Save The Gatehouse; Sign The Petition NOW!

Camden County resident starts petition to preserve former Cherry Hill, New Jersey, racetrack building https://t.co/57MFYQwD72 via @CBSPhiladelphia

— Dan (@dancirucci) May 30, 2024

Video: Fox 29 Covers GSP Gatehouse Preservation!

Folks plea to preserve the last of the once legendary Garden State Park racetrack https://t.co/VAV6mQzZyg

— Dan (@dancirucci) May 22, 2024

County Commissioner Says 'Save The Gatehouse!'

Camden County Commissioner
Jeffrey Nash.

Our effort to save the Garden State Park gatehouse is picking up more and more support every day. Today, we're proud to welcome Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash to this ongoing campaign and we thank him for his invaluable support. You can join Jeff, Cherry Hill Mayor Dave Fleisher and the rest of us by signing the petition to save the gatehouse.

The statement below is by Commissioner Jeffrey Nash regarding his support for the preservation of the Garden State Gatehouse on Route 70.

Recently, a group of Cherry Hill residents and Mayor David Fleisher have launched a campaign to save the Garden State Gatehouse on Route 70 from being sold to developers for commercial use. The Gatehouse is all that remains of the former iconic racetrack that was opened in 1942.  Garden State Park was a beacon of entertainment and community engagement throughout the 1950s and 1960s and the Gatehouse has stood the test of time.

 

As liaison to the Open Space Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Board, it is my duty to ensure that we are preserving all of Camden County’s historic locations from Camden City to Winslow Township. The Gatehouse is a relic of Cherry Hill’s past, and it would be a travesty to let this piece of history be sold to a developer to create another shopping mall or residential area. 

I support Mayor Fleisher and all the Cherry Hill residents fighting for the preservation of the Gatehouse and the Board of Commissioners insist that this site be preserved so that generations to come can learn about Cherry Hill’s history at Garden State Park.

Gatehouse Among 10 'Most Endangered' NJ Sites!

Preservation New Jersey has released its list of the Ten Most Endangered Sites in the state and Garden State Park Gatehouse in Cherry Hill has made the list.

Here at the Dan Cirucci Blog we have spearheaded the effort to save this historic site. In fact, the effort was launched right here with our petition drive and you can add your name to this campaign buy signing the petition now.

Here's what Preservation New Jersey says about the gatehouse:

The Garden State Park was constructed throughout 1941 and opened on July 18, 1942. Construction was stalled after delays caused by raw material rationing at the United States' entry into World War II. To make quick progress and due to the seizure of 30,000 tons of structural steel by war authorities, developer Eugene Mori mostly constructed Garden State Park's ornate Georgian-style grandstand of wood. Garden State Park was designed to hold more than 30,000 people as well as host stables, eateries, and other public amenities. With the popularity and success of the racetrack, Mori would later build hotels surrounding Garden State Park making it an attractive arena for both sport and entertainment. The Park would host some of the best athletes and horses and by 1946 would serve an average daily attendance of 17,000 people. A devastating fire in 1977 destroyed the Garden State Park. Under new ownership and with a grand vision, the Park was rebuilt and reopened in 1985. As time went on the racetrack suffered. In 2001, after almost 60 years the track had its final race. In 2003 the property was sold and demolished to create a town center. The only structure to remain, that both outlasted the devastating fire of 1977 and rebuild is the Gatehouse. The Gatehouse is now under threat as the property is for sale with plans for further commercial development. Without immediate intervention, Cherry Hill risks losing the only structure left of Garden State Park. Preservation New Jersey supports the residents of Cherry Hill and calls upon the municipality and new developers to think creatively and proactively seek out adaptive reuses, rather than abandon or demolish the Gatehouse. It is critical that all stakeholders work together to make this unique local historic landmark a priority in its plans for the future.

Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey is a statewide member-supported non-profit historic preservation organization that promotes the economic vitality, sustainability, and heritage of New Jersey’s diverse communities through advocacy and education.

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Race Track And Gatehouse: Help Save What's Left!

Look at the photo above of the former Garden State Park race track in Cherry Hill, NJ just outside of Philadelphia. This beautiful thoroughbred racing gem is no longer there. The area is now home to a huge shopping center and a bunch of big box stores, indistinguishable from the same type of center in countless other locations. With a Home Depot, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Gap and Trader Joe's, it could be anywhere.

