Mural with a message

  • LONG BRANCH — There’s no mistaking the message on a mural adorning the east wall of Coach Classics on Broadway and Ocean Boulevard. The building, in the downtown Broadway redevelopment zone, is slated for eminent domain.
  • The building owner said the mural prompted rumors, including one that had police demanding its removal.

    The city says it’s not so. “Mr. [Kevin] Pfister has the freedom to say what he wants,” said Business Administrator Howard H. Woolley. “The building is in a redevelopment zone. It is a non-issue for the city.”

    Pfister said the mural was painted about a month ago to express his agitation with the city.

    “I could sell my property for $5 million but I am unable to because it lies in a redevelopment zone,” he said. “If that is not an abuse of eminent domain, than I do not know what is.”

    He has since whitewashed over the words “eminent domain” but said, “I plan on painting more pictures there in the future with more messages.”