Asbury Park Advances Green Building and Public Safety in Planning Board Meeting

Overview: The Asbury Park Planning Board’s recent meeting underscored the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety as key elements of local development. The board scrutinized a major project by Denholtz Acquisition LLC, focusing on its pursuit of LEED silver certification, the safety and design of the building’s amenity roof deck, and the implications of the construction staging plan on pedestrian access.

Belmar Housing Authority Approves Cost-Saving Measures for Elevator, Building Repairs

Overview: The Belmar Housing Authority meeting resulted in the approval of two resolutions aimed at reducing costs and improving local housing infrastructure. The first resolution authorized the re-tendering of building S repairs with revised specifications expected to be more cost-effective. The second resolution approved an elevator change order, which decreased the contract by $10,000 as the interior work will be completed by a different company for less cost. The discussions also included the status of ongoing projects, such as the near completion of an elevator upgrade and the occupancy of all housing units.

Asbury Park School Board Grapples with Budget and Charter School Concerns

Overview: The Asbury Park School Board meeting addressed significant fiscal challenges, with the budget out of balance by approximately $1 million. The budgetary shortfall remained a focal point, despite the potential passage of a bill that could restore some state aid. The Acting Superintendent underscored the rigorous review process, as the budget was examined line by line to implement necessary adjustments. Additionally, the possibility of the township contributing towards courtesy busing for safety was discussed as a potential revenue source. The board also considered scheduling an additional meeting to vote on the budget, with the potential date of May 14th suggested, but there was hesitation due to advertising requirements and timing, leading to a suggestion to wait for the next regular board meeting on May 23rd.

Keansburg School Board Tackles Budget and Safety Concerns

Overview: The Keansburg School Board meeting addressed issues regarding the district’s budget, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and the impact on local tax levies, as well as security concerns with schools being used as polling stations. The board discussed detailed aspects of the budget presentation, which highlighted a decrease in school tax, adherence to purchasing laws, and plans for advancing technology using stabilization aid money. The meeting also saw discussions on the potential creation of a school health insurance fund to combat rising health benefit costs and the utilization of shared services to maintain fiscal stability.

Ocean Shade Tree Commission Addresses Tree Maintenance and Reforestation Efforts

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Ocean Shade Tree Commission, topics discussed included the necessity of trained personnel for tree maintenance, community outreach for reforestation, and the debate surrounding the tree removal ordinance. The commission examined the distribution of 500 trees under a New Jersey reforestation program and deliberated on the management and maintenance of local trees, including those on public right-of-ways and near a local college.