But, see that cute little gatehouse in the front left of the photos above? That charming gatehouse is still there. Incredibly, it's the only thing left still standing from the legendary race track. The gatehouse is 82 years old and we don't want to lose it. The property on which the gatehouse stands is up for sale and there's no assurance that a new owner will keep the gatehouse intact. So, we've started a petition to save the gatehouse and we've already accumulated more than 900 names. We're aiming for at least 1,000 signatures. You can sign right here, online. There's no obligation. We're not asking for any donations or anything like that. We just want you to add your name to this super worthy effort.

Look at what some of our petition signers are saying:

THIS SHOULD BE SAVED ! NOTHING IN CHERRY HILL HAS ANY HISTORY BEING LEFT ITS ALL BEEN DESTROYED AND THE BUILDING IN CH IS OUT OF CONTROL !!

Too much progress is NOT progress!

We need to stop erasing our historical landmarks.

Because too much history is lost for building cheap housing and strip mall centers.

This is a piece of history. Garden State Park was one of the classiest things about the state of New Jersey. The gatehouse should be preserved as a memory of something that was awesome, and is no longer there.

I worked & trained horses there. Happiest time of my life.

I once lived across the street from the Park ; my family was involved with the Park. I used to hand out programs there and new the Park quite well ! NO PIECE OF HISTORY should be tossed aside like trash, that's part of what's wrong with this Country !!!

This needs to be saved. Everyone from Camden county has roots in the Golden age of cherry Hill. My great Grandmother worked those wonderful restaurants for 40 years. She loved to talk about what it all used to be.

I worked at the race track as a young man, when Spend A Buck won the Jersey Derby. It was a lot of fun and met some great people. Good Times!!! Please preserve this historic gate house.

I think it is important to save as much history of the area as possible. My son was almost born in front of those gates 58 yrs. ago.

Without this last standing piece of the race track, the newer generations will never get to know about this awesome piece of history. Because of corporate greed no less. I never got a chance to see the race track because I was born right before it shut down but I learned about it after inquiring about the gate for the first time and now I smile at it every time I drive past it.

Too many people now wan to disregard history and its cyclical importance. History needs to be kept alive so future generations can appreciate its stories and lessons.

These are just a few samples of the many, many comments that have accompanied petition signings. Join us. SIGN THE PETITION NOW!

The way it looks now -- in peril! Don't let it perish!

We Made The Papers, AGAIN! Join Our Movement!

 

Here's Your Link To Save The GSP Gatehouse!

 

Hey, We Made The FRONT PAGE!

 

CH Mayor Backs Preservation Of GSP Gatehouse

In  a statement released to us today Cherry Hill Mayor Dave Fleisher strongly endorses the preservation of the historic Garden State Park gatehouse and vows to convey this  "loud and clear" to any future owners of the gatehouse property. Here is the mayor's full statement:

I fully support the preservation of the Gatehouse structure.  It’s been my priority since my first day as Mayor to preserve our Township’s history, and the Gatehouse is an important symbol of that history.  

The most recent planning board approval required the preservation of the Gatehouse structure.  If a new owner emerges, they will hear loud and clear that the protection of the Gatehouse must be part of their future plans. 

With our petition nearing 700 signatures, we are gratified to receive the mayor's strong endorsement of our efforts and we thank all of you who signed the petition and added so many heartfelt comments expressing your fond memories of Garden State Park and the emotional symbolism of this iconic structure.

Though we've made a remarkable impact in a relatively short time our efforts do not end here. We're aiming for more than 1,000 signatures so if you haven't already signed the petition make sure you do so now and make sure you share the link to the petition with everyone you know. 

Because we do not know who will acquire the property (which is now up for sale) and what plans the new owners may have for the property, we must remain vigilant on behalf of the gatehouse. With your continued support, we will move onward with total resolve and be ready for any eventuality!

Again, here is the link to sign the petition.

 

Watch The Video: Save The Garden State Gatehouse!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION TO SAVE THE GARDEN STATE PARK GATEHOUSE!

Sign The Petition! Save Garden State Gatehouse!

Click here now to sign the petition to save the iconic Garden State Park gatehouse, the last structure standing from the famed Garden State Park race track.

The Garden State Park gatehouse holds a special place in the hearts not just of residents of Cherry Hill, NJ. but of people throughout the region, state and nation. This structure is not just a building; it's an essential part of our history and the last standing testament to the once iconic Garden State Park race track. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world passed through this gatehouse. This nationally known thoroughbred race course was more than just a sporting venue; it was a symbol of our community's spirit and resilience.

CLICK HERE NOW TO SIGN THE PETITION!

