've been reading here, if this UOJ "Religious group" has so much money, then why don't they take better care of their homes/property/apartments ? Just curious

[nsa162]

There may be run down areas of lakewood, route 9 south in lakewood is not one of them. I live in lakewood and go on route 9 south everyday and there arent that many single family homes from county line to the lake in lakewood. You have a cemetary, a few single family homes, some gas stations, a couple of motels, a pharmacy, alot of townhouses that have neat lawns and a new apt building, a senior living building and a bunch of doctors offices.

[NewHomeHappy]

Originally Posted by nsa162

There may be run down areas of lakewood, route 9 south in lakewood is not one of them. I live in lakewood and go on route 9 south everyday and there arent that many single family homes from county line to the lake in lakewood. You have a cemetary, a few single family homes, some gas stations, a couple of motels, a pharmacy, alot of townhouses that have neat lawns and a new apt building, a senior living building and a bunch of doctors offices.

I know what I saw. But I guess, it's a matter of opinion & perception.

[Lepke]

Route 9 isn’t that bad. I can only recall one corner (I think it’s 7th street) where it looks unkempt. Other then that it’s mainly commercial.

My Haredi neighbors actually keep their homes beautifully. Most are young families in their first homes and are very proud. One lady across the street is constantly working on her garden and another guy on my block mows his lawn 2 and 3 times a week. Next door has a neatly trimmed lawn and lovely flowers. My Haredi neighbors are good neighbors.

Then there are the absentee landlords who rent to anyone and I mean anyone. But they are getting pushed out as the young Haredi families move in.

[lakeweird]

Lakewood truly is a diverse community. Head west on rt88 make a right on any street between ocean county park and rt9 and you will see the filthiest, unkept, people, homes, and streets all inhabited by people of all races , religions and nationalities. Blink an eye and you might miss one of the few remaining decent residents trapped in this ghetto mowing the lawn and picking up the trash that blew or was thrown on his property by one of the diverse members of this lovely town.

[lakewoodresident]

Well we may be winning a little here in ACP according to the Supreme Court of NJ the bylaws of the community trump local laws as far as what's going on here. Now we will probably have to bring them to court to get this house back to what it should be. From what I heard they offered to stop using the house if we would let them use the clubhouse Friday and Saturday FREE OF CHARGE. Board told them to stuff it. Also heard that the township inspectors made an appointment to reinspect, a half hour before they were seen carrying in some clothes. Problem was they were large size mens clothes, nothing a 94 year old 90 pound woman would wear. They really think people are stupid.