What appears to be a business decision by the owner of the building has turned into a lot of angst, anxiety and lack of sleep on both sides, while at the same time creating hard feelings, anger, and frustration among neighbors and friends in Atlantic Highlands.
Ronny Adams has run one of the shop stalls at the Renaissance Shop on First Avenue Atlantic Highlands, the popular large building that for more than 20 years has been the home for many little businesses, shops selling everything from books , CD’s and toys to furniture, fine glass and artwork. Ronny has maintained the shop operated by the Calvary Chapel, with their funds going to help the church, the poor and those in need.
The building’s owner Jerry Antonatos owns the building and several other buildings in the borough; all leased to other businesses.
For years, the business had apparently been operating with little overall governance or regulations on everyday handling of operations. In the past, Antonatos’ business partner, Alice, knew all her clients and seemingly dealt with each of them on a more personal rather than professional basis.
When she passed away, the businesses continued under Antonatos, as one of his several businesses, until approximately two and a half years ago when a friend and professional, Karen Paglia, agreed at his request to help him out and emphasize more business practices in dealing with all the leasees in the Renaissance building.
This year, one of the changes Antonatos wants to incorporate into the Renaissance shop is a return to days past when, according to Paglia, he said it was more thriving, a gathering spot of friendly, happy neighbors, and a focal point on the main street. One of the changes he is planning is doing away with the church shop run by Adams and, at his direction, Paglia also advised Adams of the change.
The move as described by Adams has been shocking, devastating to both her daily life and inability to sleep, brings frequent tears and sobs when talking about the situation and means the church will no longer have this shop as a means of raising money to help others.
Paglia asserts almost same reaction, reiterating several times how she knows, admires and appreciates Adams, how she genuinely likes her and does not want to cause her any harm. At the same time, she said, she has been subjected to name calling, anger, and upsetment from others and on social media and that is also ruining her days and disturbing her peace.
“It’s a business decision,” she said, “ and the owner simply decided who he wants to give lease contracts to. This has nothing to do with anything personal, there are no hard feelings towards Ronny or anyone else.”
The two women differ also on when Adams has to fully vacate the premises and take all of her items out of the shop. Although she indicated she really has no lease, things were run more casually in the past, she does not have a current lease, Paglia also indicted she does not have any lease at all.
Paglia also said she admires the work Adams has done for the church and has welcomed the church as one of the approximately 9 to 12 businesses that operates in the building. She indicated that Antonatos has not given Adams a specific date on which she has to be moved out, but rather instructed her to begin to take out all her items, and do in on the Tuesdays and Wednesdays which are her regular days in Renaissance. Should she need more time, Paglia said, Antonatos told her to let him know and he could extend the time. In the meantime, he asked her to clear out on the two days a week she is at the shop.
There is little doubt Adams will be missed at the venue. She was known for simply giving away little toys or games to youngsters who come in, bringing biscuits for their dogs, and was on a “first name and hug” basis with numerous people, many of whom stopped to say hello and admire her grandson in the carriage when she was seated outside the shop Tuesday.
On the other hand Paglia indicated that since it is a business decision, and nothing more than that, Antonatos owns the building and has the right to make his choices for whatever reason. She sympathizes with Adams’ dilemma, holds no ill feelings toward her and wishes her well, but is upset that she, too has been subject to some name calling and improper stories about her involvement in the matter.
As of the writing of this story for VeniVIdiScripto, there was no solution to a situation brought about by lack of proper communication, lack of understanding and in inability to reach an amicable solution, a situation which has left Adams in constant tears and hurt and Paglia with tears of her own and a different kind of hurt.
Mr. Antonatos was not available for any comment.