However, this historical landmark is now under threat as the property is for sale, adjacent to a huge shopping center and open to commercial development. Without immediate action, we risk losing this vital piece of our heritage forever. Preserving historical structures like the gatehouse is crucial for maintaining cultural continuity and educating future generations about their roots. 

CLICK HERE NOW TO SIGN THE PETITION!

Cherry Hill has long been proud of its colorful history, its pivotal role in South Jersey and the nationally known attractions it once boasted. Now, we must fight to keep what's left of this heritage alive. Let us stand together to protect what remains from one of America's most famous race tracks - The Garden State Park gatehouse.

CLICK HERE NOW TO SIGN THE PETITION!

We urge local authorities to join with state and even national figures and agencies to recognize its significance and take immediate steps toward preserving this historic structure. By signing this petition, you are not only supporting preservation efforts but also showing your commitment to keeping this legendary piece of history alive for future generations. 

Please sign this petition today - let us save our beloved Garden State Park gatehouse!

CLICK HERE NOW TO SIGN THE PETITION!

What The Hell Happened To Garden State Park?

This central plaza at Garden State Park, featuring park benches and a fountain, was a reasonably inviting area where shoppers and diners could relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the sprawling complex. It will soon be ripped up and become a two-way street leading to more apartments and a hotel.

When Garden State Park closed in 2001, Cherry Hill was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

One of the most valuable pieces of property (perhaps the most valuable) in the entire region was up for grabs and open to development. Bounded by Route 70, Haddonfield Road and Chapel Avenue, it literally defined what came to be known as the Golden Triangle, the gateway area that spread its wings to include the Cherry Hill Mall and a myriad of shopping, dining, commercial and business destinations leading to Moorestown, Evesham, Mount Laurel and Voorhees. 

But forget about those other towns for a moment. 

Because the availability of this substantial piece of property gave Cherry Hill a chance to gain something that it never had and something that it longed for -- a downtown with a Main Street and livable surroundings incorporating a sensible balance of public and commercial space designed on a human scale that would perhaps even include recreational, cultural and artistic opportunities. And all this would be in one place on an exquisite piece of property close to everything. 

The possibilities were nothing short of breathtaking. Susan Bass Levin (who was then Mayor of Cherry Hill) shared this vision of a new Town Center but realized the dream would take many years to come to fruition. As it was, Levin (who had already served several terms as mayor) moved on to become New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs.

Along the way, real estate interests, planners, developers and others moved in to demolish what was left of the old race track and redevelop this invaluable parcel. And, good intentions or not, the grand concept was, bit by bit and year by year chipped away by zoners, planners and seemingly benign public officials. Today, we're left with what it has become -- a bunch of big box stores, glorified strip malls, parking lots, uninspired apartment buildings, track townhouses and condos all pretty much abutting one another and thrown together without any pleasing, clearly discernible sense of space or scale.

Take a drive through the complex and you will see what we mean. Just as it seems you're entering a quiet residential area you'll be confronted with a humongous Costco or a Trader Joe's or a Home Goods. In fact, the Trader Joe's, Home Goods and TJ Maxx (along with a Shake Shack) were plopped down in an area that had originally been set aside for residential units. And many residents most impacted by the change were never individually notified about the plans. But it hasn't ended there. Now,  the only reasonably welcoming public plaza in the complex (along with park benches and a fountain) will be ripped up and become a through street leading to more apartments (alongside an Old Navy store) and a promised hotel with a rooftop bar. And this will send a big slash of traffic right through the center of everything.

And all this has been approved, over the years, by Cherry Hill Township's various zoning, planning and governing boards which are all under the control of one political party for the past 40 years. Furthermore, here's one of the saddest things: the property developers (Edgewood and JMP Holdings) are stealing stores from the nearby Cherry Hill Mall which has long been the jewel in Cherry Hill's crown. So, it's not even like they're bringing in that much that is new or innovative and they're leaving the mall to scamper for replacements at a time when shopping malls are struggling. 

There is no park within Garden State Park. There are no passive recreation areas. A promised trackless trolley never materialized. There's no connection to NJ Transit's nearby train station.  There are no cultural offerings -- no band shell or amphitheater. A planned police substation was scrapped. And it's not terribly pedestrian friendly. It's just mostly more stores, streets, traffic and multi-level housing.

Now, the Mayor and members of Township Council boast about all the new tax retables coming into the town and its impact on the town's coffers -- all this while surpluses keep climbing. But what good is it if dreary suburban sprawl continues to triumph even over the last best hope for some semblance of common sense?

