‘Jersey Fresh’ Will Help Welcome Tourists at Ocean View Rest Stop

OCEAN VIEW — “Roy Rogers rode off into the sunset,” said Freeholder Vice-Director Leonard Desiderio at the Tue., June 28 freeholder meeting.
He spoke of that sad day for tourists – and those whom nature is calling – when the fast food restaurateur packed its saddlebags and split from the Ocean View Service Area on the Garden State Parkway.
When Roy and pals shuddered the chuck wagon, there was little reason to stop, other than to get a map or ask question of the state tourist representative.
Also when the Roy Rogers restaurant closed, about two years ago, said Desiderio, not only was there was no place for travelers to stop to put on the old feed bag, worse, after 5 p.m., there were no restrooms available either.
That, coupled with closed restrooms at the Shoemaker Holly picnic area, just a few miles north of the rest area, gives tourists a cold shoulder when they least need one.
It also may leave a sour taste about a county that actively solicits their visit and is dependant upon tourism dollars to make its economy hum.
Desiderio, chair of South Jersey Economic Development District, said he and Gordon Dahl, that agency’s executive director, had a meeting with New Jersey Turnpike Authority Executive Director Veronique Hakim about the situation.
It was explained to her that closed restrooms are the first impression received along the highway in Cape May County.
He said the Turnpike Authority, which operates the parkway, was “close to an agreement,” with some Jersey Fresh vegetable vendors to offer produce at the rest center Thursdays through Saturdays, and some food vendors had agreed to be at the stop Thursdays through Sundays.
“The bottom line is there will be activity there and extended restroom hours,” he said.
A June 13 release, quoted Dahl as stating, “SJEDD would like to hold a roadside market stand at the Ocean View Service Area located near milepost 18.3 on the Garden State Parkway in Cape May County. Jersey Fresh vendors are being sought to set up shop from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays beginning July 7 through the market season.
“We discussed the Jersey Fresh market stand concept with representatives at the service area to find out which days and times the area has the most activity. The goal is to provide Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables to visitors and residents traveling past the Ocean View Service Area in Cape May County.”
Vendors interested in participating in the market stands must have Jersey Fresh designation and be able to provide any tables, canopies, and cash registers as needed. For more information please call the SJEDD at (856) 765-9700 or e-mail at Monica@sjedd.com.
Desiderio also said that the service area was looking bleak, and little funding was available to beautify it.
However, the state and South Jersey Economic Development District agreed to “split the cost” to have landscapers plant some flowers and otherwise made the rest stop a bit more eye appealing for travelers.
Desiderio said that Sunoco assumed from Lukoil operation of gas stations along the Parkway.
Because of that, he said, Sunoco plans to open a “mini-mart” at the facility “in the next few years.”
Is that Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing, “Happy trails to you?”
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com