A significant portion of the meeting was dominated by a detailed public query from resident Vinent Laor regarding the delay in audits for Pier Village phase three. Laor expressed frustration at the extension of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) response date, questioning City Attorney, Mr. Martin, about the delay and the city’s handling of the Pier Village 3 redevelopment agreement. Despite a somewhat heated exchange, it was clarified that the audits were the responsibility of the urban renewal entities at Pier Village 3, not the council.

Laor also questioned the tax-exempt status of the Pier Village 3 parking garage, which Mr. Martin confirmed was due to its status as a pilot – a Payment in Lieu of Taxes. Despite the council’s responses, Laor expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of transparency and financial accountability.

In another key issue, a resident, identified as Murphy, expressed dissatisfaction over the unauthorized removal of her sidewalk during a construction project. Murphy voiced her disappointment and frustration at the lack of communication and subsequent denial of responsibility by the contractor. Mayor John Pallone assured Murphy that the issue would be resolved in the spring and that the sidewalk would be replaced.

In other business, the council discussed the nearing completion of the Long Branch Fire and History Museum and the new Long Branch Senior Center, both slated to open in 2024. The council also reminded residents about the ongoing holiday home decorating contest and the upcoming Christmas toy giveaway.