Two school districts see different votes
Monmouth Regional budget fails, but voters approve Tinton Falls district plan
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — A failed budget has left Monmouth Regional School District officials scrambling for a plan.
District Business Administrator Maria Parry said last week she is revisiting the defeated budget plan after voters in Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township shot down the $25.6 million budget during the April 20 election.
“I have to prepare a defeated budget packet, and then it is going to go to the council,” she said. “We have to have a consensus by May 19.
“They can either recommend no cuts or they can recommend a cut,” she added. “We either have to accept it or try to say why we can’t accept it.
“It goes to all three towns, even though it passed in Tinton Falls.”
Parry defended the budget, which called for an $18.7 million tax levy.
“I think it was a very good budget,” she said. “It was the same tax levy as 2009-2010, and I think that there are just some people that have the philosophy that they are just going to vote no because it is the only budget that they can vote on.”
According to the Monmouth County website, the budget failed with a 1,830-1,885 vote. Parry said the budget passed in Tinton Falls but failed in both Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township.
“It passed in Tinton Falls and failed by two in Shrewsbury Township and it failed in Eatontown,” she said.
Parry said the absentee ballots had not yet been counted, but she called the chances of having enough absentee ballots to pass the budget a “very outside chance.”
“I don’t think there is going to be enough absentee ballots that would carry that over,” she said. Due to the state budget crunch, state aid to the district was cut by 28 percent, or $1.2 million.
Parry said that necessitated making cuts in the budget the district wouldn’t normally make.
“There were five positions cut, three by attrition and two were because of budget cuts,” she said. “Field trips for student activities and field trips were cut in half for the regular budget, and supplies were cut by 30 percent.”
Parry said the big increases in the budget came from escalating salaries and benefits costs.
“I have contractual obligations under salaries and health benefits,” she said. “I try to beat the health insurance agents up as much as possible but, unfortunately, they’ve gone up.”
She said teachers and the district are in contract negotiations, making the budget tougher to configure.
“The teachers’ contract ends this year, so we are currently in negotiations,” she said. “I can only put a guess on what I think; I can’t even go by a guide.”
While Monmouth Regional’s budget failed, the Tinton Falls School District had the opposite result.
Tinton Falls School District Superintendent John Russo expressed gratitude to Tinton Falls and Shrewsbury Township voters for passing the school budget for the second straight year.
Voters passed the $28 million budget with a 1,326-1,247 vote during the April 20 election. The budget includes an $18.3 million tax levy.
“I am very pleased that the community once again in these troubling economic times made a statement that they support the schools of Tinton Falls,” Russo said. “I wouldn’t say I was surprised, but I certainly say that I don’t take for granted the community support.”
Russo said he was especially pleased with the results in Tinton Falls because of the many failed budgets across the state.
“Just across the board, votes were very tight one way or the other, and in some they were overwhelmingly no, and thank goodness we weren’t in that situation,” he said.
When Russo and the Board of Education presented the public with a tentative budget in March, they announced they would be forced to cut 18 staff positions, but Russo said they were able to reduce that number.
“We are losing a total of six positions, three full time, three part time,” he said.
Some of the additional cuts the district made to counteract staffing cuts include eliminating assemblies, field trips and reducing supplies.
“We are also taking field trips and assemblies out of the budget,” he said. “We did a very comprehensive line-by-line analysis of our budget.
“We looked at every aspect of our operating budget, from supplies to materials to whether or not we could postpone the purchase of textbooks,” he added. “We made appropriate percentage cuts in those areas, which was also a contributing factor in limiting the number of staff cuts we had to make.”
Russo said he hopes organizations around town will support the schools for some assemblies.
“We are hoping that the assemblies will be supplemented by our parent-teacher organizations and our parent music associations,” he said. “They have been generous in the past in providing additional assemblies in each of our schools.
“We are hoping they will be able to at least bring in some assemblies for our children.”
Russo said the district has previously thought about either reducing or charging a fee for sports and activities, but it is something the district was able to avoid.
“We actually were able to bring all of the co-circulars and all of the athletics back in, and they are not going to be a ‘pay for play,’ ” he said. Russo said there is some concern thatmany other local schools would be cutting their sports programs.
“We do have some concern on the athletic end as to whether or not there will be enough teams to play against,” he said. “Many middle schools have had to cut or curtail their athletics.
“We are reaching out to the other middle schools that we normally participate against to survey them. We don’t have any results yet.”
Voters also elected Board of Education members in both districts.
In Tinton Falls, incumbent Kenneth Hagar and newcomers William Holobowski and Susan Fisher were elected to the three open seats.
Thomas Neff, Anthony Schaible and Mary Anne Linder were all re-elected to the board at Monmouth Regional School District.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Ocean Twp. schools chief disappointed with close call
Ocean Twp. schools chief disappointed with close call
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEAN TOWNSHIP — Ocean Township School District Superintendent Thomas Pagano said last week that he was disappointed that the budget failed by just six votes.
“To lose our budget by a six-vote margin was extremely disheartening,” Pagano said. “To come so close and not be able to push it over the top is just an incredibly disappointing thing.”
Pagano said the vote from the April 20 election for the $69.5 million budget will be certified by the county this week and that he believes all absentee ballots have been counted.
Pagano said the possibility of the budget being passed during certification would be a “miracle.”
“The official certification of the results won’t occur until next week,” he said. “Obviously, I am hoping against hope that a miracle may occur.”
Pagano said the district will look into challenging the vote, should the unofficial results hold up.
“That is a decision to be a joint decision with the Board of Education, myself and the school’s business administrator,” he said. “We will have to see where we go.”
The budget passed in Ocean Township by a 2,191 to 2,143 margin but failed in Loch Arbour, which is a sending district, by a 65 to 11 margin.
Pagano said last year’s budget was also defeated after passing in Ocean Township.
“Last year our budget lost by 22 votes, and it was defeated by a similarly very wide margin over in Loch Arbor,” he said. “That is because of the very unprecedented tax increase.”
Pagano said he understands the thought process from Loch Arbour residents, who had their taxes skyrocket last year when the state changed its appropriation formula.
“I cannot in good conscience have any ill will toward Loch Arbor for the way they voted,” he said. “The folks over there are very hard-working, decent people who support our schools and want to support our schools.
“They have to put self-preservation first.”
Pagano explained what would happen next for the budget.
“The budget now goes to the two municipalities,” he said. “They have to work together and agree to an amount that we have to cut by May 19.”
At a previous meeting, the Board of Education presented the public with a list of cuts, including 39 staff positions, administrative pay freezes, and no additional funding for capital projects and technology equipment.
The budget called for a $54.8 million tax levy, after the district lost nearly $5.5 million in state aid the last two years.
If the budget had been approved, Ocean Township residents would have seen an increase of 1.3 percent in the tax rate, resulting in a $64.03 increase for a home valued at the town’s average of $406,000. The decrease in average value is due to the re-evaluation recently completed by the township.
Because of the state-mandated change in the apportionment for the sending town of Loch Arbour, residents with a home valued at the village average of $1.4 million would have seen a tax increase of $5,798 this year.
Pagano said the Ocean Township vote is indicative of many of the budget votes across the state.
“This was a watershed year for school budget elections for the entire state of New Jersey,” he said. “That so many of them were defeated certainly reflects the fiscal crisis in the state of New Jersey.”
Voters also re-elected incumbents Sean Moore and Angela Finch to three-year seats on the Board of Education. Sylvia Sylvia, who was the leading vote getter, won a three-year seat, and Joseph Hadden won a one-year unexpired term.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
OCEAN TOWNSHIP — Ocean Township School District Superintendent Thomas Pagano said last week that he was disappointed that the budget failed by just six votes.
“To lose our budget by a six-vote margin was extremely disheartening,” Pagano said. “To come so close and not be able to push it over the top is just an incredibly disappointing thing.”
Pagano said the vote from the April 20 election for the $69.5 million budget will be certified by the county this week and that he believes all absentee ballots have been counted.
Pagano said the possibility of the budget being passed during certification would be a “miracle.”
“The official certification of the results won’t occur until next week,” he said. “Obviously, I am hoping against hope that a miracle may occur.”
Pagano said the district will look into challenging the vote, should the unofficial results hold up.
“That is a decision to be a joint decision with the Board of Education, myself and the school’s business administrator,” he said. “We will have to see where we go.”
The budget passed in Ocean Township by a 2,191 to 2,143 margin but failed in Loch Arbour, which is a sending district, by a 65 to 11 margin.
Pagano said last year’s budget was also defeated after passing in Ocean Township.
“Last year our budget lost by 22 votes, and it was defeated by a similarly very wide margin over in Loch Arbor,” he said. “That is because of the very unprecedented tax increase.”
Pagano said he understands the thought process from Loch Arbour residents, who had their taxes skyrocket last year when the state changed its appropriation formula.
“I cannot in good conscience have any ill will toward Loch Arbor for the way they voted,” he said. “The folks over there are very hard-working, decent people who support our schools and want to support our schools.
“They have to put self-preservation first.”
Pagano explained what would happen next for the budget.
“The budget now goes to the two municipalities,” he said. “They have to work together and agree to an amount that we have to cut by May 19.”
At a previous meeting, the Board of Education presented the public with a list of cuts, including 39 staff positions, administrative pay freezes, and no additional funding for capital projects and technology equipment.
The budget called for a $54.8 million tax levy, after the district lost nearly $5.5 million in state aid the last two years.
If the budget had been approved, Ocean Township residents would have seen an increase of 1.3 percent in the tax rate, resulting in a $64.03 increase for a home valued at the town’s average of $406,000. The decrease in average value is due to the re-evaluation recently completed by the township.
Because of the state-mandated change in the apportionment for the sending town of Loch Arbour, residents with a home valued at the village average of $1.4 million would have seen a tax increase of $5,798 this year.
Pagano said the Ocean Township vote is indicative of many of the budget votes across the state.
“This was a watershed year for school budget elections for the entire state of New Jersey,” he said. “That so many of them were defeated certainly reflects the fiscal crisis in the state of New Jersey.”
Voters also re-elected incumbents Sean Moore and Angela Finch to three-year seats on the Board of Education. Sylvia Sylvia, who was the leading vote getter, won a three-year seat, and Joseph Hadden won a one-year unexpired term.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Friends take the diamond for Frankie
Friends take the diamond for Frankie
2nd annual tourney will continue May 1
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Oceanport’s Ira Tilton works the mound for the Devils during the second annual Frankie and Friends Baseball Tournament at Valenzano Park, Frank Caltabilotta Field, on April 24. CHRIS KELLY staff Oceanport’s Ira Tilton works the mound for the Devils during the second annual Frankie and Friends Baseball Tournament at Valenzano Park, Frank Caltabilotta Field, on April 24. CHRIS KELLY staff WEST LONG BRANCH — For the second straight spring, friends of a beloved son, friend and baseball player who tragically passed away more than 10 years ago took over Valenzano Park for the weekend.
The second annual Frankie and Friends Baseball Tournament took place on Saturday, April 24, as scheduled but was rained out on Sunday, and the second day of games has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 1. The tournament pays tribute to Frank Caltabilota Jr., who died in a dormitory fire at Seton Hall University on Jan. 19, 2000.
Organized by friend and former teammate Andrew Meisner, the Frankie and Friends Invitational Baseball Tournament saw teams from across Monmouth County, including the West Long Branch Blue Devils, Long Branch Thunder, Jackson Red and Middletown Brewers, come together to play the game that Frankie adored.
Meisner explained how the teams are selected.
“Each of these teams have been in existence and participate in various summer leagues throughout the area,” Meisner said. “The common thread between these teams is that Frankie used to play on my team back in high school.
“Throughout high school, our team played against some of the players on each of these teams,” he added. “Frankie actually played with four players currently on my team [the Devils] and currently on the Monmouth County Thunder.”
Meisner said the teams have players participating from two counties.
“While these teams have ‘hometowns,’ they usually include players throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties,” he said.
Meisner and Caltabilota met during freshman year at Shore Regional High School. As members of the school’s baseball and football teams, the two became fast friends.
When not playing sports during the school year, the two would spend their summer days playing as teammates in a summer baseball league.
Meisner said before the tournament that 50-100 people were expected to attend the two-day event. Last year’s tournament raised $4,500 that went toward a scholarship fund in Caltabilota’s name, he said.
“Last year we really established what the tournament is for,” he said. “Everyone was very quick to help out, and it was a great success.”
