False Alarms, Wastewater, Drug Activity & Taxes…

The Asbury Park Council held its most recent meeting on August 13, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. In attendance were Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, Council-members Angela Ahbez-Anderson, Yvonne Clayton, and Eileen Chapman. They were joined by City Manager Adam Cruz and City Clerk Anthony Cucci.

The meeting drew a packed audience of Hope Academy Charter School staff, students, and parents, who came to advocate for keeping the school’s fence in its current location. The issue stems from discussion earlier in the year – most notably at the April 22 Zoning Board meeting – regarding the school’s plan to add a modular library for students.

Key Agenda Items included:

Resolutions authorizing upgrades to the police department’s body-worn camera server
Resolution awarding a contract to operate a valet parking service concession
Ordinance providing for Phase I improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Resolution to appoint Municipal Clerk Anthony Cucci, RMC, CMR, to a three year term effective August 13, 2025

Council member Chapman recognized the work of the city’s lifeguards, citing recent ocean rescues along the Jersey Shore, and thanked the Environmental Shade Tree Commission for improving the city’s appearance.

The council also unanimously approved Resolution 2025-377, officially reappointing City Clerk Anthony Cucci, RMC, CMR, to a three year term running through August 13, 2028.

During public comments, numerous speakers addressed the proposed relocation of Hope Academy’s fence six feet inward, which would reduce outdoor space the school has used for over 15 years. Representatives explained that the change would also require the school to lease the strip of land for $2,500 annually – an expense they say the public charter school cannot afford. They stressed that the loss of space would negatively impact student’s ability to learn, play, and grow, and questioned what benefit the city would gain from reclaiming the narrow strip.

The school’s superintendent urged the council to allow the fence to remain in place, noting that added costs would divert funds from education. The modular trailer, funded through federal grants, would serve as the school’s own library, reducing reliance on the public library.

A Park Avenue resident voiced frustration over rising property taxes, citing incentives for beachfront property buyers as a contributing factor. She argued that longtime residents are being overlooked and said her own tax burden prevents her from making home repairs. Mayor Moor responded that certain agreements from 2002, signed before the current council’s tenure, cannot legally be altered.

Another resident spoke about the high cost of false alarm calls, reporting that Asbury Park Fire Department responds to roughly 7,000 calls annually, with Third Avenue alone costing taxpayers $1.4 million per year. He noted that the Housing Authority has no financial incentive to address the issue.

A representative from the Environmental Shade Tree Commission raised concerns about St. John’s Island on Grand Avenue, citing reports of drug activity, litter, and safety hazards. He noted that a 90-100 year-old red maple tree there is dead, with falling branches posing a danger to visitors, and urged the city to work with the Department of Public Works to remove it.

Another person stepped up to support Hope Academy but also shared a mission of his own. As the founder of Open Door Valet, he asked the council for permission to operate valet parking downtown. He described the proposal as a positive opportunity for the city and emphasized that his team is humble and grateful to be a part of providing community services in Asbury Park.

Another resident addressed Bond Ordinance 2025-21, which allocates $36 million for wastewater treatment plant improvements. While he supported infrastructure upgrades, he voiced concern about the city’s contracting process, citing a past firehouse project that went to nonunion contractors, leading to serious violations and a state-issued stop-work order.

Carolyn Loudermilk of CDM Smith spoke to the necessity of the wastewater treatment project, emphasizing that it is critical for operators safety and regulatory compliance. She assured the public that the project’s costs will not impact utility rates.

The next regular meeting of the Asbury Park City Council is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers.