The North Beach area of Asbury Park is one of the last remaining oceanfront open spaces in Monmouth County. Both the City of Asbury Park and Asbury Partners/iStar (the developer) have publicly stated they are open to preserve the area. The last round of funding for Green Acres purchases closes on February 15th 2012. If the City misses the opportunity to submit this application, they not only lose out on a potential funding source, but also jeopardize potential partners by sending a signal that they are not serious in preserving the north beach as open space.
At the February 1 City Council meeting concerns were raised by the Governing Body regarding this application. City Manager Reidy shared reservations regarding the City’s ability to secure matching funds, approval of the Department of Community Affairs fiscal monitor and legal questions with the current Redeveloper’s Agreement. These concerns as well as Mayor Johnson’s expressed discomfort about an “incomplete application” are invalid and unnecessary. For a detailed description of those concerns see the Asbury Park Press article and read our Chair's response to the claims here.
For more information regarding the State Green Acres Assistance Program click here.