This year Meisner said they will be selecting a Most Valuable Player for the tournament.
“This year we are presenting a tournament MVP trophy to someone who best exemplifies Frankie’s traits as a person and player,” he said. “Frankie played with a lot of enthusiasm, great sportsmanship and a competitive edge.
“The first MVP of the tournament will express those traits, and it would be great to focus on that,” he added.
Meisner praised the many people involved in organizing and running the tournament.
“I’d like to focus on the reaction and involvement of the non-baseball players,” he said, “the volunteers, friends, umpires and everyone else who helped organize the tournament.
“I have never had to beg anyone to volunteer or sponsor, and I think that speaks volumes as to how much people remember and love Frankie.”
2nd annual tourney will continue May 1
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Oceanport’s Ira Tilton works the mound for the Devils during the second annual Frankie and Friends Baseball Tournament at Valenzano Park, Frank Caltabilotta Field, on April 24. CHRIS KELLY staff Oceanport’s Ira Tilton works the mound for the Devils during the second annual Frankie and Friends Baseball Tournament at Valenzano Park, Frank Caltabilotta Field, on April 24. CHRIS KELLY staff WEST LONG BRANCH — For the second straight spring, friends of a beloved son, friend and baseball player who tragically passed away more than 10 years ago took over Valenzano Park for the weekend.
The second annual Frankie and Friends Baseball Tournament took place on Saturday, April 24, as scheduled but was rained out on Sunday, and the second day of games has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 1. The tournament pays tribute to Frank Caltabilota Jr., who died in a dormitory fire at Seton Hall University on Jan. 19, 2000.
Organized by friend and former teammate Andrew Meisner, the Frankie and Friends Invitational Baseball Tournament saw teams from across Monmouth County, including the West Long Branch Blue Devils, Long Branch Thunder, Jackson Red and Middletown Brewers, come together to play the game that Frankie adored.
Meisner explained how the teams are selected.
“Each of these teams have been in existence and participate in various summer leagues throughout the area,” Meisner said. “The common thread between these teams is that Frankie used to play on my team back in high school.
“Throughout high school, our team played against some of the players on each of these teams,” he added. “Frankie actually played with four players currently on my team [the Devils] and currently on the Monmouth County Thunder.”
Meisner said the teams have players participating from two counties.
“While these teams have ‘hometowns,’ they usually include players throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties,” he said.
Meisner and Caltabilota met during freshman year at Shore Regional High School. As members of the school’s baseball and football teams, the two became fast friends.
When not playing sports during the school year, the two would spend their summer days playing as teammates in a summer baseball league.
Meisner said before the tournament that 50-100 people were expected to attend the two-day event. Last year’s tournament raised $4,500 that went toward a scholarship fund in Caltabilota’s name, he said.
“Last year we really established what the tournament is for,” he said. “Everyone was very quick to help out, and it was a great success.”
This year Meisner said they will be selecting a Most Valuable Player for the tournament.
“This year we are presenting a tournament MVP trophy to someone who best exemplifies Frankie’s traits as a person and player,” he said. “Frankie played with a lot of enthusiasm, great sportsmanship and a competitive edge.
“The first MVP of the tournament will express those traits, and it would be great to focus on that,” he added.
Meisner praised the many people involved in organizing and running the tournament.
“I’d like to focus on the reaction and involvement of the non-baseball players,” he said, “the volunteers, friends, umpires and everyone else who helped organize the tournament.
“I have never had to beg anyone to volunteer or sponsor, and I think that speaks volumes as to how much people remember and love Frankie.”
Monmouth Regional district reworks budget
Monmouth Regional district reworks budget
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — A failed budget has left Monmouth Regional School District officials scrambling for a plan.
District Business Administrator Maria Parry said last week she is revisiting the defeated budget plan after voters in Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township shot down the $25.6 million budget during the April 20 election.
“I have to prepare a defeated budget packet, and then it is going to go to the council,” she said. “We have to have a consensus by May 19.
“They can either recommend no cuts or they can recommend a cut,” she added. “We either have to accept it or try to say why we can’t accept it.
“It goes to all three towns, even though it passed in Tinton Falls.”
Parry defended the budget, which called for an $18.7 million tax levy.
“I think it was a very good budget,” she said. “It was the same tax levy as 2009-2010, and I think that there are just some people that have the philosophy that they are just going to vote no because it is the only budget that they can vote on.”
According to the Monmouth County website, the budget failed with a 1,830-1,885 vote. Parry said the budget passed in Tinton Falls but failed in both Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township.
“It passed in Tinton Falls and failed by two in Shrewsbury Township and it failed in Eatontown,” she said.
Parry said the absentee ballots had not yet been counted, but she called the chances of having enough absentee ballots to pass the budget a “very outside chance.”
“I don’t think there is going to be enough absentee ballots that would carry that over,” she said. Due to the state budget crunch, state aid to the district was cut by 28 percent, or $1.2 million.
Parry said that necessitated making cuts in the budget the district wouldn’t normally make.
“There were five positions cut, three by attrition and two were because of budget cuts,” she said. “Field trips for student activities and field trips were cut in half for the regular budget, and supplies were cut by 30 percent.”
Parry said the big increases in the budget came from escalating salaries and benefits costs.
“I have contractual obligations under salaries and health benefits,” she said. “I try to beat the health insurance agents up as much as possible but, unfortunately, they’ve gone up.”
She said teachers and the district are in contract negotiations, making the budget tougher to configure.
“The teachers’ contract ends this year, so we are currently in negotiations,” she said. “I can only put a guess on what I think; I can’t even go by a guide.”
Incumbents Thomas Neff, Anthony Schaible and Mary Anne Linder were re-elected to the Board of Education of the Monmouth Regional School District.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — A failed budget has left Monmouth Regional School District officials scrambling for a plan.
District Business Administrator Maria Parry said last week she is revisiting the defeated budget plan after voters in Tinton Falls, Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township shot down the $25.6 million budget during the April 20 election.
“I have to prepare a defeated budget packet, and then it is going to go to the council,” she said. “We have to have a consensus by May 19.
“They can either recommend no cuts or they can recommend a cut,” she added. “We either have to accept it or try to say why we can’t accept it.
“It goes to all three towns, even though it passed in Tinton Falls.”
Parry defended the budget, which called for an $18.7 million tax levy.
“I think it was a very good budget,” she said. “It was the same tax levy as 2009-2010, and I think that there are just some people that have the philosophy that they are just going to vote no because it is the only budget that they can vote on.”
According to the Monmouth County website, the budget failed with a 1,830-1,885 vote. Parry said the budget passed in Tinton Falls but failed in both Eatontown and Shrewsbury Township.
“It passed in Tinton Falls and failed by two in Shrewsbury Township and it failed in Eatontown,” she said.
Parry said the absentee ballots had not yet been counted, but she called the chances of having enough absentee ballots to pass the budget a “very outside chance.”
“I don’t think there is going to be enough absentee ballots that would carry that over,” she said. Due to the state budget crunch, state aid to the district was cut by 28 percent, or $1.2 million.
Parry said that necessitated making cuts in the budget the district wouldn’t normally make.
“There were five positions cut, three by attrition and two were because of budget cuts,” she said. “Field trips for student activities and field trips were cut in half for the regular budget, and supplies were cut by 30 percent.”
Parry said the big increases in the budget came from escalating salaries and benefits costs.
“I have contractual obligations under salaries and health benefits,” she said. “I try to beat the health insurance agents up as much as possible but, unfortunately, they’ve gone up.”
She said teachers and the district are in contract negotiations, making the budget tougher to configure.
“The teachers’ contract ends this year, so we are currently in negotiations,” she said. “I can only put a guess on what I think; I can’t even go by a guide.”
Incumbents Thomas Neff, Anthony Schaible and Mary Anne Linder were re-elected to the Board of Education of the Monmouth Regional School District.
Suit challenges blight label in Beachfront So.
Suit challenges blight label in Beachfront So.
Mayoral candidate wants designation lifted
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Robert Krebs Robert Krebs LONG BRANCH — Beachfront South resident Robert G. Krebs has filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s blight designation of his Ocean Avenue home.
Krebs, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Adam Schneider for the mayor’s office, confirmed this week that the suit was filed March 11 in state Superior Court in Freehold.
Krebs, whose platform includes eliminating the city’s redevelopment zones, explained that the suit should have no impact on his run for mayor.
“It shouldn’t affect my candidacy at all,” he said. “This is a separate issue, and I’m not looking for monetary damages.
“I just want to be taken out of the zone,” he added. “I am seeking to get my property out of the redevelopment zone.
“There is no dollar amount in the suit, so this particular suit is not for monetary damages.”
The complaint names the city, the mayor and the City Council, which acts as the city’s redevelopment authority, as plaintiffs
The suit seeks to overturn “an unconstitutional designation of private property as blighted” and seeks “damages and injunctive relief against the City and the Mayor of Long Branch for their refusal to vacate the designation of blighted despite its unconstitutionality for the purpose of depriving plaintiff of his rights under the United States and New Jersey Constitutions to enjoy and protect his private property free of being taken without just compensation.”
Peter Dickson, of Potter and Dickson, Princeton, is representing Krebs, while Robert Beckelman, of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, Woodbridge, is representing the city.
Neither attorney would comment last week, but Beckelman said the city is preparing a response, which is due by May 11, the same date as the municipal election.
The complaint challenges two actions by the City Council: an ordinance clarifying zoning regulations within the zone, and a resolution banning the use of eminent domain to take properties in the zone, which were adopted in January.
According to the complaint, Beachfront South became a redevelopment zone in 1996 and Krebs purchased his home in 2000, aware of the designation but unaware of its significance.
“Plaintiff was aware of the designation but was unaware of its consequences,” the complaint states.
According to the complaint, at no time during or prior to owning the house has Krebs’ home become a property “in need of redevelopment” and the residence is not blighted.
The complaint is critical of the city’s entire redevelopment plan.
“The city has pursued a series of unpopular redevelopment projects to significantly alter the character of the city, drive out moderate income residents and businesses, and make it more attractive to higher-income residents and upscale businesses,” the complaint states. “Most of the condemned properties have not been accurately ‘in need of redevelopment’ or ‘blighted.’ ”
The complaint cites the landmark Gallenthin v. Paulsboro decision, a case that was argued by Dickson’s law partner William Potter.
“In 2007, the Supreme Court of New Jersey held in Gallenthin Realty Development v. Paulsboro, that a municipality could not designate a property or area for redevelopment under the LRHL [Local Housing and Redevelopment Law] unless it met the definition of ‘blighted’ in the New Jersey Constitution,” the complaint states. “The Supreme Court held that N.J. Const. is the only source and a limitation on the redevelopment powers in the LRHL.
“The Gallenthin decision thus affirmed that owners of private property in New Jersey have a Constitutional right to own, protect and preserve their property from being taken for private redevelopment so long as the property is not blighted.”
The complaint also states that the city is not authorized to take the property.
“The city is using the authority under the LHRL to exercise control over properties in Beachfront South in a manner not authorized by the Blighted Area Clause of the New Jersey Constitution, which is intended to apply to and is limited to “the clearance, replanning, development or redevelopment of blighted areas shall be a public purpose and public use, for which private property may be taken or acquired,” the complaint states.
The complaint also cites another precedent-setting decision.
“The Harrison v. DeRose decision thus affirmed that owners of private property in New Jersey have a Constitutional right to own, protect and preserve their property from being taken for private redevelopment so long as the property is not blighted,” the complaint states.
The complaint also states that Krebs has been unable to improve his property because of constraints imposed by the redevelopment zoning regulations.
“Mr. Krebs pursued plans to develop a multifamily building he proposed to build as a replacement for the residence,” the complaint states. “He was unable to perform those contracts because the city will not vacate the redevelopment area designation.”
News of the suit follows a decision by the state Appellate Court that ruled earlier this month that the redevelopment ordinances in the city’s Broadway Arts district are invalid.
A three-judge panel released an unpublished opinion April 16 stating that the city’s 1996 designation for the zone does not meet the heightened standards put forth in Gallenthin v. Paulsboro. The suit was filed on behalf of three property owners in the zone.
Another challenge was brought by business owner Kevin Fister and partners, who filed a suit charging the city would not allow them to redevelop property in the Broadway-Gateway zone but had also failed to take the property, resulting in an “inverse condemnation.”
