The meeting commenced with a presentation by Michael Riser, an engineer, who detailed the phased approach to the park’s restoration and improvement following damage from Hurricane Sandy. The plan includes flood mitigation efforts, enhancements to the bulkhead and walkway, and the creation of a children’s play area, among other features.

However, the proposal to remove several mature trees to accommodate these changes raised concerns among residents. A public attendee criticized the plan as potentially damaging to the park’s natural beauty and questioned the necessity of regrading the area. In response, a board representative explained that the project aims to meet ADA requirements, which necessitate changes to the slope, and assured that new plantings would offset the loss of trees. The plan includes adding 29 new shade trees and numerous ornamental plants.

Public sentiment was divided, with some residents expressing unease about the environmental impact and the disruption of community spaces traditionally used for events. The board acknowledged these concerns, noting that new green space could serve as an alternative venue for gatherings traditionally held on the park’s hill.

The conversation extended to broader redevelopment plans for the Marine Park area, including improvements to parking facilities and enhancements to memorial and recreational spaces. The board discussed the potential relocation of the existing parking lot and the addition of an amphitheater designed for community events. Concerns were raised about parking issues, particularly regarding hospital staff use of the area and the anticipated increase in park visitors.

Another focal point of the meeting was the redevelopment strategy for the train station area. This project aims to revitalize the district by encouraging transit-oriented development and enhancing its identity and functionality. The board outlined the master plan’s recommendations, which include replacing existing zoning with a targeted zoning district to foster viable development and restarting the transit village designation process.

Public engagement has been a componet of the planning process, with workshops conducted to gather community input. The plan outlines specific permitted uses for different districts within the redevelopment area, emphasizing a mixed-use environment that supports multifamily housing, commercial spaces, and community-serving facilities. However, the potential impact on local demographics raised concerns about gentrification, with attendees questioning provisions to support the Black community amid declining numbers in Red Bank.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure challenges, with public comments highlighting the need for sufficient electricity and water capacity to accommodate new developments. This concern is particularly pressing given recent reports of infrastructure strains. The planning board assured that these issues would be evaluated during the site plan review process to ensure adequacy based on the proposed buildings’ needs.

Parking requirements were another significant topic of discussion. The board reviewed adjustments to existing minimum parking standards, considering the area’s walkability due to its proximity to the train station. The proposed regulations aim to balance accommodating residents with minimizing impervious surfaces, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian traffic and shared parking opportunities.