The most significant topic of the meeting was the presentation on the proposed development project by Block 391 QZF, LLC. The plan includes the construction of a building with 15 residential units and 20 parking spaces on a vacant 14,000-square-foot lot. The project, positioned between two existing apartment buildings, has already garnered preliminary support from the Technical Review Committee. The development proposal features five one-bedroom and ten two-bedroom units, and discussions highlighted the inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations to meet city requirements.

Amidst the presentation, the developer addressed community concerns about the development, particularly the potential impact on parking availability on Second Avenue. A resident expressed apprehension about possible parking space reductions due to curb cuts necessary for garage access. The developer assured the community that efforts would be made to minimize disruptions, acknowledging the importance of maintaining adequate parking and the potential loss of only one or two spaces.

Additionally, the design and layout of the building were discussed in detail. The exterior will feature hard concrete and Hardy plank panels, with a parapet wall designed to screen air conditioning units and mitigate noise. The parking garage is designed to exceed parking requirements by five spaces, a notable achievement given Asbury Park’s parking challenges, especially in summer. The building is situated approximately a five-minute walk from the beach. Residential units are slated for sale, with pricing expected to be around $750 per square foot.

Community engagement was a focal point, with a suggestion to incorporate local art into the building’s design. The developer expressed willingness to collaborate with the public art commission, highlighting an openness to community input. Public participation also brought up issues such as bicycle storage, which the developer is considering, and storm water management, addressed through the inclusion of a storage vault to treat water before ground infiltration.

Alongside the development project, the council reviewed several community events. These included the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission’s annual Cod giveaway, the Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge, and a Halloween “Trun or Treat” event scheduled for October 31st. The latter, organized with a contingency plan for inclement weather, encourages community involvement in decorating cars and distributing candy. Other events mentioned were the “First Fridays” sound event and “Fall Funday” at Sunset Park, promoting family participation.

A presentation by Asbury Park TV highlighted its achievement of receiving four Jersey Access Group Awards, with Mike Sedano recognized for his contributions. The presentation underscored the importance of community support for public access channels and encouraged residents to engage with Asbury Park TV through various viewing options.

The council also reviewed and passed several resolutions and ordinances. These included authorizing purchases for the police department and approving a change order for an intersection improvement project. An ordinance amending fees in the state uniform construction code was adopted, following a brief explanation and public comment period.