Last September, the city reached a settlement with some property owners in the MTOTSA (Marine Terrace, Ocean Terrace and Seaview Avenue) neighborhood of the Beachfront North Phase II redevelopment zone under which the city agreed not to use eminent domain to take the properties, and the property owners, who had battled the city for a decade, agreed not to seek punitive damages against the city.
BFS is one of six redevelopment zones, along with Beachfront North Phase II, Beachfront North Phase I, Hotel Campus, Broadway-Gateway and Broadway Corridor.
Mayoral candidate wants designation lifted
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Robert Krebs Robert Krebs LONG BRANCH — Beachfront South resident Robert G. Krebs has filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s blight designation of his Ocean Avenue home.
Krebs, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Adam Schneider for the mayor’s office, confirmed this week that the suit was filed March 11 in state Superior Court in Freehold.
Krebs, whose platform includes eliminating the city’s redevelopment zones, explained that the suit should have no impact on his run for mayor.
“It shouldn’t affect my candidacy at all,” he said. “This is a separate issue, and I’m not looking for monetary damages.
“I just want to be taken out of the zone,” he added. “I am seeking to get my property out of the redevelopment zone.
“There is no dollar amount in the suit, so this particular suit is not for monetary damages.”
The complaint names the city, the mayor and the City Council, which acts as the city’s redevelopment authority, as plaintiffs
The suit seeks to overturn “an unconstitutional designation of private property as blighted” and seeks “damages and injunctive relief against the City and the Mayor of Long Branch for their refusal to vacate the designation of blighted despite its unconstitutionality for the purpose of depriving plaintiff of his rights under the United States and New Jersey Constitutions to enjoy and protect his private property free of being taken without just compensation.”
Peter Dickson, of Potter and Dickson, Princeton, is representing Krebs, while Robert Beckelman, of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, Woodbridge, is representing the city.
Neither attorney would comment last week, but Beckelman said the city is preparing a response, which is due by May 11, the same date as the municipal election.
The complaint challenges two actions by the City Council: an ordinance clarifying zoning regulations within the zone, and a resolution banning the use of eminent domain to take properties in the zone, which were adopted in January.
According to the complaint, Beachfront South became a redevelopment zone in 1996 and Krebs purchased his home in 2000, aware of the designation but unaware of its significance.
“Plaintiff was aware of the designation but was unaware of its consequences,” the complaint states.
According to the complaint, at no time during or prior to owning the house has Krebs’ home become a property “in need of redevelopment” and the residence is not blighted.
The complaint is critical of the city’s entire redevelopment plan.
“The city has pursued a series of unpopular redevelopment projects to significantly alter the character of the city, drive out moderate income residents and businesses, and make it more attractive to higher-income residents and upscale businesses,” the complaint states. “Most of the condemned properties have not been accurately ‘in need of redevelopment’ or ‘blighted.’ ”
The complaint cites the landmark Gallenthin v. Paulsboro decision, a case that was argued by Dickson’s law partner William Potter.
“In 2007, the Supreme Court of New Jersey held in Gallenthin Realty Development v. Paulsboro, that a municipality could not designate a property or area for redevelopment under the LRHL [Local Housing and Redevelopment Law] unless it met the definition of ‘blighted’ in the New Jersey Constitution,” the complaint states. “The Supreme Court held that N.J. Const. is the only source and a limitation on the redevelopment powers in the LRHL.
“The Gallenthin decision thus affirmed that owners of private property in New Jersey have a Constitutional right to own, protect and preserve their property from being taken for private redevelopment so long as the property is not blighted.”
The complaint also states that the city is not authorized to take the property.
“The city is using the authority under the LHRL to exercise control over properties in Beachfront South in a manner not authorized by the Blighted Area Clause of the New Jersey Constitution, which is intended to apply to and is limited to “the clearance, replanning, development or redevelopment of blighted areas shall be a public purpose and public use, for which private property may be taken or acquired,” the complaint states.
The complaint also cites another precedent-setting decision.
“The Harrison v. DeRose decision thus affirmed that owners of private property in New Jersey have a Constitutional right to own, protect and preserve their property from being taken for private redevelopment so long as the property is not blighted,” the complaint states.
The complaint also states that Krebs has been unable to improve his property because of constraints imposed by the redevelopment zoning regulations.
“Mr. Krebs pursued plans to develop a multifamily building he proposed to build as a replacement for the residence,” the complaint states. “He was unable to perform those contracts because the city will not vacate the redevelopment area designation.”
News of the suit follows a decision by the state Appellate Court that ruled earlier this month that the redevelopment ordinances in the city’s Broadway Arts district are invalid.
A three-judge panel released an unpublished opinion April 16 stating that the city’s 1996 designation for the zone does not meet the heightened standards put forth in Gallenthin v. Paulsboro. The suit was filed on behalf of three property owners in the zone.
Another challenge was brought by business owner Kevin Fister and partners, who filed a suit charging the city would not allow them to redevelop property in the Broadway-Gateway zone but had also failed to take the property, resulting in an “inverse condemnation.”
Last September, the city reached a settlement with some property owners in the MTOTSA (Marine Terrace, Ocean Terrace and Seaview Avenue) neighborhood of the Beachfront North Phase II redevelopment zone under which the city agreed not to use eminent domain to take the properties, and the property owners, who had battled the city for a decade, agreed not to seek punitive damages against the city.
BFS is one of six redevelopment zones, along with Beachfront North Phase II, Beachfront North Phase I, Hotel Campus, Broadway-Gateway and Broadway Corridor.
High-end condos approved for BFS
High-end condos approved for BFS
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Project Manager Peggy Steinhauser points out design features of a luxury condominium project approved for the Beachfront South redevelopment zone. LONG BRANCH — Both the CityCouncil and the Planning Board have signed off on a proposed 11-unit luxury condominium development along the Long Branch oceanfront.
The council, which is the city’s redevelopment agency, passed a resolution approving the project with a 3-0 vote at the April 13 meeting, and the Planning Board followed up with an 8-0 vote to approve the site plan at its April 20 meeting.
The projected building will stand on the corner of Ocean Avenue and North Bath Avenuewithin the Beachfront South (BFS) redevelopment zone, one of the city’s six redevelopment zones.
The developer for the project is Long Branch Ocean Avenue LLC, which is part of the Tajfel Group, East Windsor.
According to Tajfel Group Co-President Carey Tajfel, the condos are scheduled to be priced between $900,000 and $1.25 million.
The attorney representing the developer, John Giunco, of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, Trenton, said that complying with the redevelopment standards was a big challenge.
“We spent a long time trying to bring a design to the table,” Giunco told the Planning Board. “The city requirements are very difficult and they are imposed in a very strong manner, and there is little leeway.
“It contains no variances or waivers and is in compliance with the redevelopment guidelines of this section,” he added.
The proposed building will contain 11 twobedroomunits to be built on what was once the site of a single-family home that may have served as a boarding house.
Project Manager Peggy Steinhauser, KZA Engineering, Manasquan, explained some of the amenities that each unit is expected to include.
“Each unit will have their own patio or balcony toward the east, southeast exposure toward the beachfront,” she said. “There is also a pool area and a hot tub proposed.
“There is a gated access to a small boardwalk that will take you toward Ocean Avenue and the boardwalk area,” she added. “The rooftop is fully accessible, with areas for barbecuing for families with small private gatherings.
“There is a small spot for sunbathing and some open areas that lend themselves to family or other social events.”
Giunco described the rooftop to the council.
“There are a couple of unique features, such as the rooftop,” he said. “The rooftop is going to contain a patio area and some patio areas exclusive to certain users.
“There is a green area on the roof, along with a barbecue recreation area,” he added. “There will be solar panels to use a solar energy source.”
The property is 0.55 acres, with most units around 1,800 square feet and including two and a half bathrooms each.
The design features numerous environmental components, including 10-foot-wide landscape buffers along the property lines and solar panels on the roof.
In reference to all the environmentally friendly amenities for the project, Giunco said the developer would look to obtain rebate money for some of it.
“If that rebate is available, my clients will apply for it,” he said.
The design also provides 22 parking spaces, two for each unit, and the design for the parking was heavily scrutinized.
“There have been numerous issues with that, but he has basically satisfied our concerns,” Planning Board member Kevin Hayes said.
However, neighboring residents still expressed concern over additional cars and traffic that the units will produce.
“I’m concerned about being the next-door neighbor, about traffic and where the guests are going to park,” BFS resident Jack Breslin said. “If they each have a car and they have a guest, where are they going to park?”
“They are going to have to park as close to the vicinity as they can get,” Steinhauser said.
Another neighbor questioned the barbecue area on the rooftop.
“Where is all this noisy barbecuing going to take place?” Diana Multare asked.
Multare also praised the design, however, particularlythehighshrubberythatwill act as a buffer.
“The less opportunity I have to see the buildings, the better,” Multare said.
BFS resident Harold Barbrow also praised the project, particularly that the project will be completed without the use of eminent domain.
“It is an interesting, well-thought-out project,” he said. “One of the great things about it is it was done without the use of eminent domain, which I think is a great thing.”
The groundbreaking for the condos is expected to be next spring.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Project Manager Peggy Steinhauser points out design features of a luxury condominium project approved for the Beachfront South redevelopment zone. LONG BRANCH — Both the CityCouncil and the Planning Board have signed off on a proposed 11-unit luxury condominium development along the Long Branch oceanfront.
The council, which is the city’s redevelopment agency, passed a resolution approving the project with a 3-0 vote at the April 13 meeting, and the Planning Board followed up with an 8-0 vote to approve the site plan at its April 20 meeting.
The projected building will stand on the corner of Ocean Avenue and North Bath Avenuewithin the Beachfront South (BFS) redevelopment zone, one of the city’s six redevelopment zones.
The developer for the project is Long Branch Ocean Avenue LLC, which is part of the Tajfel Group, East Windsor.
According to Tajfel Group Co-President Carey Tajfel, the condos are scheduled to be priced between $900,000 and $1.25 million.
The attorney representing the developer, John Giunco, of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, Trenton, said that complying with the redevelopment standards was a big challenge.
“We spent a long time trying to bring a design to the table,” Giunco told the Planning Board. “The city requirements are very difficult and they are imposed in a very strong manner, and there is little leeway.
“It contains no variances or waivers and is in compliance with the redevelopment guidelines of this section,” he added.
The proposed building will contain 11 twobedroomunits to be built on what was once the site of a single-family home that may have served as a boarding house.
Project Manager Peggy Steinhauser, KZA Engineering, Manasquan, explained some of the amenities that each unit is expected to include.
“Each unit will have their own patio or balcony toward the east, southeast exposure toward the beachfront,” she said. “There is also a pool area and a hot tub proposed.
“There is a gated access to a small boardwalk that will take you toward Ocean Avenue and the boardwalk area,” she added. “The rooftop is fully accessible, with areas for barbecuing for families with small private gatherings.
“There is a small spot for sunbathing and some open areas that lend themselves to family or other social events.”
Giunco described the rooftop to the council.
“There are a couple of unique features, such as the rooftop,” he said. “The rooftop is going to contain a patio area and some patio areas exclusive to certain users.
“There is a green area on the roof, along with a barbecue recreation area,” he added. “There will be solar panels to use a solar energy source.”
The property is 0.55 acres, with most units around 1,800 square feet and including two and a half bathrooms each.
The design features numerous environmental components, including 10-foot-wide landscape buffers along the property lines and solar panels on the roof.
In reference to all the environmentally friendly amenities for the project, Giunco said the developer would look to obtain rebate money for some of it.
“If that rebate is available, my clients will apply for it,” he said.
The design also provides 22 parking spaces, two for each unit, and the design for the parking was heavily scrutinized.
“There have been numerous issues with that, but he has basically satisfied our concerns,” Planning Board member Kevin Hayes said.
However, neighboring residents still expressed concern over additional cars and traffic that the units will produce.
“I’m concerned about being the next-door neighbor, about traffic and where the guests are going to park,” BFS resident Jack Breslin said. “If they each have a car and they have a guest, where are they going to park?”
“They are going to have to park as close to the vicinity as they can get,” Steinhauser said.
Another neighbor questioned the barbecue area on the rooftop.
“Where is all this noisy barbecuing going to take place?” Diana Multare asked.
Multare also praised the design, however, particularlythehighshrubberythatwill act as a buffer.
“The less opportunity I have to see the buildings, the better,” Multare said.
