And, a big condo building, just across from the boardwalk, was abandoned before it was finished. Only the Stone Pony was open at that time.
It's still there -- and still the way it looked then. Depressing. But the Pony is still there, too. And many (old and new) Boardwalk stands are, too. And shops and very decent restaurants. Boardwalk itself seems fairly new as well. So at least within the 1-2 blocks west, it's been starting to thrive again the past few years... thankfully.
Was just there a couple weeks ago, and said, hell, this is just fine and dandy. Was also there about 5 years ago and was a bit afraid to be there, but video taped it anyway. You'd be VERY surprised if you saw then-vs-now!
lol