During the council meeting, the primary point of contention revolved around the proposed mural slated for an alleyway wall adjacent to the Best Western hotel. Council members expressed skepticism about the mural’s placement, noting that it faced an area with limited foot traffic and visibility. The alleyway, described as a “private owned grassy alleyway,” raised concerns about the appropriateness of investing $20,000 of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds for art largely hidden from public view. One council member questioned, “It would be one thing if this was an alleyway that had some level of amenity,” highlighting the need for the mural to be in a more pedestrian-friendly location.

The conversation explored the possibility of relocating the mural to a more visible part of the building, such as the northern side facing the street. This suggestion garnered support as it would allow the artwork to engage more effectively with the public. However, the physical constraints of the building, including height and structural limitations, were acknowledged as potential challenges for the mural’s design.

Safety considerations were also a focal point, with concerns that the mural might inadvertently draw people into the alleyway, which might not be safe or welcoming. A council member noted, “If we don’t want people down there, if a mural’s down there it might draw them to go somewhere where we don’t want them,” illustrating the dilemma between promoting public art and ensuring community safety.

Ultimately, the council reached a consensus that while the artist and mural concept were widely appreciated, the current proposed location was unsuitable. Plans were made to revisit the mural proposal with the applicant, encouraging a reevaluation of its placement to enhance public interaction. The council stressed the importance of constructive feedback, emphasizing that while the project had potential, its impact was contingent upon its visibility and accessibility.

In other discussions, the council addressed updates to the parking lot project. Following a call with the Department of Environmental Protection, an agreement was reached to conduct necessary inspections via video, expediting the project’s initiation. The relocation of a dumpster enclosure, to be constructed of cinder block with a light beige-gray finish, was a notable component.

The meeting also broached the subject of the “Love Jack’s Jack Beach” project, which encountered a trademark issue concerning the use of the phrase “ihart NY.” The council discussed the costs of securing permission to use the trademarked phrase, with expectations for more information by the next meeting. Despite uncertainty about the costs, there was a clear intention to pursue this initiative.

Public commentary included a suggestion to improve the “waterfall sculpture” area, with concerns about its neglected appearance. Suggestions for additional landscaping and signage were made to enhance its presence. Although some landscaping had been completed, further improvements were in the pipeline, including a sign providing educational context about the sculpture. The importance of seating options that would not detract from the artwork was underscored, with proposals for simple seating designs considered to complement the space without encouraging loitering.