'My City of Ruins' Rises Again

摘要

A Century ago, it was a high-class resort frequented by presidents and international dignitaries. Even 50 years ago, this sunny New Jersey shore town attracted families looking tor fun on its carnival rides and boardwalk. With acres of oceanfront property, and located just 37 miles from New York City, Asbury Park should have a lot going for it. In fact, 30 years of decline have left the once grand theaters, arcades, and hotels rotting under layers of graffiti and boarded up windows. The streets and sidewalks are empty, even on warm summer clays. Virtually no one ventures onto Asbury Park's dark streets after sundown. The city is famous for being past its prime-the place that singer Bruce Springsteen calls "My City of Ruins." Three decades of failed efforts have kept redevelopment out of reach-until now. From the beach conies the uncommon sound of hammers pounding nails into a new boardwalk-the first step of an ambitious urban renewal effort now under way. Could Asbury Park be on the verge of renaissance?