BFS resident Harold Barbrow also praised the project, particularly that the project will be completed without the use of eminent domain.
“It is an interesting, well-thought-out project,” he said. “One of the great things about it is it was done without the use of eminent domain, which I think is a great thing.”
The groundbreaking for the condos is expected to be next spring.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
T.F. Board of Ed. welcomes Navy's action on Earle housing
T.F. Board of Ed. welcomes Navy’s action on Earle housing
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — Board of Education officials welcomed news last week that the U.S. Navy is negotiating a settlement with a developer that would avoid privatization of housing at Earle Naval Weapons Station in Colts Neck.
Tinton Falls Board of Education President Pete Karavites said in an interview last week that he is pleased with news that the Navy is working toward a buyout with Seattle based developer Teri Fischer for the homes located at Earle.
“We are very happy,” he said. “It is a good thing for everybody that has been working on this.”
The Laurelwood housing area at the naval base, off Route 34 in Colts Neck, is a 300-unit neighborhood formerly used as lodging for military families.
An agreement with the developer who built the Laurelwood homes for the Navy two decades ago would have permitted Fischer to rent the units to civilians now that the Navy has no need for the residences. According to the agreement, the homes would have been demolished in another 30 years.
At the press conference, Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th District) announced that the Navy would suspend the decision to allow civilians in the Laurelwood housing. He said that decision is expected to clear the way for a settlement and would enable the Navy to reach a mutually acceptable agreement among the federal government, local municipalities and the developer who owns the housing.
Karavites has been a longstanding critic of the Navy’s plan to privatize Laurelwood.
Under the terms of a 1988 contract between the Navy and Tinton Falls, the borough agreed to educate the children of naval personnel living on the base.
The district educates approximately 80 children living on the base and some estimates predicted as many as 400 school-aged children would live on the base if it had become privatized.
However, the Navy’s agreement with the developer provided that the housing units would become public housing by 2010 and the question of whether the Tinton Falls School District was obligated to educate children living at Earle who were not military dependents became an issue for the district.
The district has claimed that the agreement was only for Navy children and that the children of private citizens who would live at the privatized housing would attend Colts Neck schools.
The disagreement resulted in litigation involving Tinton Falls, Colts Neck and the Navy.
Despite the Navy’s decision not to move forward with privatizing the housing, Karavites said he wants a court ruling on the district’s suit, with a judge deciding where the children living at Earle would attend school.
“We still want a judgment,” he said. “We went through it, we paid for our attorney to go through it and we want the judgment.
“We don’t trust the Navy anymore,” he added. “What happens in 10, 20 years from now when the Navy decides to do this again?”
According to Karavites, the Navy has said immediate plans are to knock down the housing units, which he said is welcome news for now but doesn’t assure that this will not become an issue in the future.
“We signed this contract 20 years ago, and did you ever think they’d have civilian housing?” Karavites said.
Karavites thanked those he felt were responsible for stopping the Navy’s plan to privatize the housing.
“We are very happy with all groups, with Congressman Chris Smith [R-4th District], who fought to push this forward,” he said. “NOPE [Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle] did a nice job of pressuring and of course the Tinton Falls Board of Ed started this off by saying no to the United States Navy.”
Several local politicians commented on the Navy’s decision.
In response to the Navy’s announcement, state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth and Mercer) said she hoped the announcement meant that the Navy was admitting that the plan to rent the homes was flawed.
“The contract the Navy signed with the developer states that [the Navy] must provide unimpeded access to the very heart of the largest ammunitions depot on the East Coast for the civilians who would be renting these homes. This was a bad plan from the start and it is about time the Navy took heed of what officials at all levels of government have said about the many potential security problems it could bring,” Beck said in a press release.
“From the time I was elected to office, the plan for civilians to live on Earle has been of great concern to me, as well as my constituents,” state Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth and Mercer) said. “Allowing an influx of 300 new civilian families into the area, and all that entails, is a great burden to place on municipalities. … We are talking about serious financial and security risks.”
State Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth and Mercer) added, “We have been working on this for such a long time and it is truly gratifying to see that the Navy is finally coming around. Our end goal has always been making sure that unvetted civilians did not have unhindered access onto the property at Earle.”
Karavites said he expected this announcement for quite some time.
“I saw it coming,” he said. “It didn’t shock me that they bought them out; this is what everybody was hoping for.”
Karavites was critical of how much the litigation cost some of the parties involved.
“The Navy should be ashamed of themselves,” he said. “This cost hundreds of thousands of dollars on their end with all these studies.
“Tinton Falls did not spend much at all because we used our in-house attorney,” he added. “We didn’t bring in outside firms like Colts Neck.”
With the announced cut to Tinton Falls state aid, Karavites said he was pleased to have some good news.
“It’s good to have some good news with all the bad news that we have had the last couple of months,” he said. “This will be good for the children and good for the taxpayers of Tinton Falls.”
Contact Kenny Walter at kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — Board of Education officials welcomed news last week that the U.S. Navy is negotiating a settlement with a developer that would avoid privatization of housing at Earle Naval Weapons Station in Colts Neck.
Tinton Falls Board of Education President Pete Karavites said in an interview last week that he is pleased with news that the Navy is working toward a buyout with Seattle based developer Teri Fischer for the homes located at Earle.
“We are very happy,” he said. “It is a good thing for everybody that has been working on this.”
The Laurelwood housing area at the naval base, off Route 34 in Colts Neck, is a 300-unit neighborhood formerly used as lodging for military families.
An agreement with the developer who built the Laurelwood homes for the Navy two decades ago would have permitted Fischer to rent the units to civilians now that the Navy has no need for the residences. According to the agreement, the homes would have been demolished in another 30 years.
At the press conference, Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th District) announced that the Navy would suspend the decision to allow civilians in the Laurelwood housing. He said that decision is expected to clear the way for a settlement and would enable the Navy to reach a mutually acceptable agreement among the federal government, local municipalities and the developer who owns the housing.
Karavites has been a longstanding critic of the Navy’s plan to privatize Laurelwood.
Under the terms of a 1988 contract between the Navy and Tinton Falls, the borough agreed to educate the children of naval personnel living on the base.
The district educates approximately 80 children living on the base and some estimates predicted as many as 400 school-aged children would live on the base if it had become privatized.
However, the Navy’s agreement with the developer provided that the housing units would become public housing by 2010 and the question of whether the Tinton Falls School District was obligated to educate children living at Earle who were not military dependents became an issue for the district.
The district has claimed that the agreement was only for Navy children and that the children of private citizens who would live at the privatized housing would attend Colts Neck schools.
The disagreement resulted in litigation involving Tinton Falls, Colts Neck and the Navy.
Despite the Navy’s decision not to move forward with privatizing the housing, Karavites said he wants a court ruling on the district’s suit, with a judge deciding where the children living at Earle would attend school.
“We still want a judgment,” he said. “We went through it, we paid for our attorney to go through it and we want the judgment.
“We don’t trust the Navy anymore,” he added. “What happens in 10, 20 years from now when the Navy decides to do this again?”
According to Karavites, the Navy has said immediate plans are to knock down the housing units, which he said is welcome news for now but doesn’t assure that this will not become an issue in the future.
“We signed this contract 20 years ago, and did you ever think they’d have civilian housing?” Karavites said.
Karavites thanked those he felt were responsible for stopping the Navy’s plan to privatize the housing.
“We are very happy with all groups, with Congressman Chris Smith [R-4th District], who fought to push this forward,” he said. “NOPE [Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle] did a nice job of pressuring and of course the Tinton Falls Board of Ed started this off by saying no to the United States Navy.”
Several local politicians commented on the Navy’s decision.
In response to the Navy’s announcement, state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth and Mercer) said she hoped the announcement meant that the Navy was admitting that the plan to rent the homes was flawed.
“The contract the Navy signed with the developer states that [the Navy] must provide unimpeded access to the very heart of the largest ammunitions depot on the East Coast for the civilians who would be renting these homes. This was a bad plan from the start and it is about time the Navy took heed of what officials at all levels of government have said about the many potential security problems it could bring,” Beck said in a press release.
“From the time I was elected to office, the plan for civilians to live on Earle has been of great concern to me, as well as my constituents,” state Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth and Mercer) said. “Allowing an influx of 300 new civilian families into the area, and all that entails, is a great burden to place on municipalities. … We are talking about serious financial and security risks.”
State Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth and Mercer) added, “We have been working on this for such a long time and it is truly gratifying to see that the Navy is finally coming around. Our end goal has always been making sure that unvetted civilians did not have unhindered access onto the property at Earle.”
Karavites said he expected this announcement for quite some time.
“I saw it coming,” he said. “It didn’t shock me that they bought them out; this is what everybody was hoping for.”
Karavites was critical of how much the litigation cost some of the parties involved.
“The Navy should be ashamed of themselves,” he said. “This cost hundreds of thousands of dollars on their end with all these studies.
“Tinton Falls did not spend much at all because we used our in-house attorney,” he added. “We didn’t bring in outside firms like Colts Neck.”
With the announced cut to Tinton Falls state aid, Karavites said he was pleased to have some good news.
“It’s good to have some good news with all the bad news that we have had the last couple of months,” he said. “This will be good for the children and good for the taxpayers of Tinton Falls.”
Contact Kenny Walter at kwalter@gmnews.com.
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City unsure of next move after blight ruling
City unsure of next move after blight ruling
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said he is not sure what will be the next move the city makes, after the state’s Appellate Court ruled last week that the redevelopment ordinances in the Broadway Arts district are invalid.
“In terms of where we go now, I think the only answer anybody can give you is we don’t really know,” he said. “Everything is on hold because of the economy anyway, and that’s been the case for the better part of two years.”
A three-judge panel released an unpublished opinion April 16, stating that the city’s 1996 designation for zone does not meet the heightened standards put forth from the 2007 decision, Gallenthin v. Paulsboro.
Peter Wegener, of Bathgate Wegener and Wolf, Lakewood, who represented the three property owners challenging the city’s blight designation, said the decision comes as a victory for his clients.
“The court has ruled that the redevelopment plan as related to Broadway is illegal,” he said. “I think this was a clear victory for the property owners.”
The three property owners in question are Rainbow Liquors owned by Kavita and Gopal Panday, The Lighthouse Institute for Evangelism owned by the Rev. Kevin Brown, and a property owned by Dr. Carlos Rivera.
Long Branch City Attorney James Aaron said the city has settled on the taking of the Pandays’ building, and the only thing that has to be cleared up is the worth of the property.
The developer who owns the remaining properties in the zone is Broadway Arts Center LLC, and Aaron explained that there are a few options moving forward.
“It depends on what the developer wants to do,” Aaron said. “Does it want to carve out the two properties that are not yet acquired? Does it want the city to reapply to the court in the remand hearing, or start again and do a redevelopment study for the area now? That would be a city decision made in conjunction with the developer and the city.”
With a municipal election scheduled for May 11, Aaron doesn’t see a lot of decisions being made before that.
“The only thing that could happen before the election would be an application to the Appellate Division for instructions and an interpretation of the decision,” he said.
The court ruled that the city now has the opportunity to resubmit plans proving that the area is blighted, but Schneider is not sure if they will ever do that.
“Do I see this or any other project moving forth the way we originally envisioned? No, I don’t,” he said.
“The decision is still fairly recent, and the developer has its own financial headaches right now, but I tend to doubt that we’d go in that direction. I very much doubt it.
“I just don’t see it happening,” he added. “In part, you have to wait until after the election, but I just can’t imagine the model is going to change.”
Wegener said the next move for the property owners is to react to the city’s next move.
“It depends on what the city officials want to do,” he said. “I think we have to wait and see what the city wants to do.”
Wegener was one of the attorneys who fought a similar fight in 2008 with the Beachfront North redevelopment zone and compared the two appellate decisions.
“They [in Beachfront North] found that the original study was faulty and inadequate,” he said.
“They made similar findings that the ordinance was inadequate, but they sent them back [in BFN] for additional proofs,” he added, “whereas here they actually invalidated the ordinances.”
Both Schneider and Wegener agreed that the city’s use of eminent domain would not be implemented, going forward.
“The ability now to use eminent domain, I think, is essentially dead,” Schneider said.
“I don’t think there will be any more takings under the statute in any of the zones,” Wegener said. “The mayor has indicated that he does not intend to use eminent domain to take any other properties.
“If they attempted to, whoever was defending the case can point to the two cases we were successful in challenging the takings,” he added.
