Big things are brewing in Asbury Park.

The oceanfront city's first new hotel in 50-years, The Asbury, is slated to open this season. There's a flurry of residential complexes being built along Cookman Avenue. A quick glance at the city's redevelopment plans shows Asbury Park's 'rebirth' is becoming a baby boom of sorts.

So, could Asbury lose its creative edge amid commercial success? It was a candid concern among music insiders at a recent "Made in Asbury" panel discussion at the Asbury Park Music in Film Festival. A half-dozen participants talked over the city's resurgence, how it's 'on the map' more than ever — and the good and bad that come with that.

Grammy-winning audio engineer and Asbury Media owner Tom Ruff remembers the far bleaker city scene when he first opened up shop:

Flash forward to the fall — October will mark 10 years for Asbury Media at their location.

Aside from Ruff's realistic look at Asbury Park's renaissance, he also admits there is a fear the city's edge could be softened:

With the risks of going more mainstream, also come the perks of newfound attention. A panel attendee asked whether Jersey youth have an appreciation for the music giants that called Asbury their creative base, decades ago.

Lakehouse Music Academy owner Jon Leidersdorff says all music can resonate with kids, when artists take the time to share experiences firsthand:

Leidersdorff also said the same wave of public attention is helping bridge the disconnect that has long existed between the east and west sides of Asbury Park.

As the moderated talk wrapped up, Jenn Hampton noted the cyclical nature of Asbury Park's music scene. As owner and curator of Parlor Gallery and longtime planner for the now shuttered Asbury Lanes, Hampton said she's most concerned with having a 'vessel' to support the eclectic, artsy community members that set the creative tone in Asbury.

The other featured speakers were record producer/artist Paul Ritchie of Parlor Mob and Little Dickman Records owners Chris Yaniak and Amy Earixson.

Proud Jersey Girl Erin Vogt’s first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee.  A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter as @ProudJersey.

More From Beach Radio