Adam E. Cruz

The committee discussed various topics, including a VNA event, the Board of Education meeting, and fall planning. They are considering partnering with the Culinary Institute to feed local high school students and improving the All-local AP Summer Recreation Lunch Program for Summer 2026. The committee is also planning a Committee End of Year Celebration in December and a gathering with other Monmouth County MWCs. Additional discussions covered budget matters, swag and marketing ideas, and planning for 2026.

The meeting addressed an application for a four-story multi-family residence with a ground-level commercial space. Discussions included parking requirements, UEZ design guideline exceptions, and interpretations of CBD zoning ordinances. The board reviewed engineering and planning reports, addressing concerns about utility meter encroachment, bike rack placement, and construction staging. The applicant presented revised plans, including changes to the ground floor, upper floors, and roof area. Concerns were raised regarding the rear setback, building symmetry, window alignment, and balcony placement. Additionally, the board discussed the parking status for Interfaith Neighbors, Inc.

The meeting addressed public concerns about garbage and swan welfare around the lake, with discussions on cleanup efforts and additional waste receptacles. Updates were provided on the western bridge rehabilitation project slated for summer 2026, including the pedestrian bridge's preliminary design and the status of federal funding for the second bridge phase. The collapse and repair of an outflow pipe were noted, along with the cessation of grass fertilization along the lake. The commission is awaiting supplies for water testing. There was a discussion regarding the relocation of an aerator, with funds allocated for a longer cable. Geese management efforts were reviewed. The commission discussed eDNA testing in the ocean and a volunteer was selected to do it.

The committee was reminded of the start of the off-peak season, which lowers metered parking and guest permit rates until April 15, 2026. The monthly parking report indicated that September 2025's parking revenue was higher than September 2024's. There was a review of parking meter maintenance, noting several inoperable kiosks and plans to address meter issues and purchase additional parts for 2026. A significant percentage of parking tickets issued in September were voided, mainly due to officer adjustments and tickets issued while paying. The committee discussed a proposed 2-hour parking limit along Main Street and considered 15-minute parking spaces as an alternative. Staff reviewed matters discussed in 2025, recommending several items to the City Council for adoption, including no parking areas, one-way traffic patterns, and seasonal resident-only parking.

The 2024 Annual Action Plan for the City of Asbury Park outlines specific initiatives for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Building upon the FY 2020-2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan, this plan focuses on four key areas: expanding affordable housing, improving public facilities, enhancing city infrastructure, and providing essential public services. The overarching goal is to address identified community needs and primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents by ensuring access to decent, safe, and sanitary housing, and improving public services and facilities.