Schneider said that because of the economy and past development, he doesn’t think there will be much movement in any of the redevelopment zones in the near future.
“Essentially most of it [redevelopment] is done, meaning the oceanfront is settled and done,” he said. “Broadway Arts may actually have the least amount of impact on it because 98 percent [of the properties] was already acquired.”
Schneider said that he was left unclear whether the zone is still considered a redevelopment zone and whether or not variances could be issued in the zone.
“It was one of those things that was left in a hazy decision on what we can and can’t do there,” he said. “It isn’t clear to me that they are saying the redevelopment zone is inappropriate, or because of various reasons you can’t use eminent domain, or if they are saying something more to that.
“Those issues are still sitting there to be determined,” he added. “It just isn’t really clear what we will be permitted to do or not to do. I would say it would remain the same.”
When the city first looked at the area as “in need of redevelopment,” they developed a six-prong criteria for the buildings, including broken windows, deteriorating paint, failing, rotten exterior columns, cracked or chipped masonry veneer, structural parts showing evidence of deterioration, and gutters, leaders, drains, window frames and doors showing evidence of apparent defects.
According to the study, 48 buildings received a good rating, 74 were found to be fair, and 68 were considered poor, with the remaining 47 parcels of land being vacant.
Plans for the downtown Broadway Arts Center zone call for BAC to develop the Broadway corridor, which is the first 9 acres of the entire Broadway redevelopment zone.
The corridor extends two blocks from Second Avenue to Memorial Avenue and from Union Avenue to the north and Belmont Avenue to the south.
Plans for the project call for the properties to be razed and replaced with a mixeduse arts and theater district. BAC would consist of commercial space, residential and live/work units, office space and parking garages.
BAC is one of six zones in the city slated for redevelopment. Also labeled as redevelopment zones are Beachfront South, Pier Village, Hotel Campus, Broadway-Gateway and MTOTSA (Marine Terrace, Ocean Terrace and Seaview Avenue).
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said he is not sure what will be the next move the city makes, after the state’s Appellate Court ruled last week that the redevelopment ordinances in the Broadway Arts district are invalid.
“In terms of where we go now, I think the only answer anybody can give you is we don’t really know,” he said. “Everything is on hold because of the economy anyway, and that’s been the case for the better part of two years.”
A three-judge panel released an unpublished opinion April 16, stating that the city’s 1996 designation for zone does not meet the heightened standards put forth from the 2007 decision, Gallenthin v. Paulsboro.
Peter Wegener, of Bathgate Wegener and Wolf, Lakewood, who represented the three property owners challenging the city’s blight designation, said the decision comes as a victory for his clients.
“The court has ruled that the redevelopment plan as related to Broadway is illegal,” he said. “I think this was a clear victory for the property owners.”
The three property owners in question are Rainbow Liquors owned by Kavita and Gopal Panday, The Lighthouse Institute for Evangelism owned by the Rev. Kevin Brown, and a property owned by Dr. Carlos Rivera.
Long Branch City Attorney James Aaron said the city has settled on the taking of the Pandays’ building, and the only thing that has to be cleared up is the worth of the property.
The developer who owns the remaining properties in the zone is Broadway Arts Center LLC, and Aaron explained that there are a few options moving forward.
“It depends on what the developer wants to do,” Aaron said. “Does it want to carve out the two properties that are not yet acquired? Does it want the city to reapply to the court in the remand hearing, or start again and do a redevelopment study for the area now? That would be a city decision made in conjunction with the developer and the city.”
With a municipal election scheduled for May 11, Aaron doesn’t see a lot of decisions being made before that.
“The only thing that could happen before the election would be an application to the Appellate Division for instructions and an interpretation of the decision,” he said.
The court ruled that the city now has the opportunity to resubmit plans proving that the area is blighted, but Schneider is not sure if they will ever do that.
“Do I see this or any other project moving forth the way we originally envisioned? No, I don’t,” he said.
“The decision is still fairly recent, and the developer has its own financial headaches right now, but I tend to doubt that we’d go in that direction. I very much doubt it.
“I just don’t see it happening,” he added. “In part, you have to wait until after the election, but I just can’t imagine the model is going to change.”
Wegener said the next move for the property owners is to react to the city’s next move.
“It depends on what the city officials want to do,” he said. “I think we have to wait and see what the city wants to do.”
Wegener was one of the attorneys who fought a similar fight in 2008 with the Beachfront North redevelopment zone and compared the two appellate decisions.
“They [in Beachfront North] found that the original study was faulty and inadequate,” he said.
“They made similar findings that the ordinance was inadequate, but they sent them back [in BFN] for additional proofs,” he added, “whereas here they actually invalidated the ordinances.”
Both Schneider and Wegener agreed that the city’s use of eminent domain would not be implemented, going forward.
“The ability now to use eminent domain, I think, is essentially dead,” Schneider said.
“I don’t think there will be any more takings under the statute in any of the zones,” Wegener said. “The mayor has indicated that he does not intend to use eminent domain to take any other properties.
“If they attempted to, whoever was defending the case can point to the two cases we were successful in challenging the takings,” he added.
Schneider said that because of the economy and past development, he doesn’t think there will be much movement in any of the redevelopment zones in the near future.
“Essentially most of it [redevelopment] is done, meaning the oceanfront is settled and done,” he said. “Broadway Arts may actually have the least amount of impact on it because 98 percent [of the properties] was already acquired.”
Schneider said that he was left unclear whether the zone is still considered a redevelopment zone and whether or not variances could be issued in the zone.
“It was one of those things that was left in a hazy decision on what we can and can’t do there,” he said. “It isn’t clear to me that they are saying the redevelopment zone is inappropriate, or because of various reasons you can’t use eminent domain, or if they are saying something more to that.
“Those issues are still sitting there to be determined,” he added. “It just isn’t really clear what we will be permitted to do or not to do. I would say it would remain the same.”
When the city first looked at the area as “in need of redevelopment,” they developed a six-prong criteria for the buildings, including broken windows, deteriorating paint, failing, rotten exterior columns, cracked or chipped masonry veneer, structural parts showing evidence of deterioration, and gutters, leaders, drains, window frames and doors showing evidence of apparent defects.
According to the study, 48 buildings received a good rating, 74 were found to be fair, and 68 were considered poor, with the remaining 47 parcels of land being vacant.
Plans for the downtown Broadway Arts Center zone call for BAC to develop the Broadway corridor, which is the first 9 acres of the entire Broadway redevelopment zone.
The corridor extends two blocks from Second Avenue to Memorial Avenue and from Union Avenue to the north and Belmont Avenue to the south.
Plans for the project call for the properties to be razed and replaced with a mixeduse arts and theater district. BAC would consist of commercial space, residential and live/work units, office space and parking garages.
BAC is one of six zones in the city slated for redevelopment. Also labeled as redevelopment zones are Beachfront South, Pier Village, Hotel Campus, Broadway-Gateway and MTOTSA (Marine Terrace, Ocean Terrace and Seaview Avenue).
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Some candidates say, "Who needs a ticket?"
Some candidates say, ‘Who needs a ticket?’
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — With the May 11 election date fast approaching, independent candidates are gearing up to take some of the City Council seats from candidates who are running as part of a ticket.
Residents Donald Riley, Michael Bland, Raul Pacheco, Jackeline Biddle Shuler and Harold “Pudgy” Cooper all chose not to run with a ticket and will run independently.
Riley, who previously ran for council, spoke in an interview last week about why he didn’t want to run with a ticket.
“This time in particular it is more important to run as an independent,” he said. “I’ve been totally against tickets from the start because there is no difference of opinion.
“If we can get at least three people in the council that have their own point of view, then maybe we will be able to do something a little bit different in the town,” he added. “My thing is people who run on tickets, those five people are going along with the program.”
Riley said he was not completely committed to running for council until he spoke with some concerned taxpayers.
“I wasn’t even thinking about running, but when I went out with my petitions and talked to the taxpayers, the unrest is really unbelievable,” he said. “The people are all up in arms about what is going on, and I just feel I want to be involved so I can echo some of the sentiments of the people.”
Riley also said that he is not running against anybody; rather, he is running because he believes he can bring something different to the council.
“I’m not running against anybody,” he said. “I’m running because I have a different method.
“I have a different vision for Long Branch that the people in Long Branch would be more in favor of.”
Riley, who is a retired sheet metal worker, described some of the big issues facing the city moving forward.
“Some of the major issues is that there have to be places and things for young people and senior citizens to do in Long Branch,” he said. “The people in Long Branch have no place to go in Long Branch, so they have to go out of town to do anything.
“Nobody wants to admit that we have gangs in Long Branch.”
Bland also spoke last week about running independently.
“As an independent candidate, anybody can come to you and throw an idea at you,” he said. “My ear is to the street.”
Bland, 23, spoke of the challenges of being the youngest candidate running for council, but said he is no more inexperienced than most of the other council candidates.
“There are challenges I face just because of my age,” he said. “The only two people who really have experience on council are Mary Jane Celli and John Pallone.
“So when they say I don’t have experience, well, who else does?” he added. “You wouldn’t expect someone who is 23 to run for public office.
“This is a passion I have, this is what I love.”
Bland, who works as a para officer in the school system, described some of the important issues facing the city.
“I think the biggest issue is taxes,” he said. “The redevelopment issues are big issues.
“Quite frankly, jobs are a big issue,” he added. “How can the city help and develop jobs?”
“I would like to see a state-of-the-art indoor recreation [center] being built. I’d like to see programs being passed for the youth.”
Bland also said he would like the city’s government to be more transparent.
“I’d like to see transparency in our city government,” he said. “I don’t think meeting twice a month is enough.
“I think office hours should be available.
“Televising meetings is important, and putting them on the Internet. I think we are behind in the times as a city.”
Pacheco, who moved to Long Branch from Puerto Rico when he was 2 years old, said he is trying to stay positive in his campaign.
“I don’t want to go into all those negative issues, that’s not what I’m about,” he said. “I’m about humanity, I’m about the kids.
“I just wanted to get elected to represent,” he added. “I will roll up my sleeves to go to work for what is right for the community.”
Pacheco, who also works as a special officer in the middle school and is very involved with Long Branch’s Spanish festival, described some of his plans for the city.
“One of the biggest issues is people are losing their homes because of high taxes,” he said. “Too much spending in government, too many high positions.
“We need to reduce that and merge some of them. You will be making the same kind of money, but you will have more responsibility.”
However, Pacheco said he is not looking to make a lot of campaign promises, only that he will work on the issues if he is elected.
“I have always been a very independent mind; I’ve always been a leader,” he said. “If I’m elected, I will be a team player.
“I don’t care who the mayor becomes, I don’t care who the council becomes, I’ll be a team player, but I want to be a leader.
“There are hundreds of issues in the city, but why talk about it now? First you get elected and then you go to work on the issues.”
Shuler-Biddle spent a brief period on council four years ago with an appointment, which she said would help her this time.
“I think for me it helped because I have a feeling of what I’ll be getting into,” she said. “I didn’t really serve in a very substantial capacity, but in terms of knowing the intricacies of the position, I think I am more prepared now than I was then.”
She also compared running on a ticket to running independently.
“The people who have a slate, they have the advantage of raising more money to get their word out,” she said.
“When there is a slate, I think there is a tendency for all the members of the slate to always take the same side on an issue instead of considering issues from different sides,” she added. “I see that as a positive for me.”
Shuler-Biddle, who is a registered nurse, said one issue being overlooked is the health conditions within the city.
“We are a large enough city where we should take note of what is going on healthwise in our community,” she said. “It is something that is not really talked about much, but there is a lot of stimulus money out there and other funds available to improve the health conditions of the community.”
With only one current council member running for re-election, Cooper is looking forward to seeing new people take the seats.
“New thoughts, new faces,” he said.
Cooper, 63, is hoping to help the youth within the city.
“We have young, vibrant people in this community,” he said. “They need to step up or we need to pull them up.
“In general, this society is very antiyouth,” he added. “Hopefully we can get some younger people that can relate to our young people.”
Cooper, who regularly attends council meetings, has been a longstanding critic of the city’s rule that limits the public to five minutes each when they speak during public hearings.
“That is a business meeting,” he said. “If you’re going up there to downgrade people, you shouldn’t have five seconds. If you are up there talking about issues that involve the populous, you should have as much time as you need to have.”
Cooper, who works as a bus driver, said he would like the government to be more transparent and would like the residents to have more of a say in government.
