The issue of deer management in Ocean Township dominated much of the meeting. A previous referendum revealed that over 60% of residents recognized a problem with the deer population, but the wording of the referendum was criticized as unclear. This has led to discussions about conducting another referendum to clarify community preferences between lethal and non-lethal management strategies. It was noted that any effective solution would require collaboration with neighboring towns, as unilateral action could simply result in deer migrating back into Ocean Township. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has been involved in previous discussions, and their cooperation is deemed essential for any proposed strategy.

There was a strong push for a plan that includes surrounding municipalities, with Ocean Township expected to take the lead. Some participants expressed urgency in finalizing a referendum question by August to meet procedural deadlines. Suggestions included organizing regional meetings to educate residents and neighboring towns on the issue. The council acknowledged low turnout at prior discussions, despite significant interest shown online.

Traffic management was another significant concern, particularly at the intersection of Whale Pond and West Park, where an outdated traffic light exacerbates congestion. The current system was likened to “1970s technology,” and suggestions were made to extend the delay time for southbound traffic and to add a right-hand turn lane. The need for upgrading to modern traffic signal technology was emphasized to improve traffic flow, especially during peak hours. Discussions also highlighted the inadequacy of street lighting in West Allenhurst, a result of historical reductions, which has led to safety concerns for pedestrians. Upgrading existing fixtures was proposed as a cost-effective solution.

Council members further explored traffic challenges at intersections such as Grant and Sherman, where congestion is a frequent issue. The police department is evaluating one-way parking options on Sherman to facilitate emergency vehicle access. The township engineer recommended changes to traffic patterns as a potential remedy, though these would require further analysis.

Community concerns extended to parking issues, with residents expressing unease over vehicles parked in front of their homes, particularly in areas prone to crime. The increased activity from a local synagogue’s expansion was also noted as a contributing factor. One resident detailed incidents involving unfamiliar vehicles, highlighting the street’s narrowness and the difficulty of navigating driveways safely. The council was urged to reconsider parking regulations to alleviate these problems.

The deteriorating condition of curbs and streets was another resident concern, with reports of crumbling infrastructure undermining street integrity and affecting access for larger vehicles. The council acknowledged these issues, promising that repairs were on the list for future action.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, various community events were highlighted. The annual golf outing benefiting the Tunnels to Towers Foundation is expected to be popular, and the Kenny Picket event received positive feedback for its community engagement. Plans for Greenfest and the mayor’s charity event were also discussed, alongside acknowledgment of successful past events like the July 4th celebration.

The meeting concluded with a public comment session, where residents raised additional issues such as ebike signage effectiveness and the status of the plastic film recycling program. Discussions about the new town hall project and blue acres properties were also touched upon, with the Mayor indicating that discussions regarding the town hall location had stalled.