Council Green Lights New Development on Memorial Drive

The Asbury Park City Council held its second meeting of the year on Wednesday, Feb 25, 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, Eileen Chapman, and Yvonne Clayton, along with other city officials.

During comments from elected officials, they praised the City Manager and Deputy City Manager, the Department of Public Works, Mercy Center, and Trinity Church for their efforts during Sunday and Monday’s blizzard.

There were only three public comments, all of which related to issues with Madison Marquette (aka Madison Asbury Retail), at least in part. These public comments were much more low key than last week’s meeting. One attendee asked about an item discussed at the meeting, which was that the city expected to reach an agreement regarding the $13 million grant allocated for the Paramount Theatre repair and renovation. The Mayor had expressed hope last week that an agreement could be reached and voted upon at this week’s council meeting. While an agreement was not reached in time for tonight’s meeting, the Mayor said that it should be happening within the next few days – if that hope is realized, the Mayor said that there could be a special meeting to approve it next week.

The Council once again authorized additional expenses for the firehouse, with the approved resolution noting that an additional $3,339.00 was invoiced to the city due to tariffs imposed on the items that were ordered. The purchase itself, which was for office furniture, had already been approved at the September 10, 2025 meeting.

Two commemorative resolutions passed at tonight’s meeting. The first was to honor the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA), which is celebrating its’ 100th year advocating for coastal restoration. The organization was formed by 85 delegates from coastal states in Asbury Park on October 15,1926. The other resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States. That resolution also authorized the appointment of a committee that will develop a plan for this commemoration that will involve the Asbury community.

The Council then discussed an ordinance authorizing an agreement with Memorial Avenue Holdings Urban Renewal Company, LLC for a long term tax exemption for the redevelopment of 90 Memorial Drive (i.e. – the corner of Memorial and Springwood). This property is located in the Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Area. The project will provide 92 new housing units, 19 of which will be classified as affordable housing units. Those 19 units will be a mix of very low, low, and moderate income housing. In addition, there will be 11,873 square feet of commercial/retail space and 107 off-street parking spots.

The ordinance approving this agreement passed 3-1, with Councilwoman Angela Abhez-Anderson voting no.

Finally, the Council approved two ordinances repealing and replacing parts of city code related to the collection and expenditure of affordable housing fees and the regulations governing affordable housing. This was done to comply with recent rules issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The new regulations governing affordable housing and adopted by the city require all bedrooms in affordable housing units to have a window and mandates a minimum unit size.

These resolutions passed unanimously, and the meeting concluded.

The next Asbury Park City Council meeting is currently scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th, at 6 p.m. at Asbury Park City Hall.