The meeting’s public comment period was dominated by residents expressing outrage over substantial tax hikes. Vincent Laor was the first to speak, accusing the administration of implementing tax increases ranging from 10% to 15%, with some experiencing even higher hikes. Laor criticized the administration for suggesting that residents would recoup these costs when selling their homes, calling it “an insulting remark” to long-term homeowners. He emphasized the lack of solutions from the administration and pointed to the tax abatement for Kushner at the Pier Village as a issue, describing the situation as “disgusting junk government.” Laor also mentioned outstanding audits related to Kushner’s projects and criticized the city’s failure to provide timely responses to information requests.

Following Laor, Nick De Yelmo shared his discontent with the city’s current state, contrasting it with his past experiences. De Yelmo, who recently returned to Long Branch, described the city as having transformed from “the friendly city” to “the unfriendly city.” He reported a dramatic tax increase of 42% since purchasing his townhouse in May 2023, with his quarterly payments increasing from $2,100 to over $3,000. Echoing Laor’s sentiments, De Yelmo questioned the financial contributions of Pier Village residents and demanded transparency regarding their tax contributions. He suggested establishing a task force to investigate the situation further.

The public comments highlighted a broader sentiment of betrayal among long-term residents, with many feeling unwelcome due to rising taxes and perceived inequities. De Yelmo concluded his remarks with a strong message to the council, expressing his outrage and a desire to leave the city if conditions did not improve.

The council addressed these concerns by discussing misconceptions about Pier Village’s tax contributions. A council member clarified that Pier Village residents do pay taxes and encouraged residents to consult the tax collector’s office for accurate information. They explained that tax changes are influenced by annual property reassessments conducted by the county, impacting tax rates independently of the town’s budget decisions. The council member emphasized that the town’s budget only represents a portion of the overall tax rate, which also includes school board and county taxes.

Another council member argued that every initiative undertaken in the past six years has benefited the entire city, not just Pier Village. They cited projects such as the Art Center, library renovations, and a community pool located outside Pier Village. The council member rejected the notion of a city divided into two separate entities, stating that all community events, like neighborhood fund days and barbecues, serve the entire city.

The discussion also covered tax abatements, with a council member asserting that the current administration has not granted any new tax abatements. They mentioned the removal of a 30-year tax abatement for Lower Broadway and acknowledged a past tax abatement for Ocean Gate, which led to the development of a $3.1 million community pool. This point was met with differing opinions regarding the merits of such incentives.

In addition to tax-related issues, the council commended the work of a Long Branch organization focused on substance use disorders. Council members recognized the importance of this initiative, which has been operating for six years, and advocated for awareness of overdose issues, particularly as International Overdose Awareness Day was approaching. They expressed gratitude for the support shown towards this initiative and highlighted progress made in addressing the opioid epidemic.

Various council members took turns expressing appreciation for the efforts of the organization and acknowledged the contributions of departments like the police in supporting community wellness. The public was encouraged to enjoy the remaining summer days safely, with schools set to reopen shortly.