The Broadwalk initiative, designed to enhance community engagement and boost local business, has been a contentious topic. Some business owners claim it unfairly favors establishments within the Broadwalk, drawing customers away from other local businesses. One business owner described a significant decline in patronage, stating that the initiative has diverted foot traffic and created a monopoly detrimental to their operations. They argued for reopening the streets to allow all businesses to thrive, highlighting financial struggles exacerbated by the perceived economic imbalance. The sentiment was echoed by another speaker who remarked, “If he’s up 300K, he’s taking it from somewhere,” emphasizing the limited pool of consumer spending in Red Bank and the uneven distribution of income among local businesses.

Conversely, supporters of the Broadwalk noted its potential to foster a community vibe and attract visitors, contributing to a positive economic impact. Some residents expressed appreciation for the pedestrian-friendly environment, comparing it to urban settings, while a business owner reported significant growth attributed to the initiative. However, they acknowledged a revenue decline this year due to poor weather affecting foot traffic. The debate underscored a divide in opinions, with some advocating for its continuation and others calling for reevaluation to better serve the broader community.

The council members were urged to reconsider the current approach to the Broadwalk and engage more comprehensively with the concerns raised by local business owners. Suggestions included adjusting parking enforcement to alleviate pressure on businesses and exploring potential modifications to the initiative’s implementation. The Mayor expressed a desire to treat the Broadwalk as a dynamic element of the town.

Zoning and redevelopment plans were also discussed during the meeting. Resident Charles Janigian raised concerns about zoning regulations affecting Black businesses in Red Bank, criticizing the environment as unfriendly to Black entrepreneurs. He mentioned issues related to zoning regulations for trailers, expressing that recent developments do not accommodate small businesses reliant on such transportation. A letter from the NAACP regarding the town’s redevelopment plans was referenced, highlighting community concerns about gentrification and its impact on the African-American population in Red Bank. The council acknowledged the need for formal engagement with the NAACP and emphasized the importance of community engagement in redevelopment efforts.

Infrastructure and public safety were other prominent topics. The condition of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) facility sparked concern among council members, who criticized the working conditions and underscored the necessity for improvements. Council members highlighted that employees have been working in temporary trailers for over 22 years, far exceeding their intended lifespan. The need for safe working conditions was emphasized, with one member stating, “It’s appalling that people work in a situation like that,” reflecting a consensus on the urgency of addressing the facility’s condition.

The meeting also addressed ordinance 2025-25, aimed at creating new no-parking zones on Hudson Avenue, Tilton Street, and Catherine Street to enhance public safety. The ordinance was supported by the chief of police and adopted with a unanimous roll call vote. Additionally, concerns were raised about the safety of crosswalks on Maple Avenue, with residents urging the council to engage with state and county authorities to enhance safety measures.

Public comments reflected concerns about traffic regulations, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of control regarding traffic violations. One resident described witnessing reckless behavior by an individual on an electric bike and questioned whether increased police presence and the use of cameras might help address these issues. Another resident discussed the backlog in the judicial system, contributing to the ongoing presence of individuals with criminal records on the streets.