The Six People Who Invented Cherry Hill

Garden State Park in its heyday.

The modern history of Cherry Hill has its share of characters: the family that built an elegant "country house" restaurant; the man who presided over an inn with a 14-karat-gold roof; the lady who presented Hawaiian-themed fashion shows at a "cottage" that featured a giant pineapple gift shop.*
Yes, Cherry Hill was always a bit different -- even somewhat racy. Just over the bridge from Philadelphia, it was often a place where Pennsylvanians came to misbehave.
But until 1962, even with some faux exotic attractions, it was still somewhat sleepy, semi-rural Delaware Township. You could say that changing the township's name to Cherry Hill in '62 proved to be almost magical. But the name itself was driven by other factors, all connected to six men who saw a chance to make a buck. Because, right from the start, the very idea of Cherry Hill was driven by seductive dreams of riches. Here then are the six businessmen who invented Cherry Hill:

1) Eugene Mori
Eugene Mori was an entrepreneur from Vineland who built Garden State Park (a renowned thoroughbred race track) along with the Cherry Hill Inn and Cherry Hill Lodge. Mori is largely credited with coming up with the name "Cherry Hill" though many trace the origins to Cherry Hill Farm -- the land on which Mori built the Inn. Garden State Park opened on July 7, 1942 after delays caused by raw material rationing at the United States' entry into World War II. Due to the seizure of 30,000 tons of structural steel by war authorities, developer Mori mostly constructed Garden State Park's ornate Georgian-style grandstand of wood. Limited amounts of steel came from the demolition of New York City's elevated railways. Despite this inauspicious start, "the Garden," as it was known was off to a lucrative start and remained a success until it burned down in 1977 (too much wood, not enough steel). The sprawling, elegant Inn and the Lodge were built to accommodate the many visitors to the track which hosted legendary, winning thoroughbreds such as Whirlaway, Citation and Secretariat. Today, Garden State Park is a sprawling mixed-use development including stores, restaurants, condos, apartments and town homes.

2) Dave Dushoff
Though he was co-owner (with Dallas Gerson) of the Latin Casino, a Vegas-style dinner-theater, Dushoff was really the visionary behind the whole, glittering 1,500-seat facility which sat across from the race track on Route 70. And no, there was no gambling at this three million dollar "casino." The "Showplace of the Stars") which opened in 1960 played host to top entertainers including Harry Belafonte, Jimmy Durante, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Richard Pryor, Jerry Lewis, Milton Berle, Lena Horne, Pearl Bailey, Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, and Joey Bishop. Frank Sinatra appeared at "The Latin" so often that during his stints the marquee simply announced "He's Here." Dushoff also owned the western-themed Chuckwagon restaurant just down the road from The Latin and hosted headliners in a cushy private ranch house on The Latin's property. But the Latin Casino was done in by the arrival of real casinos in Atlantic City, and it closed in 1978. The site later became the headquarters of Subaru of America, which recently moved to Camden. The land is now vacant.

3) Bob Scarborough
Having flown B-17 bomber aircraft in WWII, Bob Scarborough returned home to Collingswood with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build houses to meet the huge post war demand. He built his own home in Collingswood which he lived in all his life.  His first business took the form of home additions and small single family houses in the vicinity of Collingswood and Haddonfield. Soon, Scarborough garnered a following and a reputation for building houses of exceptional quality with traditional colonial features. He regularly travelled to New England for architectural inspiration. By the early 1950’s, business was brisk and Bob started Scarborough Corporation which was developing more than 28 homes per year. Larger planned developments and subdivisions came soon thereafter, most notably Barclay Farm in Cherry Hill, which became the town's premier community connected  the east and west ends of Cherry Hill via a distinctive covered bridge. Wexford Leas and King's Croft followed later.. To control costs and to insure quality Scarborough began to integrate vertically the different trades involved in the construction process. Scarborough's homes came to define Cherry Hill as an exceptional residential community and they are still considered prized processions.

4) James W. Rouse

Rouse, of Maryland was one of the founders of the Rouse Company which built and for a time owned the Cherry Hill Mall. Rouse was a pioneering American real estate developer, urban planner, civic activist, and later, free enterprise-based philanthropist. More than anyone else, he was the man who conceived the idea of indoor suburban shopping malls as town centers where people could shop, stroll and dine in a sort of semi-tropical atmosphere. When it opened in 1961, the Cherry Hill Mall was the first indoor shopping mall east of the Mississippi and people came from everywhere to experience it. It wa, quite literally a sensation. In fact, it was not uncommon for people to spend two or three days in Cherry Hill staying at the Cherry Hill Inn or Lodge, dining and taking in a show at the Latin Casino, betting on horses at Garden State Park and shopping at the Mall. From the outset, Rouse was able to attract top-name retailers to the Mall including Strawbridge's and Bambergers's (later Macy's) along with more mainstream American brands such as Woolworth's and Florsheim. The opening of the Mall gave Cherry Hill an immediate luster and made it the envy of many other towns.

