Online Police Training, Liquor Licenses, & Adult Day Care

During the public comment, a resident of Web Street raised concerns about ongoing construction along Kinglsey, 7th, and 8th Avenues. She cited unsafe conditions like debris and general neglect at the sites, urging the city to follow up with the construction department to maintain quality of life in the area. Deputy Mayor Quinn instructed that both City Manger Cruz and Deputy Hayes be CC’d on related emails moving forward.

A 6th avenue resident raised concerns about the proposed Waterfront Redevelopment Plan. She warned that the revisions could negatively impact community garden space, and reduce grassy areas that help manage stormwater. She emphasized that these changes could increase flooding risks and limit outdoor space for pet owners. She urged the city to take a more common-sense approach that targets specific blocks without disrupting active community spaces.

A Lakewood resident stepped up as the owner and operator of the New Jersey Adult Daycare Center for 20 years. He was supported by residents and staff that are connected to this organization. He requested that the city amend the Main Street Redevelopment Plan to permit the relocation of his facility to 1105 Main Street, which is within the Community Shopping Zone. He pointed out that while child daycare is allowed in the plan, adult daycare is not – a discrepancy he argued amounts to discrimination. He added that the city planning board had already recommended approval of the amendment. The council also approved a request to reserve one off-street parking space at the property for a vehicle that transports adult day care attendees.

Another resident voiced frustration over her repeated attempts to secure a handicapped parking space near her home since Memorial Day weekend. She claimed that her issue was dismissed as “not important enough for today’s agenda” and emphasized that as a homeowner paying over $11,000 in property taxes, she deserved better.

Mayor Moor apologized for the inconvenience and explained that the police department recommendations are legally required for handicapped space approvals. The resident said she had left multiple messages for an officer who she claimed was nearing retirement – and even provided him with her disability documentation and placard info. “I shouldn’t have to go through all this just to park at my own house,” she said.

Mayor Moor responded, “You live across the street from me. I’ll move my car so you can park where I park.” He assured her the item would be on the next meeting agenda. She remained at the podium until she was directed to speak directly with a city manager present at the meeting.

Liquor Licenses with Special conditions were approved for Johnny Mac’s, Bond Street Bar and Grill, and Georgies. NOTE: The Special Conditions were not read into the record at the public meeting; and this reporter asked for the special conditions after the meeting and was told they needed to be OPRA’d (Open Public Records Act and a request needed to be made in writing to obtain the special conditions cited below).

• Johnny Mac’s: 75% of floor space shall be dedicated to food service.
• Johnny Mac’s & Georgie’s: The licensee shall install video surveillance signs inside and outside of the licensed premises to advise patrons and the public that: “Warning this property under video surveillance, you are being videotaped” or wording of similar import.
• Bond Street Bar & Grill: The licensee shall hire one (1) off-duty police officer and two (2) security guards on Friday nights and Saturday nights and nights prior to holidays from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. from the weekend before Memorial Day through the weekend after Labor Day and all major holidays.
• All three bars: The security and bar staff shall clean sidewalks and curbs adjacent to the property nightly after club night and in the morning following club nights.

The OPRA related to this information can be found on our ‘Resources’ page, specifically pages 192 through 205 of the City Council Agenda Packet which was provided from the OPRA request. (LINK TO AGENDA)

The council also discussed a bond ordinance aimed at funding new canopies at the train station. A 6th Avenue resident raised concerns about the ordinance’s alignment with the city’s broader redevelopment goals, arguing that it may not support commercial business growth in the area as intended. She noted that although she had submitted OPRA (Open Public Records Act) requests related to the matter, she had not yet received a response.

The meeting adjourned and the next meeting is scheduled for July 9th at 6pm in Council Chambers, 1 Municipal Plaza.