The Asbury Park Council held its most recent meeting on July 23, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. In attendance were Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, Councilmembers Angela Ahbez-Anderson and Eileen Chapman. They were joined by City Manager Adam Cruz, City Clerk Anthony Cucci, and other city officials. Councilmember Yvonne Clayton and Deputy City Manager John Hayes were absent.
The meeting ran smoothly and finished in a timely manner.
A few key resolutions the consent agenda resolutions included:
- A resolution adopting the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) 5- Year Zone Development Plan and proposed zone boundary changes.
- Approval of a NJUCF Green Communities Grant for a tree inventory and development of a community forest management plan development.
- An Ordinance amending Chapter 9, “Animal Control”, to prohibit the breeding of dogs and cats in the city.
Councilmember Ahbez-Anderson reminded everyone that there are two more line dancing sessions at Springwood Park – July 24th and next Thursday the 31st – from 6 to 8 p.m., with a live DJ.
Councilmember Chapman highlighted the upcoming 19th Annual Family Day at the Beach, happening Saturday, July 26th, from 12 to 5 p.m. The free event will include live music, surf lessons, beach games, and more.
A 6th avenue resident spoke in support of Resolution 2025-348 regarding the city’s tree inventory and community forestry plan. She thanked the council for their efforts and said a kickoff meeting is expected in August – though a date has yet to be set.
A Central Avenue resident raised concerns about pedestrian safety near the Memorial Drive and Sunset Avenue intersection. He suggested turning the current two-way stop into a four-way stop to help protect pedestrians. He explained that cars coming off Main Street and turning left onto Memorial don’t always slow down for the people in the crosswalk.
Councilperson Chapman asked if a pedestrian crossing sign was posted there, and the resident said no. She suggested that adding a sign could be a quick fix while the city looks into long-term solutions. Mayor Moor said the issue could be added to the next agenda.
The same resident also brought up plastic barriers that were previously installed at the plaza on Memorial Drive. Since they were removed, they blocked access to the bike lane.
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City Manager Cruz explained the plastic barriers were damaged by cars because they weren’t heavy enough. The Department of Public Works removed them and plans to replace them with solid wheel stops once a delayed shipment arrives – likely within a week or two.
A Howell resident spoke in defense of two large elm trees in Firemen’s Park that are marked for removal. She described them as healthy, beautiful, and important to the community, providing both shade and oxygen. She encouraged the council to visit the park and see the trees for themselves.
There was also some confusion about whether the trees were actually being cut down. A 6th Avenue resident said the markings were related to a now-canceled plan to build a tennis court in the park. Mayor Moor confirmed that the project was canceled three months ago and promised that no changes would happen without public input.
The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce spokesperson advised that its “Christmas in July” events begin tomorrow, in partnership with Community Karma. The weekend includes a backpack drive, a cocktail hour at The Asbury [Hotel] from 5 to 7 p.m. and Santa visiting businesses around town. He’ll also be at the downtown Christmas tree on Saturday. More information is available at Asburyparkchristmas.com .
The council moved on to voting on resolutions and ordinance 2025-19, which bans the breeding of dogs and cats in Asbury Park, prompting the most discussion.
A First Avenue resident asked how the city planned to enforce that law, given the large number of stray cats in the area.
Deputy Mayor Quinn said the ordinance is supported by partnerships with TNR (trap-neuter-return) groups, Catsbury Park, and Monmouth County SPCA. She explained that residents should notify the city of cat colonies so they can coordinate with the SPCA to trap, neuter, and return the cats.
She also mentioned an increase in pit bull puppies being bred and released into the streets when sellers can’t find buyers. The city hopes this ordinance will help address that issue.
A Deal Lake Drive resident said the ordinance doesn’t go far enough and suggested Asbury Park should work with neighboring towns like Neptune, where similar problems are happening. Quinn said the city is already reviewing the ordinance and may work with Neptune to create a shared approach. The resident also raised concerns about potential loopholes in the ordinance.
The meeting was adjourned and the next meeting will be August 13th at Council Chambers at the Municipal Complex at 6pm.
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