“If there was going to be meaningful redevelopment in the city, the voters should have been in some means brought into it from jump street,” he said. “Government has to be more transparent, it has to be opened up.
“It is one thing to elect an official, it is another thing to hold that official accountable for the promises he made during the election.”
The five independent candidates are part of a 20-person field for the five open seats on the City Council.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — With the May 11 election date fast approaching, independent candidates are gearing up to take some of the City Council seats from candidates who are running as part of a ticket.
Residents Donald Riley, Michael Bland, Raul Pacheco, Jackeline Biddle Shuler and Harold “Pudgy” Cooper all chose not to run with a ticket and will run independently.
Riley, who previously ran for council, spoke in an interview last week about why he didn’t want to run with a ticket.
“This time in particular it is more important to run as an independent,” he said. “I’ve been totally against tickets from the start because there is no difference of opinion.
“If we can get at least three people in the council that have their own point of view, then maybe we will be able to do something a little bit different in the town,” he added. “My thing is people who run on tickets, those five people are going along with the program.”
Riley said he was not completely committed to running for council until he spoke with some concerned taxpayers.
“I wasn’t even thinking about running, but when I went out with my petitions and talked to the taxpayers, the unrest is really unbelievable,” he said. “The people are all up in arms about what is going on, and I just feel I want to be involved so I can echo some of the sentiments of the people.”
Riley also said that he is not running against anybody; rather, he is running because he believes he can bring something different to the council.
“I’m not running against anybody,” he said. “I’m running because I have a different method.
“I have a different vision for Long Branch that the people in Long Branch would be more in favor of.”
Riley, who is a retired sheet metal worker, described some of the big issues facing the city moving forward.
“Some of the major issues is that there have to be places and things for young people and senior citizens to do in Long Branch,” he said. “The people in Long Branch have no place to go in Long Branch, so they have to go out of town to do anything.
“Nobody wants to admit that we have gangs in Long Branch.”
Bland also spoke last week about running independently.
“As an independent candidate, anybody can come to you and throw an idea at you,” he said. “My ear is to the street.”
Bland, 23, spoke of the challenges of being the youngest candidate running for council, but said he is no more inexperienced than most of the other council candidates.
“There are challenges I face just because of my age,” he said. “The only two people who really have experience on council are Mary Jane Celli and John Pallone.
“So when they say I don’t have experience, well, who else does?” he added. “You wouldn’t expect someone who is 23 to run for public office.
“This is a passion I have, this is what I love.”
Bland, who works as a para officer in the school system, described some of the important issues facing the city.
“I think the biggest issue is taxes,” he said. “The redevelopment issues are big issues.
“Quite frankly, jobs are a big issue,” he added. “How can the city help and develop jobs?”
“I would like to see a state-of-the-art indoor recreation [center] being built. I’d like to see programs being passed for the youth.”
Bland also said he would like the city’s government to be more transparent.
“I’d like to see transparency in our city government,” he said. “I don’t think meeting twice a month is enough.
“I think office hours should be available.
“Televising meetings is important, and putting them on the Internet. I think we are behind in the times as a city.”
Pacheco, who moved to Long Branch from Puerto Rico when he was 2 years old, said he is trying to stay positive in his campaign.
“I don’t want to go into all those negative issues, that’s not what I’m about,” he said. “I’m about humanity, I’m about the kids.
“I just wanted to get elected to represent,” he added. “I will roll up my sleeves to go to work for what is right for the community.”
Pacheco, who also works as a special officer in the middle school and is very involved with Long Branch’s Spanish festival, described some of his plans for the city.
“One of the biggest issues is people are losing their homes because of high taxes,” he said. “Too much spending in government, too many high positions.
“We need to reduce that and merge some of them. You will be making the same kind of money, but you will have more responsibility.”
However, Pacheco said he is not looking to make a lot of campaign promises, only that he will work on the issues if he is elected.
“I have always been a very independent mind; I’ve always been a leader,” he said. “If I’m elected, I will be a team player.
“I don’t care who the mayor becomes, I don’t care who the council becomes, I’ll be a team player, but I want to be a leader.
“There are hundreds of issues in the city, but why talk about it now? First you get elected and then you go to work on the issues.”
Shuler-Biddle spent a brief period on council four years ago with an appointment, which she said would help her this time.
“I think for me it helped because I have a feeling of what I’ll be getting into,” she said. “I didn’t really serve in a very substantial capacity, but in terms of knowing the intricacies of the position, I think I am more prepared now than I was then.”
She also compared running on a ticket to running independently.
“The people who have a slate, they have the advantage of raising more money to get their word out,” she said.
“When there is a slate, I think there is a tendency for all the members of the slate to always take the same side on an issue instead of considering issues from different sides,” she added. “I see that as a positive for me.”
Shuler-Biddle, who is a registered nurse, said one issue being overlooked is the health conditions within the city.
“We are a large enough city where we should take note of what is going on healthwise in our community,” she said. “It is something that is not really talked about much, but there is a lot of stimulus money out there and other funds available to improve the health conditions of the community.”
With only one current council member running for re-election, Cooper is looking forward to seeing new people take the seats.
“New thoughts, new faces,” he said.
Cooper, 63, is hoping to help the youth within the city.
“We have young, vibrant people in this community,” he said. “They need to step up or we need to pull them up.
“In general, this society is very antiyouth,” he added. “Hopefully we can get some younger people that can relate to our young people.”
Cooper, who regularly attends council meetings, has been a longstanding critic of the city’s rule that limits the public to five minutes each when they speak during public hearings.
“That is a business meeting,” he said. “If you’re going up there to downgrade people, you shouldn’t have five seconds. If you are up there talking about issues that involve the populous, you should have as much time as you need to have.”
Cooper, who works as a bus driver, said he would like the government to be more transparent and would like the residents to have more of a say in government.
“If there was going to be meaningful redevelopment in the city, the voters should have been in some means brought into it from jump street,” he said. “Government has to be more transparent, it has to be opened up.
“It is one thing to elect an official, it is another thing to hold that official accountable for the promises he made during the election.”
The five independent candidates are part of a 20-person field for the five open seats on the City Council.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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City's UEZ program may lose state funding
City’s UEZ program may lose state funding
Jones: Budget cuts would eliminate programs statewide
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The state’s budget deficit may spell the end to the city’s urban enterprise zone, Long Branch UEZ Director Jacob Jones told the City Council last week.
“Last year the governor took $78 million from the program, and this year the proposal is he will take $92 million, including all the administrative projects in all of the effective zones,” Jones said at the April 13 council workshop meeting, where he explained the status of the UEZ programs across the state.
“It would effectively eliminate the program,” Jones said.
Shortly after, the council passed a resolution opposing the funding cuts with a 3-0 vote.
The Long Branch UEZ covers most business districts throughout the city, including Broadway, Ocean Boulevard, Norwood Avenue and West End.
Jones explained that he was joined by other UEZ directors, local and state officials in Trenton on April 12 to protest the cuts to the program.
“[On April 12] we went to the Statehouse and testified,” he said. “It was encouraging that there were so many people that it was standing room only.
“Elected officials, representatives, assemblymen, senators, coordinators — everybody down there testified in support of the program,” he added. “We asked that the governor rescind his proposal.”
Under the program, sales tax revenues generated by UEZ businesses are dedicated for use within the zones for economic development projects. To date, more than 2,248 such projects have been approved at a value of over $763 million.
Jones described some of the benefits of the funding for the Long Branch UEZ program.
“It is used for improvements for stopping crime and promoting economic development in our business districts,” he said. “The UEZ program has helped improve parks, resurfaced roads and building facades, supported redevelopment, police vehicles and so forth.
“Long Branch has spent close to $6 million since its inception [1994],” he added. “We have created hundreds of jobs and we have maintained thousands of jobs.”
City Attorney James Aaron said that if the funds didn’t come from the state, they would have had to come from taxpayers.
“Historically, the $6 million that has been put into the police vehicles and the facades, all of that money would have to be on the backs of the taxpayers,” he said. “It has been avoided from this point, but if the program goes away and you still want to have the development programs, those would have to be taxed.”
According to the Long Branch website, “The UEZ Program is responsible for much of the improvements that have occurred in business districts. Parking lots located in commercial zones were upgraded and many streets were provided new sidewalks.”
Merchants who certify for the program may qualify for a grant to do facade renovations to their buildings and be eligible for technical assistance, job fairs, seminars and business meetings.
“The UEZ Program also supports four police substations strategically located in business zones,” the site states, “offering law enforcement and immediate response to emergency situations.”
New Jersey’s UEZ program was enacted in 1983, according to the state website. The program was created to foster an economic climate that revitalizes designated urban communities and stimulates their growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private-sector jobs through public and private investment.
Administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the UEZ program supports nearly 150,000 full-time jobs and has attracted more than $24 billion in private investment, the website states.
There are almost 7,000 businesses of all sizes and types participating in and benefiting from the advantages of the UEZ program, according to the website. These include a number of tax and other financial incentives. Since the program’s inception, more than 26,000 businesses have enjoyed the program’s benefits.
From the initial 10 zones designated in 1984, the program has grown to 32 zones in 37 municipalities throughout the state. Long Branch and neighboring Asbury Park share a joint zone.
Jones told the council the biggest hit would be if the state decides to strip money from the administrative budgets.
“The UEZ can survive if it takes another hit, but it can’t survive if the administrative budgets are taken from the program,” Jones said.
“It funds salaries, rent and the basic costs that run an office.”
Jones said the 2011 administrative budget for the Long Branch UEZ is around $100,000, and Aaron said that that money would have to be raised by taxpayers as well.
The Long Branch UEZ, which has already lost approximately $750,000 in funding, spends close to $500,000 a year on various projects, including the administrative budget.
“In any given year, we have police projects, marketing, UEZ assistance, facade projects,” Jones said. “So, we are close to half a million dollars in projects a year, and it all comes from the state.”
Jones said that losing the UEZ program would be detrimental to the city.
“Certainly the program has been good to Long Branch and it has been a burden off the taxpayers’ shoulders, and we’ve made great strides with redevelopment, the summer concert series, so it would just be a shame to lose it,” he said.
“It would be raising taxes and losing jobs. That is not just in Long Branch, it is throughout the state. It would be a terrible, terrible blow to the business community.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Jones: Budget cuts would eliminate programs statewide
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The state’s budget deficit may spell the end to the city’s urban enterprise zone, Long Branch UEZ Director Jacob Jones told the City Council last week.
“Last year the governor took $78 million from the program, and this year the proposal is he will take $92 million, including all the administrative projects in all of the effective zones,” Jones said at the April 13 council workshop meeting, where he explained the status of the UEZ programs across the state.
“It would effectively eliminate the program,” Jones said.
Shortly after, the council passed a resolution opposing the funding cuts with a 3-0 vote.
The Long Branch UEZ covers most business districts throughout the city, including Broadway, Ocean Boulevard, Norwood Avenue and West End.
Jones explained that he was joined by other UEZ directors, local and state officials in Trenton on April 12 to protest the cuts to the program.
“[On April 12] we went to the Statehouse and testified,” he said. “It was encouraging that there were so many people that it was standing room only.
“Elected officials, representatives, assemblymen, senators, coordinators — everybody down there testified in support of the program,” he added. “We asked that the governor rescind his proposal.”
Under the program, sales tax revenues generated by UEZ businesses are dedicated for use within the zones for economic development projects. To date, more than 2,248 such projects have been approved at a value of over $763 million.
Jones described some of the benefits of the funding for the Long Branch UEZ program.
“It is used for improvements for stopping crime and promoting economic development in our business districts,” he said. “The UEZ program has helped improve parks, resurfaced roads and building facades, supported redevelopment, police vehicles and so forth.
“Long Branch has spent close to $6 million since its inception [1994],” he added. “We have created hundreds of jobs and we have maintained thousands of jobs.”
City Attorney James Aaron said that if the funds didn’t come from the state, they would have had to come from taxpayers.
“Historically, the $6 million that has been put into the police vehicles and the facades, all of that money would have to be on the backs of the taxpayers,” he said. “It has been avoided from this point, but if the program goes away and you still want to have the development programs, those would have to be taxed.”
According to the Long Branch website, “The UEZ Program is responsible for much of the improvements that have occurred in business districts. Parking lots located in commercial zones were upgraded and many streets were provided new sidewalks.”