5, 6) Mike and Nick Fifis

In the early 1960's Mike and Nick Fifis came from Flemington New Jersey to settle in the South Jersey area where they took over ownership of Ponzios Brooklawn Diner. But the big move came in 1964 when they purchased the Ellisburg Diner on Route 70 and renamed it Ponizio's Cherry Hill. This aptly-located eatery (near the center of Cherry Hill at what was then the Ellisburg Circle) became an immediate hit and emerged as the quintessential New Jersey Diner. Over the years the restaurant has gone through a few different family members as well as its fair share of renovations. 1979 saw a major expansion and new elements were added again in 1984 with the addition of a bar room. Along the way, Ponzio's became the favorite meeting place (especially for breakfast) of business people, politicians and a wide variety of movers and shakers. Over the years, Ponzio's has employed more than 10,000 individuals and served countless meals. It's such an iconic part of town that when the Ellisburg Circle was eliminated and traffic was reconfigured in 1992, the town fathers insisted that Ponzio's remain intact with ingress and egress undisturbed. It's sort of the Times Square of Cherry Hill.

So, what was it that made Cherry Hill?

Vision, imagination, determination and a prime location all played a vital part.

But in the end, the bottom line was the bottom line. Indeed, it was money that made the Cherry Hill miracle -- lots of wisely invested money running after even more money.

*All stories that will have to wait for another chapter.

The Cauldron That Changed Cherry Hill Forever

I was visiting my parents who lived in Pennsauken at the time.
It was a quiet April afternoon in 1977 -- sunny and pleasant.
My wife and I were in front of my parent's house when a neighbor reported he just heard on the radio about a raging fire nearby. We looked up at the sky and we could see black smoke rising in the distance.
It was Garden State Park, the storied racetrack that was the crown jewel of Cherry Hill's glamorous Golden Triangle. Garden State Park was the linchpin for all that surrounded it: the Latin Casino, the Rickshaw Inn, Sans Souci, the Cherry Hill Inn, Cinelli's and so much more. The race course was synonymous with Cherry Hill.
We jumped in the car and in no time we were at the scene of the fire. By that time the place was a veritable inferno and police had cordoned off huge areas as crowds watched from whatever vantage point they could find.
It was over. One of America's legendary racecourses was burning to the ground.
The fire started in the Colonial Room restaurant's kitchen during a racing program. Despite no functional firefighting system, the wooden grandstand (built in 1942 during the war when iron was used for the war effort) would still last long enough to allow more than 11,000 patrons and employees to escape the inferno. At 4:45 p.m., the walls and massive roof overhang of the grandstand gave way to the flames and reduced the structure to a smoking ruin. Despite the flying embers very nearly igniting The Rickshaw Inn across the street and the wooden barns and stables on the backstretch, the damage was contained to the massive grandstand complex. Three lives were lost in the fire. One patron (Ed Bucholski) and one employee were later found in the rubble, and one fire officer (John McWilliams) died of a heart attack on-scene. But, the very next day, the vault with the previous days' "take" was opened, with the money intact; while outside on the track, horses continued to train.
Despite the stables on the east side of the track remaining open for training, Garden State Park no longer held races until securities trader Robert Brennan financed construction of a new $178,000,000 steel and glass grandstand which opened on April 1, 1985. The first race that day followed the schedule from the day the original track burned. The track, running night programs, would provide racing for standardbred harness racing as well as thoroughbred racing. The grandstand also had on the Clubhouse level The Phoenix Room, which also served as a large banquet hall that hosted events year-round.
On May 27, 1985, Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year winner Spend A Buck won the first Jersey Derby at the new Garden State Park, having earlier the same year won the Cherry Hill Mile and the Garden State Stakes, both at Garden State Park, and also the Kentucky Derby. The $2.6 million purse, including a $2 million bonus put up by Brennan for winning the four races, was the largest single purse in American racing history up to that point.
One of the controversial tax breaks the facility enjoyed was a legislative loophole that allowed a near total exemption from what would have been high county property taxes because it was categorized as a "farm." It qualified for this special exemption because its operations generated horse manure that could be sold. The tax classification was allowed because the business "produced over $500 per year in agricultural products".
Garden State Park never re-acquired its glamorous past. Over sixteen years, the track suffered from the apathy of New Jersey horsemen and New Jersey state officials, and unrestrained competition from the Atlantic City casinos. The final straw came when Governor of New Jersey Christine Todd Whitman vetoed legislation that would have permitted slot machines at New Jersey racetracks, a measure that possibly could have saved the Cherry Hill landmark.
On May 3, 2001, 2,000 fans came to see the last racing program at Garden State Park. After 58 years, the Garden ran its last race.
On October 30, 2003, with the property sold to Realen-Turnberry for a mixed-use 'town center' redevelopment, demolition started on the grandstand often referred to as a masterpiece. By late March 2004, all that remained of the racecourse was the original 1942 gatehouse on Route 70. The gatehouse still stands and has long been slated to be renovated as part of a planned off-track betting facility at the site. But who knows if that will ever actually happen?

