City Council Meeting Summary 4/23/2025

Asbury Park City Council members Eileen Chapman and Yvonne Clayton announced the annual Restaurant Tour was coming up on 4/27/25; the 2nd Annual “Made and Sold in Asbury Park” was being held at the Berkeley Hotel on 4/26/25 and vendors and business owners from Asbury Park would be displaying their items for the public to purchase or sample. Lastly, the Quality of Life Committee’s Free Dumpster program was continuing on several dates and locations throughout the City. Please see the City’s website for further information.

The highlight of this meeting was the presentation of 701-705 2nd Avenue, the property formerly known as the Holy Spirit Church. The developer returned with a redesigned “Adaptive Reuse” plan for living and working and appeared to take into consideration the neighbors’ concerns regarding parking.

Mr. Hanna stated that the number of parking spaces were increased and the density was decreased. Specifically, the complex will now contain 80 units (versus 90 previously) and parking spaces increased to 83 (from 74 previously). Of the 80 units, 16 are allocated for Income Restricted which will be guaranteed for 40 years.

Included in the parking configuration is the use of ‘stackers’ where 2 cars can be utilized in one space via a mechanical lift system which stores the cars vertically. Of note, 13 units will not have allocated parking spaces.

The retail area from the original plan was removed; the office space which was previously described as open to anyone, will now only be for tenants’ use (both residential tenants and office tenants); and the gym was moved to the lower level. The lobby is now planned to sit between the residence and the former church building – thus joining the two. There will now be two entrances to the lobby, one from the former church building and one from the residences.

Notably, the Council voted “Yes” to have this project appear before the Planning Board – where they will be tasked with determining if the area is in need of redevelopment. The Council stressed they were not voting “yes” to the project and only for the Planning Board’s consideration; they also stressed there will be opportunities for the Council to vote “no” on the project down the road during: Designation for Redevelopment; or, the Redevelopment Plan; or, should a PILOT ultimately be requested.

During public comment, citizens spoke of concerns for the neighborhood, parking, PILOTs, and the beneficial economic impact. Please watch the recording by clicking the link below: Asbury Park City Council Meeting April 23, 2025