Merchants who certify for the program may qualify for a grant to do facade renovations to their buildings and be eligible for technical assistance, job fairs, seminars and business meetings.
“The UEZ Program also supports four police substations strategically located in business zones,” the site states, “offering law enforcement and immediate response to emergency situations.”
New Jersey’s UEZ program was enacted in 1983, according to the state website. The program was created to foster an economic climate that revitalizes designated urban communities and stimulates their growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private-sector jobs through public and private investment.
Administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the UEZ program supports nearly 150,000 full-time jobs and has attracted more than $24 billion in private investment, the website states.
There are almost 7,000 businesses of all sizes and types participating in and benefiting from the advantages of the UEZ program, according to the website. These include a number of tax and other financial incentives. Since the program’s inception, more than 26,000 businesses have enjoyed the program’s benefits.
From the initial 10 zones designated in 1984, the program has grown to 32 zones in 37 municipalities throughout the state. Long Branch and neighboring Asbury Park share a joint zone.
Jones told the council the biggest hit would be if the state decides to strip money from the administrative budgets.
“The UEZ can survive if it takes another hit, but it can’t survive if the administrative budgets are taken from the program,” Jones said.
“It funds salaries, rent and the basic costs that run an office.”
Jones said the 2011 administrative budget for the Long Branch UEZ is around $100,000, and Aaron said that that money would have to be raised by taxpayers as well.
The Long Branch UEZ, which has already lost approximately $750,000 in funding, spends close to $500,000 a year on various projects, including the administrative budget.
“In any given year, we have police projects, marketing, UEZ assistance, facade projects,” Jones said. “So, we are close to half a million dollars in projects a year, and it all comes from the state.”
Jones said that losing the UEZ program would be detrimental to the city.
“Certainly the program has been good to Long Branch and it has been a burden off the taxpayers’ shoulders, and we’ve made great strides with redevelopment, the summer concert series, so it would just be a shame to lose it,” he said.
“It would be raising taxes and losing jobs. That is not just in Long Branch, it is throughout the state. It would be a terrible, terrible blow to the business community.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Saturday, May 8, 2010
Council opts not to bond for road improvements
Council opts not to bond for road improvements
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — After a lengthy discussion and public opposition, the Borough Council decided against bonding almost $2 million to improve roads throughout the borough.
Of the five council members, only Scott Larkin and Gary Baldwin supported the measure that required four yes votes for approval at the April 6 meeting.
Baldwin, who attended the meeting via telephone, said the roadwork is one of the more important things that the borough could be doing this year.
“We are setting ourselves up for a liability that I don’t think the taxpayer wants,” he said. “It makes sense to me that there are things in this budget that hurt us less than stopping the improvement of our roads.
“As long as we keep that debt level, we are fine, and we are doing something that we have to do.”
The bond would have been for slightly over $1.8 million, with more than $300,000 of the $2.1 million project to be funded by other sources.
The 17 roads that were scheduled to have work done are Hochockson Road, Riveredge Road, Heritage Drive, Mulberry Lane, Laurel Court, Meadow Drive, Stratford Avenue, Devon Court, Catebury Lane, Winchester Drive, Rutgers Drive, Water Street, Old Farm Road, Old Mill Road, Marland Lane, Colonial Drive and Squankum Road.
Much of the debate centered on whether the road program should be placed in the budget on a yearly basis or should be funded by the bonding, which is what the ordinance suggested.
Larkin suggested that bonding makes the most sense for the borough.
“Overwhelmingly, the answer to me has been [to] go out and bond it because it is the best you’re able to do,” he said.
He suggested that the borough bond the funds, which would cost more than $200,000 a year over the 10-year life of the bond, and then look at reducing the budget.
“We are hearing two options here in putting money in the budget or bond,” he said. “I disagree that the two matters are mutually exclusive.
“We still have the ability to take that money from someplace else.”
Some residents, however, disagreed that bonding was the best way to go.
“I do feel that a lot of the roads in this town need a lot of help,” resident Charles Lomangino said. “We are credit-carding our roads.
“Find a way to put it in our budget as a road program,” he added. “If we have to suck it up, we have to suck it up.
“We should man up and say, ‘Your taxes are being increased.’ Don’t bond it, because that only makes it worse.”
Councilman Andrew Mayer agreed that bonding was risky.
“I don’t like the idea of borrowing money,” he said. “We are going to have to have a road program in our budget.”
Brian Nelson, borough director of law, suggested that the borough actually would save money by bonding.
“When you do more at one time, it is an economy of scale,” he said. “You may save 10 percent for paving three, four miles of road, where your interest may be 4 percent.
“If you do $200,000 a year, you are not going to get the same price per unit.”
Borough Engineer David Marks, of T&M Associates, said that a wide-scale project would attract competitive bids.
“A $2 million road program is a very large program; you will get some of the largest contractors in New Jersey to bid on this program and get very aggressive with pricing,” he said.
“It would be my thought that the road program should be done every year.”
Mayor Michael Skudera defended the use of bonding to fund road improvements.
“If you want to support it by a lesser amount, that’s fine, but you do have to get roads fixed,” Skudera said.
“These roads are in very, very bad shape,” he added. “These roads require a lot of attention and a lot of maintenance.”
Critics of using bonding to fund the road program include former Mayor Peter Maclearie, who projected that 10 years of bonding would cost around $20 million.
“You are looking to put $20 million in debt to the borough over the next 10 years. I think it belongs in the budget and you should make it a real road program,” he said.
Former Councilman Paul Ford was also critical of bonding for the roadwork.
“The real concern is it really is not a program,” he added. “You really can’t bond money every year to fund a program.”
One resident of Riveredge Road complained that the roads seem to be always taking a back seat to other issues.
“I get the sense that there is always going to be something that takes precedence over this,” Ron Battista said.
Another resident suggested that the borough’s open space tax be redirected to a road program.
“I am not in favor of the bonding, I am not in favor of raising taxes,” Gary Schecher said. “Maybe we just do away with the Open Space Trust Fund right now and put it toward the roads.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — After a lengthy discussion and public opposition, the Borough Council decided against bonding almost $2 million to improve roads throughout the borough.
Of the five council members, only Scott Larkin and Gary Baldwin supported the measure that required four yes votes for approval at the April 6 meeting.
Baldwin, who attended the meeting via telephone, said the roadwork is one of the more important things that the borough could be doing this year.
“We are setting ourselves up for a liability that I don’t think the taxpayer wants,” he said. “It makes sense to me that there are things in this budget that hurt us less than stopping the improvement of our roads.
“As long as we keep that debt level, we are fine, and we are doing something that we have to do.”
The bond would have been for slightly over $1.8 million, with more than $300,000 of the $2.1 million project to be funded by other sources.
The 17 roads that were scheduled to have work done are Hochockson Road, Riveredge Road, Heritage Drive, Mulberry Lane, Laurel Court, Meadow Drive, Stratford Avenue, Devon Court, Catebury Lane, Winchester Drive, Rutgers Drive, Water Street, Old Farm Road, Old Mill Road, Marland Lane, Colonial Drive and Squankum Road.
Much of the debate centered on whether the road program should be placed in the budget on a yearly basis or should be funded by the bonding, which is what the ordinance suggested.
Larkin suggested that bonding makes the most sense for the borough.
“Overwhelmingly, the answer to me has been [to] go out and bond it because it is the best you’re able to do,” he said.
He suggested that the borough bond the funds, which would cost more than $200,000 a year over the 10-year life of the bond, and then look at reducing the budget.
“We are hearing two options here in putting money in the budget or bond,” he said. “I disagree that the two matters are mutually exclusive.
“We still have the ability to take that money from someplace else.”
Some residents, however, disagreed that bonding was the best way to go.
“I do feel that a lot of the roads in this town need a lot of help,” resident Charles Lomangino said. “We are credit-carding our roads.
“Find a way to put it in our budget as a road program,” he added. “If we have to suck it up, we have to suck it up.
“We should man up and say, ‘Your taxes are being increased.’ Don’t bond it, because that only makes it worse.”
Councilman Andrew Mayer agreed that bonding was risky.
“I don’t like the idea of borrowing money,” he said. “We are going to have to have a road program in our budget.”
Brian Nelson, borough director of law, suggested that the borough actually would save money by bonding.
“When you do more at one time, it is an economy of scale,” he said. “You may save 10 percent for paving three, four miles of road, where your interest may be 4 percent.
“If you do $200,000 a year, you are not going to get the same price per unit.”
Borough Engineer David Marks, of T&M Associates, said that a wide-scale project would attract competitive bids.
“A $2 million road program is a very large program; you will get some of the largest contractors in New Jersey to bid on this program and get very aggressive with pricing,” he said.
“It would be my thought that the road program should be done every year.”
Mayor Michael Skudera defended the use of bonding to fund road improvements.
“If you want to support it by a lesser amount, that’s fine, but you do have to get roads fixed,” Skudera said.
“These roads are in very, very bad shape,” he added. “These roads require a lot of attention and a lot of maintenance.”
Critics of using bonding to fund the road program include former Mayor Peter Maclearie, who projected that 10 years of bonding would cost around $20 million.
“You are looking to put $20 million in debt to the borough over the next 10 years. I think it belongs in the budget and you should make it a real road program,” he said.
Former Councilman Paul Ford was also critical of bonding for the roadwork.
“The real concern is it really is not a program,” he added. “You really can’t bond money every year to fund a program.”
One resident of Riveredge Road complained that the roads seem to be always taking a back seat to other issues.
“I get the sense that there is always going to be something that takes precedence over this,” Ron Battista said.
Another resident suggested that the borough’s open space tax be redirected to a road program.
“I am not in favor of the bonding, I am not in favor of raising taxes,” Gary Schecher said. “Maybe we just do away with the Open Space Trust Fund right now and put it toward the roads.
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Long Branch '09-10 budget plan to keep school tax flat
Long Branch ’09-10 budget plan to keep school tax flat
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Despite losing over $2.7 million in a state aid reduction, the Long Branch School District will not raise taxes this year.
The district’s $76 million budget comes with a tax levy of $31.5 million for the third year in a row.
Superintendent of Schools Joseph Ferraina spoke of the challenges his district had in keeping taxes from increasing without having to resort to layoffs.
“We could have gone up 4 percent, and we didn’t go up at all,” he said. “It was a huge challenge this year.
“When you have salaries going up, it is very difficult to keep the cost down,” he added. “We were planning ahead and one of the major things is, we met with the teachers and all the union representatives, and a year ago, they were willing to help us out so we didn’t have to reduce staff.”
The tax rate holds steady at 75.19 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, meaning the average homeowner will pay about $2,900 in school-based taxes.
The budget last year failed by just nine votes, but like last year, this year’s tax levy is at the state-mandated minimum as an Abbott district, so even if the budget fails, it cannot be cut further.
The district received $47.3 million in state aid, representing a 5.4 percent decrease from last year. Of the $47.3 million, more than $10 million will be used for the preschool program and $2.4 million will be used for special education.
One of the ways Ferraina said the district was able to combat the reduction was by switching to the state’s health benefits plan last May.
“We were able to save over $2 million in health benefits costs,” he said. “That set us up in a better position this year.”
Another thing the district did was reaching an agreement with the teachers to work free hours during the summer.
“One of the most amazing things is the teachers and aides gave us an extra hour for the summer program,” he said. “We had to pay for everybody to work an extra hour in the summer to do special programs for the gifted students, for the students at risk and for different athletic activities.
“The teachers all agreed to work an extra hour in the summer, which reduces your cost,” he added. “They are working an extra hour and a half in the summer for free.”
Ferraina said that the district started to prepare for this year’s budget last year, coming up with many possible scenarios.
“We started last June to budget for this year,” he said. “I told my folks to do a budget with a cost-of-living increase. Let’s do a budget with a zero increase. Let’s do a budget with a 5 percent reduction.
“Let’s do a budget with a 10 percent reduction,” he continued, “and let’s do a budget with a 15 percent reduction. We did all those numbers and had a plan for each of them.”
Ferraina explained the goal was always to keep taxes down and that the administration is already preparing for next year’s budget.
“The governor came in to some tough times, so it was our job to come up with a plan where we didn’t have to increase taxes,” he said. “This a real tough time for everybody so our goal was to keep the budget where it is.
“The planning that happened this year was difficult but we started a year ago,” he added. “Now we are planning for next year.”
Ferraina said that the goal of the district is to cut spending, but to do it in a way that does not affect education.
