Another item on the agenda was the discussion around the Bradley Beach Business Community Alliance (BBCA) survey, which included community feedback on Main Street improvements. The survey, with responses from 175 residents and businesses, highlighted priorities such as cleanliness, diversity, safety, and unification. Recommendations called for a cohesive beautification plan for Main Street, with council members exploring funding options such as grants to avoid additional financial burdens.

Councilman John Weber expressed interest in learning from nearby Manisan’s success in implementing bike lanes and suggested consulting with Manisan Engineering Firm to understand the critical factors contributing to their success. This led to a broader conversation on the potential redesign of Main Street, which considered the implementation of bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements. The council debated various design alternatives and their implications on parking and safety, with some members advocating for a phased approach to align with sewer infrastructure plans.

The meeting also addressed the proposal to enhance the recognition of fallen heroes from Bradley Beach, with Councilman Al Gubitosi presenting a plans. The initiative, supported by veteran and law enforcement officer William Duffy, included creating banners, developing a brochure, and potentially establishing a new memorial at Riley Park. While council members backed the idea of consolidating existing memorials, they also expressed concerns about the costs and the logistics of moving monuments.

Proclamations were a notable part of the meeting, with one in memory of community figure Harvey Rosenberg and another recognizing Black History Month. Additionally, the council discussed the authorization of legal representation in two matters, the first involving Posia Cen LLC in the case of Humphrey versus Bradley Beach, and the second retaining Michael Collins Esquire in the matter of Fox versus Demarco. Both resolutions were approved with some abstentions.

Public comments highlighted residents’ concerns on a variety of issues, including the response rate and representativeness of the BBCA survey, the transparency of the BBCA’s operations, and the enforcement of bike rules and safety. Concerns about property tax increases, tax assessment processes, and code enforcement were also raised, emphasizing the community’s desire for clarity and fairness in municipal decisions.

The meeting concluded with discussions on financial discrepancies, the overdue audit, the police chief’s salary, and the operations of the Shade Tree Commission. Community members voiced their frustration with the perceived lack of progress, transparency, and responsiveness, leading to heated exchanges and calls for improved governance.