Click here to see more from the Dan Cirucci Blog!

Stars, Glamour, Murder Under A Gold Pagoda!

There was nothing like it anywhere.

An Asian-themed getaway next to a legendary mecca for the stars right smack in the middle of a burgeoning suburban community. It featured jade ornamentation, shimmering accents and a gold-plated roof that became a local landmark.

This was The Rickshaw Inn.

Built in 1964, The Rickshaw Inn was a 180-room hotel with a gold-plated roof, which was situated on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, opposite Garden State Park and adjacent to the Latin Casino, a popular niteclub which had relocated to Cherry Hill from Philadelphia a few years earlier. Frank Sinatra and his 'Rat Pack' entourage, Don Rickles, Steve and Edie, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and other elite acts performed at The Latin - and stayed and drank at The Rickshaw.

The celebrities, musicians and their hangers-on from "The Latin" often drank in the lobby bar long past the official 2:00AM "last call" mandated by the NJ ABC; but this was winked at by local officials. The luxury cars of politicians, celebrities and businessmen were parked "up front" under the Rickshaw's covered entryway At the time, it was the most luxurious inn and restaurant in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area.

The gold-roofed pagoda atop the Rickshaw Inn offered a spectacular view of Garden State Park's track and finish line, prompting Garden State owner Eugene Mori to plant a row of tall cypress trees to block the view from the Rickshaw.

In August 1965, Frank Adamucci, a co-owner of the Rickshaw with Dominick Vitese, was shot to death in the lobby of the hotel. Originally thought to be a "mob hit" due to the single shot and fast departure of a "getaway car", investigators within days linked the killing to a botched robbery. Detectives arrested Bobby Lee Mayberry, William Kestner and John Miller, who had been "casing" the Rickshaw for weeks and took note of Adamucci's propensity for greeting guests entering the Rickshaw's opulent lobby. Witnesses stated that the fatal shot occurred when Adamucci, angered at Mayberry prodding him toward the office and safe pushed at Mayberry's arm, causing the pistol to fire a single shot that pierced the businessman's chest.

Investigators caught their "big break" when a bartender at a nearby lounge recognized the trio, who met frequently while planning the botched robbery. The three were memorable to the bartender because they ordered a drink known as an "Orange Blossom" - not a typical choice in a shot and beer taproom.

Camden County Prosecutor Norman Heine lead the state's case at the subsequent trial, and, during Heine's intense questioning, Bobby Lee Mayberry suddenly blurted out "I did it! I shot Adamucci!!" in a witness stand confession worthy of Perry Mason. Heine was later appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court and "State vs Mayberry" is still studied in law schools as an example of a prosecutor provoking a witness-stand confession.

The onset of casino gambling in Atlantic City brought an end to The Latin Casino and the end of the Latin's elaborate entertainment slowed the pace at the Rickshaw Inn as well.

The massive 1977 fire at Garden State Park's grandstand directly across from the Rickshaw rained down flaming embers on the famed gold roofed pagoda, but the Rickshaw was spared from damage.

In the 1980s the Rickshaw was stripped of its Asian-styled decor and golden roof, renovated to externally resemble the new Garden State Park grandstand and renamed the Garden Park Hotel. The Garden Park was not financially successful and was eventually closed over code violations. A plan to convert it into a senior citizens' residence failed, and in 2002 it was demolished. A Mercedes-Benz dealership moved to the site in 2006.

Click here for lots more from the Dan Cirucci Blog.