“I think that in these trying times we were able to be prepared to submit a budget that is not going to hurt the children,” he said. “We tried to do that, and I think we did it well.”
The public will have the opportunity to vote on the budget, as well as four candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education on April 20.
If the budget fails, it will then go to the City Council.
The district expects to have an enrollment of 5,114 students next year, which represents a reduction of 45 students.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Despite losing over $2.7 million in a state aid reduction, the Long Branch School District will not raise taxes this year.
The district’s $76 million budget comes with a tax levy of $31.5 million for the third year in a row.
Superintendent of Schools Joseph Ferraina spoke of the challenges his district had in keeping taxes from increasing without having to resort to layoffs.
“We could have gone up 4 percent, and we didn’t go up at all,” he said. “It was a huge challenge this year.
“When you have salaries going up, it is very difficult to keep the cost down,” he added. “We were planning ahead and one of the major things is, we met with the teachers and all the union representatives, and a year ago, they were willing to help us out so we didn’t have to reduce staff.”
The tax rate holds steady at 75.19 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, meaning the average homeowner will pay about $2,900 in school-based taxes.
The budget last year failed by just nine votes, but like last year, this year’s tax levy is at the state-mandated minimum as an Abbott district, so even if the budget fails, it cannot be cut further.
The district received $47.3 million in state aid, representing a 5.4 percent decrease from last year. Of the $47.3 million, more than $10 million will be used for the preschool program and $2.4 million will be used for special education.
One of the ways Ferraina said the district was able to combat the reduction was by switching to the state’s health benefits plan last May.
“We were able to save over $2 million in health benefits costs,” he said. “That set us up in a better position this year.”
Another thing the district did was reaching an agreement with the teachers to work free hours during the summer.
“One of the most amazing things is the teachers and aides gave us an extra hour for the summer program,” he said. “We had to pay for everybody to work an extra hour in the summer to do special programs for the gifted students, for the students at risk and for different athletic activities.
“The teachers all agreed to work an extra hour in the summer, which reduces your cost,” he added. “They are working an extra hour and a half in the summer for free.”
Ferraina said that the district started to prepare for this year’s budget last year, coming up with many possible scenarios.
“We started last June to budget for this year,” he said. “I told my folks to do a budget with a cost-of-living increase. Let’s do a budget with a zero increase. Let’s do a budget with a 5 percent reduction.
“Let’s do a budget with a 10 percent reduction,” he continued, “and let’s do a budget with a 15 percent reduction. We did all those numbers and had a plan for each of them.”
Ferraina explained the goal was always to keep taxes down and that the administration is already preparing for next year’s budget.
“The governor came in to some tough times, so it was our job to come up with a plan where we didn’t have to increase taxes,” he said. “This a real tough time for everybody so our goal was to keep the budget where it is.
“The planning that happened this year was difficult but we started a year ago,” he added. “Now we are planning for next year.”
Ferraina said that the goal of the district is to cut spending, but to do it in a way that does not affect education.
“I think that in these trying times we were able to be prepared to submit a budget that is not going to hurt the children,” he said. “We tried to do that, and I think we did it well.”
The public will have the opportunity to vote on the budget, as well as four candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education on April 20.
If the budget fails, it will then go to the City Council.
The district expects to have an enrollment of 5,114 students next year, which represents a reduction of 45 students.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Commission proposed to protect Lake Takanassee
Commission proposed to protect Lake Takanassee
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Seeing the success of the Deal Lake Commission, Long Branch Councilman and mayoral candidate Brian Unger hopes to form a Takanassee Lake commission.
Unger, who has long sought the protection of the three buildings on the Takanassee Beach Club property, held a press conference at the lake located on Ocean Avenue on April 6.
During the press conference Unger suggested that neighboring towns West Long Branch and Ocean Township join with Long Branch to create such a commission.
“I am calling for the creation of a regional Takanassee Lake commission,” he said. “We have to have participation of the other towns.
“The lake goes right into West Long Branch and the tributaries flow right into Ocean Township,” he added. “Having a commission would help preserve this entire area.”
Unger said that the commission would lobby for the lake’s protection on the local and state level.
“An advisory commission would be able to influence local planning boards and town governments, as well as the state DEP [Department of Environmental Protection],” he said. “We need to actually propose legislation and actually lobby towns.”
Unger gave an overview of some of the problems in the lake.
“We have [had] some opportunistic vegetation come in, which makes it difficult [for] the wildlife,” he said.
He also expressed concerns about chemicals like antifreeze and fertilizers getting into the lake.
Unger cited the success of the Deal Lake Commission in securing state and federal money for the lake’s protection.
“They get federal dollars and they get state dollars, and they take care of the lake,” he said. “Why can’t we do the same? Now we need legislation, we need action.”
Last year Long Branch reinstituted the Environmental Commission, but Unger said the lake project would be more far-reaching in scope.
“This is a big job in itself that requires a single focus because [commission members] are going to have to coordinate with other towns and the state as well,” he said.
Also appearing with Unger was council candidate Joe Mauriello, who was concerned about children playing in the lake.
“I see little kids fishing in the water,” he said. “You know what little kids do — they put their hands in their mouth and rub their eyes.
“It’s not the best water in the world. I can tell you right now, if I caught a fish in there, I wouldn’t eat it,” he added. “I’m concerned about the young … kids who play in the water.”
Beth Woolley, a local historian and trustee for the Long Branch Historical Society, said she contacted local and state officials years ago about the lake.
“I contacted the county and the state about the runoff into this lake,” she said.
“This was once our town’s drinking water,” she added.
Woolley said that during storms the problems pile up.
“In storms, boards have to be pulled out of there, so the water can flow into the ocean,” she said. “Otherwise, it backs up and this whole area floods.
“Nobody is maintaining this lake; it’s a nightmare.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Seeing the success of the Deal Lake Commission, Long Branch Councilman and mayoral candidate Brian Unger hopes to form a Takanassee Lake commission.
Unger, who has long sought the protection of the three buildings on the Takanassee Beach Club property, held a press conference at the lake located on Ocean Avenue on April 6.
During the press conference Unger suggested that neighboring towns West Long Branch and Ocean Township join with Long Branch to create such a commission.
“I am calling for the creation of a regional Takanassee Lake commission,” he said. “We have to have participation of the other towns.
“The lake goes right into West Long Branch and the tributaries flow right into Ocean Township,” he added. “Having a commission would help preserve this entire area.”
Unger said that the commission would lobby for the lake’s protection on the local and state level.
“An advisory commission would be able to influence local planning boards and town governments, as well as the state DEP [Department of Environmental Protection],” he said. “We need to actually propose legislation and actually lobby towns.”
Unger gave an overview of some of the problems in the lake.
“We have [had] some opportunistic vegetation come in, which makes it difficult [for] the wildlife,” he said.
He also expressed concerns about chemicals like antifreeze and fertilizers getting into the lake.
Unger cited the success of the Deal Lake Commission in securing state and federal money for the lake’s protection.
“They get federal dollars and they get state dollars, and they take care of the lake,” he said. “Why can’t we do the same? Now we need legislation, we need action.”
Last year Long Branch reinstituted the Environmental Commission, but Unger said the lake project would be more far-reaching in scope.
“This is a big job in itself that requires a single focus because [commission members] are going to have to coordinate with other towns and the state as well,” he said.
Also appearing with Unger was council candidate Joe Mauriello, who was concerned about children playing in the lake.
“I see little kids fishing in the water,” he said. “You know what little kids do — they put their hands in their mouth and rub their eyes.
“It’s not the best water in the world. I can tell you right now, if I caught a fish in there, I wouldn’t eat it,” he added. “I’m concerned about the young … kids who play in the water.”
Beth Woolley, a local historian and trustee for the Long Branch Historical Society, said she contacted local and state officials years ago about the lake.
“I contacted the county and the state about the runoff into this lake,” she said.
“This was once our town’s drinking water,” she added.
Woolley said that during storms the problems pile up.
“In storms, boards have to be pulled out of there, so the water can flow into the ocean,” she said. “Otherwise, it backs up and this whole area floods.
“Nobody is maintaining this lake; it’s a nightmare.”
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
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Sunday, May 2, 2010
Ocean twp. school budget cuts 39 jobs
Ocean Twp. school budget cuts 39 jobs
Teachers union refuses wage freeze to save $1.6M
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Ocean Township Board of Education presented a $69.5 million 2010-11 school budget last week that will require staffing cuts to offset reduced state aid.
The district announced 39 positions would be cut if the budget is approved, including administrators and employees at the district’s five schools largely due to a 33 percent reduction in state aid.
Superintendent Thomas Pagano announced the cuts at the March 30 board meeting.
“There are 39 positions being cut, 31 full-time and eight parttime,” he said. “They are being cut across all areas of the school district: administration, teaching, custodial, transportation, athletics, technology, maintenance and grounds.”
Pagano said that not all the cuts to staffing would be layoffs.
“About a third of these positions are retirements and people we are not going to replace,” he said. “Another third of these positions are through attrition. And then there is another third that is going to take place through reduction of present personnel.”
Pagano explained that the district would make cuts, but maintain class sizes.
“The cuts that we are making will maintain class sizes at 20 or less, which is very good at these times,” he said.
He also said that should the budget be defeated at the polls, additional cuts would have to be made.
“Those cuts stay in the budget whether it passes or not,” he said. “There will be additional reductions should the budget not pass.”
The Ocean Township School District will receive close to $6.8 million in state aid for 2010-11, after receiving $9.97 million last year.
The district, with an estimated enrollment of almost 4,000 students, also was required to use $2.1 million in surplus funds this year when the state withheld state aid checks.
“Within a 30-day period we lost about $5.5 million,” Pagano said.
The $69,513,832 budget calls for a $54,808,683 tax levy.
If the budget is approved, Ocean Township residents will see an increase of 1.3 percent in the tax rate, resulting in a $64.03 increase for a home valued at the town’s average of $406,000. The decrease in average value is due to the re-evaluation recently completed by the township.
Because of the state-mandated change in the apportionment for the sending town of Loch Arbour, residents with a home valued at the village average of $1.4 million will see a tax increase of $5,798 this year.
Board member Denise Parlamas explained the mind-set of the board in preparing the budget.
“We are in a very serious crisis. As a board, our goal during this budget season is to make cuts that do not directly impact the education of our children,” she said. “We have tried to preserve as many jobs as possible.
“We have cut positions across the board, including three administrative positions,” she added. “There are many cuts and costsaving measures as well,” she continued.
“We believe the cuts we have made are very unfortunate but necessary in this economic climate.”
The budget passed with a 4-1 vote, with board member Michael Beson voting against it.
Beson explained his reason for voting against the budget as introduced.
“One reason is I don’t think we’ve cut enough,” he said. “Also I was very disappointed by one of our bargaining agents not voting for a pay freeze.
“I think that put us all in jeopardy,” he added.
According to Gary Bahr, vice president of the Township of Ocean Education Association, the teachers union was asked last month to freeze salaries for this year but voted against it.
Bahr explained why he believed the vote was rejected.
“Primarily, the pace was too fast,” he said. “It was something that came out on Tuesday to vote on Friday.
“There were no guarantees for future cuts if the budget went down,” he added. “Thirdly, everything was frozen for a year, so wherever we are this year we’d be next year. This meant that all the staff will be a year behind on their salary guides the rest of their career.”
District Administrator Ken Jannarone said that if the teachers agreed to the salary freeze, it would save the district about $1.6 million.
Ocean resident Brian Lefferson slammed the union for its position.
“My benefits go up every year,” he said. “What you are saying to me is very irresponsible.”
Lefferson did, however, praise the district for the budget.
“All I can say is I am very impressed with the tax increase,” Lefferson said. “You people have done a good job.
“I am very impressed with this budget. My taxes are going to go up less than $64, and I figured they’d go up about $150.”
One of the largest increases in the budget is for employee health benefits, which increased more than $1 million, or 25 percent, from last year.
Pagano explained some of the methods, besides staff reductions, the district used to trim the budget.
“The administrators voluntarily took a pay freeze for next year,” he said. “The budget contains no capital projects, contains no new equipment in technology, and contains no special purchases of any kind.”
He said that the district saw decreases in certain items because of solar panels used to save energy, shared services, as well as refinancing bonds.
Pagano also said that the district employees would kick in 1.5 percent for health insurance premiums once the current contract expires. