03:34One notable issue discussed during the meeting was the infrastructure plan’s potential impact on historic homes and the current drainage problems in Asbury Park. Gabriella Cuchinatada, a resident of over 130 years at 2096 6th Avenue, expressed deep distress over the proposed street widening, which threatens to encroach 10 feet into her front lawn. This plan, she argued, would move the sidewalk closer to her porch and exacerbate flood risks by reducing permeable surfaces. Cuchinatada demanded a public meeting to discuss the plan, emphasizing the lack of prior notification to residents, and insisted on preserving the blue stone sidewalks and retaining walls to maintain property aesthetics and value. Her concerns were echoed by her husband, Frank Cuchinatada, who reported severe flooding issues after recent rains, fearing the new infrastructure would worsen drainage problems.

08:25Mary Valino, another resident from 1700 Web Street, further highlighted the communication gap, noting that construction had left their area unusable and unparkable since a no-use sign was posted in January. She questioned the timeline for project completion, especially with the summer season approaching, and criticized the loss of green space and oversized sidewalks. Valino urged the council to prioritize the community’s needs, stating, “We are not Manhattan where we have 100,000 people walking our sidewalk.”

06:49The council addressed these concerns by promising to organize a meeting with the engineers involved in the project to review the plan’s implications on residents’ properties. Deputy Mayor Quinn acknowledged that the matter had recently come to their attention and pledged to investigate the issues raised. The council also discussed the need to clarify property lines and city rights-of-way to ensure residents’ concerns are adequately addressed.

12:01In addition to the infrastructure concerns, residents raised issues about storm drainage problems, particularly at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Web Street. One resident reported that the storm drains were not functioning, leading to basement flooding during heavy rain. They requested that the Department of Public Works (DPW) monitor the drainage daily, citing metal plates welded over the drains as a potential cause for the blockage. Another resident described the area in front of their home as “like a river” during downpours and urged the DPW to focus on specific locations where water accumulates.

Aside from drainage issues, a resident expressed dissatisfaction with a new concrete bumpout on Kingsley Avenue, arguing it obstructs vehicle movement and visibility. They questioned if a traffic study was conducted before the bumpout’s installation and suggested it could have been left in its previous state for better traffic flow. A council member explained that the bumpouts were introduced to enhance pedestrian safety, noting their effectiveness in reducing street crossing distances.

20:26The meeting also covered various administrative matters, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and consent agenda resolutions. These resolutions encompassed bills, beach department supplies, and emergency repairs. While most resolutions received unanimous support, there was dissent regarding the purchase of a new fire department vehicle.

28:45Additionally, the council introduced several ordinances for future public hearings, focusing on intersection improvements and sewer system repairs. Of particular note was an ordinance aimed at prohibiting motorized vehicles on the boardwalk, except for those used for trash or recycling pickup and those authorized by law enforcement. Despite facilitating a public comment period for this ordinance, no members of the public opted to speak, and the council adopted it unanimously.