UEZ Shares 5 Year Plan for Building City’s Reputation

The Asbury Park Council held its most recent meeting on July 9, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. In attendance were Mayor John Moor, Councilmembers Angela Ahbez-Anderson, Eileen Chapman, and Yvonne Clayton. They were joined by City Manager Adam Cruz, Deputy City Manager John Hayes, City Clerk Anthony Cucci, and other city officials. Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn was absent.

This meeting was relatively calm and moved along quickly.

A few of the consent agenda resolutions were:

• Resolution Authorizing and approving the submittal of a grant application and execute a grant contract with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Ridge Avenue roadway improvements
• Resolution to adjust sewer charges on various accounts
• Resolution awarding a bid for Fire Apparatus Maintenance and Repairs
• Councilmember Ahbez-Anderson announced that line dancing classes will be held at Springwood Park from July 10 to July 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In case of rain, classes will be moved indoors to Asbury Park Senior Center.

She also reminded residents about a Senior Freeze workshop happening on July 14 at 1 p.m. Municipal Building, hosted by Vin Gopal, Margie Donlon, and Luanne Peterpaul. The program helps qualifying seniors get a refund on property taxes – potentially up to $6,500. Attendees are encouraged to bring any necessary paperwork for assistance.

Councilmember Eileen Chapman shared details about the 19th Annual Family Day at the Beach scheduled for Saturday, July 26th from 12 to 5 p.m. The free event includes surf lessons, live music, beach games, ocean safety demos, and more. Transportation is available – call 917- 847- 5542 to arrange a van pickup. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

City Manager Adam Cruz thanked the Asbury Park Police Department for their efforts during the Fourth of July fireworks. Originally set for July 3 the event was postponed to July 5 due to weather. A technical issue delayed the fireworks by 45 minutes to an hour, but Cruz praised the police for managing the large crowds and ensuring everyone exited the city safely.

Representatives from the Asbury Park Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) shared their five-year plan with the council and the public.

Their vision:
“The Asbury Park UEZ is a regionally renowned destination for arts, culture, and entertainment with business offerings that both cater to the needs of residents and appeal to visitors. The UEZ envisions playing a vital role in building the City’s reputation as one of the most fun and comfortable settings anywhere in the state.”

The plan was developed with community input gathered from UEZ business/property owners, in-person canvassing sessions, tabling events, and an online survey.

Key strategies included:

• Hosting more public events like the Asbury Park Jazz Festival and Wintertime Activities to maintain a vibrant “festival feel.”
• Promoting Asbury Park’s creative culture through digital marketing, public safety initiatives, and better sanitation services.
• Improving transportation and parking to make local businesses more accessible for residents and visitors alike.

The council is expected to vote on whether to submit the plan to the state by July 23. If approved, the community will help decide which programs move forward. A draft of the plan and a place for public comments are available online at https://www.cityofasburypark.com/DocumentCenter/View/6841/UEZ-5-Year-Zone-Development-Plan-Draft-for-Public-Comment-61825-PDF.  Or on Asbury Ripraps Resource Page

During the public comment session, a representative from the Asbury Park Arts Council promoted the “AP in 3” film challenge where participants create a 3- minute film over three weeks in August. The films will premiere in November.

A 6th avenue resident raised concerns about the city’s angled parking plans. He said that nearby residents were not properly notified and that the back in parking will push exhaust fumes towards homes, affecting their balconies, lawns, and windows. This is something that the resident has brought up at the last few council meetings. Mayor Moor acknowledged the repeated concern and said, “Next meeting we will be prepared to give you an answer on everything.”

At a previous meeting, a First Avenue resident voiced concerns about an increase in her sewer bill, citing that back billing would affect her current charges. Despite reaching out to various city officials, she said she never received a clear explanation. In response, Resolution 2025-329 – Resolution to Adjust Sewer Charges on Various Accounts – was added to this meeting’s agenda and ultimately passed.

Another resident had previously spoken out about the lack of handicapped parking near her home and said she was getting the runaround when trying to get in help. This time, the council addressed the issue with an ordinance to create new restricted handicapped parking spots at several properties.

Ordinance 2025-20: Establishing a Restricted Parking Space For Use by Handicapped Persons At Properties Located At 1400 Fourth Avenue, 1217 First Avenue, and 12 Avenue A In the City Of Asbury Park, And Amending And Supplementing Section 7-36., Entitled, “Handicapped Parking,” Of Chapter VII, “Traffic,” Of The “Revised General Ordinances Of The City Of Asbury Park, New Jersey.”

The next City Council Meeting will take place on July 23rd in the Council Chambers at 6pm.