Mayor John Moor led the meeting with a moment of silence for Carol Tor, a notable resident of Asbury Park, before diving into the special events applications and the presentation by JLD Investment Group LLC. The developer’s plans for the site involve retaining the church building, introducing a café, artist workspaces, and performance art areas, while constructing a new six-story residential building that includes two floors of parking and a percentage of affordable housing units.

The city planning consultant, Beth McManis, clarified that the council was not scheduled to vote on the project that evening but to gather information and ask questions. However, the discussion quickly turned to the specifics of the project, with council members raising concerns about discrepancies between submitted plans and the renderings presented. Questions were asked about parking management, especially during special events, and the applicant proposed solutions such as valet services and coordination with the city for off-site parking.

The developer’s presentation also touched on their past projects in New York and other boroughs, aiming to position their experience as a foundation for the successful completion of the Asbury Park project, estimated to take 18 to 24 months for the building portion. The council emphasized the importance of prioritizing the church’s construction and ensuring its continued operation.

Amidst the technical details of the project, the council raised financial concerns. The Mayor outlined the proposed funding structure, which involved a PILOT program and RABs, explaining their long-term benefits, such as potential increased tax revenue. However, council members expressed reservations about the impact on property taxes and the affordability of housing units. A debate ensued regarding the financial burden on taxpayers and the necessity of a shared parking study to assess the project’s impact on the area’s parking.

The discussion extended to the sustainability features of the proposed building and the allocation of residential and commercial parking spaces. The developer, alongside a certified finance officer, provided details about PILOT programs, statutory constructs, and RABs, emphasizing the scope of the project, its costs, and the church’s preservation. Despite comprehensive responses from the developer and finance officer, the council members’ questions highlighted a need for further deliberation and review.

Following the financial discussion, the council members and city officials made various announcements. Council Member Angela Ahbez-Anderson delivered a message of self-love, Council Member Yvonne Clayton informed residents about a job fair, and Mayor John Moor and Council Member Amy Quinn paid tribute to Carol Tor. The city manager announced an award for the city’s capital construction projects.

The public participation segment saw residents expressing concerns about the development’s impact on parking and noise levels. Calls for transparency and caution in the decision-making process were evident, with skepticism about the project’s community impact. Further concerns were raised about the preservation of the city’s history, with suggestions for funding a preservation act.

The meeting also involved administrative decisions, including the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, which covered contracts, services, and purchases for the city. Discussions on housing rehabilitation program administration and obtaining an easement with New Jersey Transit for the new Fire Department headquarters took place. The council approved resolutions for professional services contracts, animal control services, intersection improvements, and a grant application for Asbury Avenue improvements.

Two public hearings were held for ordinances amending beach, boardwalk, and beachfront regulations, and another related to fees for business licenses and insurance coverage registration. Clarifications were sought, and both ordinances were adopted. The meeting concluded with the appointment of members to serve on internal committees and council liaisons, followed by a motion to adjourn, which was unanimously carried.