James Banano, the director of Transportation, presented an update to the complete streets policy, which included new additions to the complete street checklist, the establishment of benchmarks for improvement, and the formation of an advisory committee. The policy aims to make streets safer for all users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. It also involves conducting an inventory of city procedures, policies, and documents, as well as fostering public participation and developing annual progress reports.

Residents expressed frustration over the slow progress of implementing the complete streets policy. A founding member of the Asbury Park Complete Streets Coalition suggested the creation of a broader Mobility commission to address various factors related to public space. Another resident discussed traffic flow and safety at the intersection of Ridge and Third Avenues, proposing making the street one-way to reduce speeding and accidents. The resident noted that the jurisdiction of the street in question belongs to Neptune, expressing dissatisfaction with the response from both municipalities.

Further traffic concerns were voiced by residents, with suggestions such as implementing four-way stop signs and making certain blocks one-way to alleviate traffic issues. The challenges of crossing busy roads were also brought up, with advocacy for traffic calming measures.

The city’s spending practices were scrutinized, with a resident questioning the financial arrangements of using event spaces like The Stone Pony and the Berkeley Hotel for city events. The mayor provided background on fundraising efforts for recreation and defended the council’s decisions. Additionally, a resident criticized the procurement of food for local events, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses.

Environmental concerns were raised by a representative from Food and Water Watch, who thanked the city for its support in defeating the Woodbridge power plant and raised concerns about the definition of clean energy standards and plans to widen the New Jersey Turnpike.

A resident brought to attention legal issues involving a former city employee and a Long Branch officer, alleging that they had been charged with felonies, and appealed for city officials to get involved. Questions about the reported increase in taxes were also raised, with the mayor acknowledging the uncertainty around the tax increase and pointing to the challenges posed by the Board of Education’s budget.

The council discussed the city’s efforts to improve road safety and acknowledged a resident’s gratitude for these initiatives. This included the allocation of funding for CBD projects and the upcoming CBD public information session. There was also a discussion around tax incentives for developers, particularly the length and impact of the pilot program on school funding. The discontinuation of ride-sharing services was a point of concern, and the council assured that an RFP for alternatives had been issued, mentioning the potential for secure bike storage facilities.

In terms of urban development, a resident expressed confusion about a new development project not on the agenda. It was clarified that the project had not yet gone to the council for approval. Paul Shula appreciated the work on updating the complete streets policy, and a question about the difference between a policy and an ordinance was raised, with the possibility of adopting a complete streets checklist ordinance considered for further discussion.

The council approved various resolutions, including special event applications, amending temporary budget appropriations, and awarding a contract for the operation of a pedal boat concession. They also appointed labor counsel, authorized architectural services for a beach restroom conceptual study, granted a two-year extension for a waterfront redevelopment entity, and approved the execution of a subrecipient agreement for a boardwalk restoration fund grant award. New ordinances introduced included amending plastic bag regulations, rules and regulations of the shade tree commission, approving a redevelopment plan for a property, and a capital ordinance for roof replacement. Discussions on establishing parking regulations in specific areas to facilitate truck access and accommodate street activities were also part of the session.