Office Furniture, Wastewater Tank Cleaning and Planned Road Widening

The Asbury Park City Council held its latest meeting on September 10, at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. In attendance were Mayor John Moor, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, Councilmembers Angela Ahbez-Anderson, Eileen Chapman, and Yvonne Clayton, along with City Manager Adam Cruz, City Clerk Anthony Cucci, and other city officials.

This meeting moved quickly, but the public comment session brought forward a range of important community concerns and upcoming events.

Key Agenda Items included:

• Office Furniture purchase for the new firehouse
• Cleaning of Rotating Biological Contractor (RBC) tanks at the wastewater treatment plant
• Appointment of muralist to paint the rear wall of City Hall
• Adopting of the Monmouth County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2026)
• Ordinance No. 2025-22 establishing a handicapped parking space at 17 Ridge Avenue in the City of Asbury Park

Councilmember Clayton announced a community festival scheduled for Saturday, September 20th from noon to 4 p.m at Springwood Park. She described the event as “a day of entertainment,” noting it will feature food, live entertainment, a petting zoo, bounce houses, free haircuts for kids, giveaways, and health screenings. Clayton also took a moment to honor the upcoming 9/11 anniversary, offering thoughts and prayers to those who have lost loved ones.

During the public comment session, a Long Branch resident spoke about CCR meetings he organizes in partnership with Project Heal. The monthly gatherings, held at Blackbird Community Commons, provide trauma-informed care and support for those impacted by violence. He explained that attendance has been low since the group launched in May and invited council members to sit in on a session to better understand the program. Mayor Moor suggested he send in a flyer for city promotion, while Councilmembers Chapman and Clayton encouraged him to take part in the community festival, where he could table and raise awareness for his organization.

A Springwood Avenue resident promoted the Black Poster Project at the Berkley Hotel on Spetember 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., an event honoring lives lost to things like overdose and suicide. She encouraged attendees to continue from the morning program to the Springwood Park festival. She also announced a Project Write Now at Parlor Gallery on September 25 at 3 p.m., featuring 20-minute plays by local artists.

Several residents of 6th Avenue raised concerns about planned road widening on 6th, 7th, 8th Avenues. They asked the council to preserve grass aprons, bluestone sidewalks, and the garden on Webbstreet, questioning whether their concerns had been discussed in executive session. The city attorney responded that a follow-up meeting with a resident may take place soon. A 4th Avenue resident joined in support of the appeal, saying she was frustrated that changes seemed designed to accommodate visitors rather than residents who pay taxes. She pointed out that one of the 6th Avenue residents is a member of the Environmental Shade Tree Commission, known in the neighborhood as “our tree lady” for her dedication to preserving the city’s greenery. She described the resident driving a water truck during dry spells to ensure trees survived, warning that if such volunteers feel ignored, the city risks losing community members who give their time and energy to improve Asbury Park.

An Asbury Avenue resident also voiced support for 6th Avenue neighbors while raising his own concerns about bike lane striping. He recalled speaking two months earlier about safety risks, only to have his son involved in an accident days later when someone on a scooter collided with his car. While no one was injured, repairs cost $1,000. He urged the council to revisit bike lane planning and asked who he should contact about reimbursement. Mayor Moor advised that he could file a claim through the Chief Financial office.

The next Asbury Park City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24th, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.