Best Damned Hamburger We've Ever Had!

We are hamburger enthusiasts.
Given our druthers, we'd eat burgers several times a week. And we love them with fries. Who doesn't?
But we know we can't eat burgers that often or anywhere near that often. No can do.
So we limit ourselves to maybe once a month or (if we just can't wait any longer) every few weeks.
We've eaten burgers everywhere from Five Guys to Bobby's Burger Palace to the Palm. And they each have their own appeal.
But now we've come across a burger that's truly exceptional.
It's at Zinburger.
Here's the way Zinburger describes itself: Energetic, modern, upbeat, fun and most importantly, simply delicious, Zinburger offers a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers, salads and sides, decadent shakes and desserts, and a carefully crafted selection of wine.
OK. Enough of that.
It all comes down to the burger. And the burger is extraordinary: meaty, juicy, tasty and cooked to perfection, just as you want it. You can even ask for a well-down burger here (if that's your style) and you will get it and it won't be dry or shrunken. It will still be full, juicy and mouth-watering. Yet it won't be pink. That's quite an accomplishment.
There are many different kinds of burger at Zinburger but the real test is the basic burger. And the basic offering is nothing less than divine.
The place is sleek and upbeat inside with a full bar and ample wine elections. There are happy hour special every day and wine specials every Wednesday. We went to the new Zinburger in Cherry Hill (NJ) at Garden State Park and found it to be bright and inviting with a hip, youthful feel - huge windows, natural wood, chrome, splashes of white, exposed ceilings, industrial light fixtures, etc.
The prices were reasonable (burgers from $9 - $14) considering the high quality and the service was great. Plus, they also specialize in shakes.
We recommend Zinburger!

Christie To Restore Transitional Aid, With Oversight

Continuing his commitment to strengthening New Jersey’s urban cities and distressed municipalities through oversight, guidance and accountability, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today committed himself to signing legislation proposed by his Administration that restores Transitional Aid funding and provides permanent, necessary accountability and oversight of the program. Under the Governor’s proposal, changes would be codified in statute to provide the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) with the resources and staff needed to properly oversee the Transitional Aid program.
“When I took office, I pledged to change the culture of Trenton and end the practice of unchecked waste of taxpayer dollars. Legislative Democrats’ efforts to eliminate oversight and accountability for Transitional Aid through the Department of Community Affairs was a misguided effort that would have returned us to the days of Trenton as a free-flowing spigot for taxpayer dollars where no one asked questions,” said Governor Christie. “I stand ready to work with the leadership in the Legislature on Transitional Aid funds, but only under the oversight of a properly resourced DCA. I will sign into law the bill I am proposing today that restores funding in the Transitional Aid program and that provides the resources for DCA to continue its vital work overseeing and enforcing accountability in the program, and serving as a partner with urban cities and distressed municipalities.”
Governor Christie is calling on the Legislature to codify oversight language in statute to ensure it is a permanent, foundational aspect of the Transitional Aid to Localities program, while also restoring funding in the program. Proper levels of oversight and accountability are critical to ensuring that Transitional Aid is indeed temporary as the State government works with recipient municipalities to implement needed reforms and efficiencies. The expenditure of state taxpayer dollars in the program must go hand in hand with proper accountability of those funds. By putting this oversight in statute, oversight and accountability of the aid program will be ongoing and no longer dependent on the whims and product of the annual budget debate and appropriations act.
For twenty-five years, the State’s distressed municipalities have received ever-increasing levels of state taxpayer support, above and beyond that provided by State municipal aid. These programs were provided with little to no State oversight, accountability or guidance. The general result was that distressed municipalities came to rely on these funds in their budgets as an annual appropriation and had no incentive to improve their fiscal management or regain their financial footing.
Upon taking office, Governor Christie has acted on a commitment to aggressively work as a partner with distressed municipalities and to implement responsible management practices, increase accountability and transition toward self-reliance and away from the need for additional state taxpayer funds.
The Christie Administration has aggressively overseen the Transitional Aid to Localities Program through efforts such as:

• Setting and enforcing conditions for the receipt of aid through Memorandums of Understanding;

• Implementing a meaningful, rigorous application process for aid awards where none existed before;

• Requiring regular oversight meetings with DCA and municipal officials to monitor the use of funds and efforts to control costs;

• Utilizing staff to consult with municipalities and assist with professional reviews of municipal operations;

• Advising and consulting with municipal cost-saving initiatives, including police and fire department restructuring to reduce overhead and ensure public safety programs are both efficient and effective;

• Requiring DCA approval for employee hiring;

• Denying non-essential hires, raises, contracts and expenditures and unnecessary travel.

In order for the Transitional Aid program to remain successful, the State must continue to maintain oversight of these transitional funds, and work cooperatively with municipalities in order to guide municipalities in their transition off of state taxpayer subsidies.

Christie: There Is No Magic Wand!

"There is no magic wand."
That's the message that Governor Chris Christie offers to the people of his state. And Christie offered it again this week at a local Town Hall meeting.
Nobody drives home a point -- or puts it into sensible, everyday terms -- like Chris Christie. And one would suspect that Christie would offer this same type of message were he to take the national stage at some point: reduce the size of government, curb entitlements, cut spending, keep taxes down (or lower or eliminate taxes) and help the private sector lead the way to recovery.
Here's Governor Christie at his his 20th Town Hall of 2011 in Fair Lawn, NJ. yesterday.

Does This New Provision 'Fix' Pension/Benefits Bill?

Here's an excerpt from a story in the Star-Ledger of Newark on the "fix" to Section 76 of the Pension and Benefits Reform Bill in New Jersey. As you read this you will see that the matter is still not completely clear -- though some are arguing that the "fix" is better than the original provision:

Before the vote, the Senate passed an eleventh-hour bill also proposed by Sweeney that loosened restrictions on public workers seeking out-of-state treatment.
A majority of Democrats opposed that provision, too, even though they acknowledged it was better than what Sweeney was proposing on Friday.
The provision, as it was passed today, lets public workers choose whether to buy health insurance that covers out-of-state treatment or a cheaper option that directs workers to New Jersey hospitals unless a doctor decided that no one here could handle their case.
Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) said that still puts world-class medical care in New York and Philadelphia out of reach for many public workers, who will not be able to afford their share of the costs if they enrolled in the out-of-state plan.
Many people will be forced to take the cheaper in-state plan, said Vitale and Sen. Shirley Turner (D-Mercer).
"I don't think anyone can make any assumptions about the costs," said Sweeney spokesman Derek Roseman. "We won't know how much the plans cost until the health boards are created. ... We have great hospitals in New Jersey and we want to create an incentive to keep those hospitals running."
Republicans also opposed the provision but relented to Sweeney in order to secure passage of the larger bill.

Click here to read more about this and the rest of the bill.

Christie On Benefits Reform: 'A National Model'

Here are New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s remarks today delivered in front of  the New Jersey Association of Counties 61st Annual Conference in Atlantic City, N. J.:

The debate and discussion that’s going on in Trenton this morning and will continue through next week, is in the interest of the taxpayers first and foremost. But it is equally in the interest of the public employees who want to continue to be provided with excellent health coverage and who want to be able, at the conclusion of their career, to collect a pension that they were promised. Now that second part may get lost in all the scrum that is going on down there right now, but it will come back. It will come back, because the truth is the truth, and the numbers are the numbers.

The second thing going on in Trenton proves that New Jersey is setting a model for dealing with these problems in a honest, forthright, and bipartisan way. … New Jersey is setting the model by dealing with it in a honest way - the pension reforms in this bill alone will save taxpayers $122 billion over the next thirty years and bring all of those pension systems within thirty years, into a 80% funding ratio. Restoring the stability of those systems while saving New Jersey taxpayers $122 billion dollars over thirty years. …

… This is a bipartisan effort. This could not happen without Republicans and Democrats putting aside the bickering and putting aside the partisanship and saying these are the big things that we have to fix. This isn’t about the next election, this is about the next generation.

And so, I have to give extraordinary credit to the Senate President and the Assembly Speaker. They are leading.

Let’s stop right there for a second and define for a room full of leaders what leadership is. Leadership is not figuring out where everybody else is going and sprinting to get in front of the group that is heading in that direction. Leadership is about finding out what the right thing is to do, what the right direction is, moving in that direction and using the power of our public office to persuade others to follow us. Hence the name, leader.

Leading is not reading the public opinion polls, and adjusting your position to the polls even if that position is not in the public interest. Leading is changing the polls through your words, through your actions, and through the power of the correctness of your position.

That’s leading. And that’s what’s happening in Trenton today. People are putting aside labels. People are putting aside everything other than what is in the long-term interest of the 8.8 million citizens that we are all charged with representing.

… What you are watching I am going to guarantee you when it’s finished next Thursday will become a national model and will be hailed across the country as an example of bipartisanship that the President and the Congress can only aspire too.