Keep cruisin' in Freehold | APP.com [editorial]

"Kruise Nights," the vintage car and motorcycle shows that have drawn thousands of people to downtown Freehold for more than two decades, also have brought traffic and public safety concerns, prompting borough officials to consider ending the tradition. They have invited the two business groups that host the events to address the problems so the shows can go on. The merchants should accept the invitation and involve vintage car aficionados and motorcycle clubs in the discussion.

The shows, held monthly on Thursday nights from May through August, draw 10,000 to 15,000 people. They help promote businesses and fill restaurants, but they also have attracted a rowdy element. "It's more than unmanageable," Councilwoman Sharon Shutzeer said. "It's gotten out of control."

To help combat the problem, most of the police force is called to duty. Last year, that cost $20,000 in overtime, which was split between the borough and the Freehold Center Partnership.

The partnership and its co-host, the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, should act on several suggestions offered at a meeting Monday to keep the shows running. Limiting the number of motorcycles allowed would be an enforcement nightmare. But cutting back on the number, and hours, of shows is worth considering. Banning open alcoholic containers on the street would help dispel the impression that Kruise Night is one big beer party. And the two business groups should pay for all police overtime.

If the shows do resume, all promotional materials should spell out the new rules. The sponsors and the borough should evaluate how the first event proceeded and be ready to tweak the regulations as necessary. They should do everything they can to keep the tradition alive.

[Rob]

What else are they going to criticsize in the name of safety concerns? Somebody needs to take a look at the fact that all of the merchants (within reason) are solicited. We attend everyone, every month and we look forward to eating, having a cigar and getting together with people in general.Good, clean fun.

[May-Err Mike]

isn't it obvious... it's the motorcycles. They say safety concerns (has anyone gotten hurt?) and use code words like "family event." What they mean is they don't like the "element."

Funny, isn't it, coming from a town over-run with illegal immigrants and they think bikers are giving the event a bad name! HA! No wonder the bike shop is leaving town.

[nooneyouknow0772 8]

May-Err Mike wrote:

No wonder the bike shop is leaving town.

Or maybe this has something to do with it?->
http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2002/05...
http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/07...

[bill gates]

great links no one

[intheknowoneyouk now]

10,000 partiers the last thusday of the month, occupying the attention of the entire boro PD, and now the gangs on center street or bond street deside that the last thursday of the month is perfect for "drive by thursdays".

so you think the crap thats been sweeped under wilsons carpet is about to springstreet loose

There is a blood red circle
On the cold dark ground
And the rain is falling down
The church door's thrown open
I can hear the organ's song
But the congregation's gone
My city of ruins
My city of ruins

Now the sweet bells of mercy
Drift through the evening trees
Young men on the corner
Like scattered leaves,
The boarded up windows,
The EMPTY streets
While my brother's down on his knees
My city of ruins
My city of ruins

[Antonio]

In a town where people get tickets for riding their bikes on a sidewalk, sleeping in overcrowded quarters, or walking dogs without a license..... to create some extra cash for the town, they are worried about the only good thing that the town has going for itself.
For one day a month, they can manage to do some real work!
Shame on all those government officials.
The town is becoming a ghost town, with abandoned homes at every corner, this will only contribute to the destruction of it.
If they had anything left in ther heads they would use to come up with a real solution. Make they should take a look at Red Bank's activities!

[Casual Screamer]

Antonio, you have no idea what you are talking about. I'll leave it at that.