New multifamily development: Quinn concerned about public art. Moor to frustrated Business Owner regarding Parking: Attend Parking Committee.

The Asbury Park City Council held its latest meeting on Wednesday, December 10, at 6 pm at the Municipal Building Council Chambers. Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinnm and Council Members Angela Ahbez-Anderson , Yvonne Claytion, and Eileen Chapman were in attendance, along with other city officials. This week’s meeting moved at a steady pace and drew a fair number of residents.

A few notable agenda items included:

• A resolution authorizing the city to apply $100,000 in Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) funding to support regularly scheduled consumer-attracting events throughout Asbury Park.
• Approval of a new Bench Sponsorship Program, to be managed by Friends of the Asbury Park Environmental Shade Tree Commission, allowing sponsored benches to be installed near Deal, Sunset, and Wesley Lakes.
• Introduction of two ordinances updating the city’s building security requirements and amending regulations related to police and fire alarm systems.
• Adoption of the 2025 Transportation Update Ordinance, which passed following a public hearing in which no residents commented.

The meeting followed its standard protocol, with City Clerk Anthony guiding the agenda order. During council announcements, Councilmember Clayton reminded the public about the Kwanzaa Celebration taking place this Saturday at the Senior Center from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a tree lighting at Springwood Park beginning at 5 p.m. She also noted that Movies by the Sea is returning this month and encouraged residents to call 732-502-5733 for tickets.

Mayor Moor then invited the new Director of Public Works, George Phipps to speak. Phipps, who joined the city in September, shared that he has felt welcomed and is looking forward to continuing his work in the community.

A presentation followed from APW Redeveloper LLC/Asbury Partners LLC regarding the proposed redevelopment of Block 3802, Lot 1, at 200 Cookman Avenue. Developers described plans for a four-story Mediterranean-style building featuring 27 residential units—two one-bedroom units, ten two-bedroom units, and fifteen three-bedroom units—along with 42 parking spaces. They emphasized their goal of creating a high-quality multifamily development that supports Asbury Park’s character. Additional features include rain gardens, public benches, and several green initiatives such as water-certified plumbing fixtures, AirPlus interior certification, and environmentally conscious cabinetry.

Deputy Mayor Quinn asked whether the project could incorporate public art, suggesting sculptures to align with Asbury Park’s artistic identity. Developers said the Cookman Avenue side of the building would likely be the most suitable area for such an installation.

They also noted that state regulations require a minimum of 9–10 EV charging stations. During public comment, a resident asked whether those stations count toward the required parking minimum. Developers clarified that while the 27 units require 41 parking spaces, they are providing 42 interior spaces without taking credit for the four EV spaces they could potentially count. They stated that the maximum allowable percentage for EV credits is 10%, meaning they will exceed the requirement without using the credit system.

A member of the Shade Tree Commission asked whether the trees surrounding the property would be irrigated. Developers responded that all on-site and adjacent plantings will be irrigated and that street trees will be installed according to city streetscape requirements. Quinn stepped in to note that the Shade Tree Commission spends hours each week maintaining these trees and emphasized the need for developers to be more conscientious, as bags are often left on trees for too long, causing issues.

A local business owner then addressed ongoing parking issues in downtown Asbury Park. He noted that cars often park early in the morning and remain in the same spots all day on Cookman, Bangs, and Mattison Avenues, which he believes may be due to inconsistent permit enforcement. He said customers frequently tell him they cannot find parking and choose to shop elsewhere or online. He urged the council to consider four-hour parking restrictions in business zones, arguing that turnover could significantly increase economic activity. He also shared frustration that he previously suggested free parking on Black Friday, which received strong support from customers, but was never implemented.

Mayor Moor encouraged him to attend the Parking Committee meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month. The business owner said he plans to attend but noted that he has gone before and feels his suggestions are not always seriously considered.

Following public comment, the council voted on the remaining agenda items, including a 2025 transportation update ordinance. No residents spoke during the ordinance public hearing. Once the resolution passed, the meeting was adjourned.

The next Asbury Park City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 23, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Council Chambers.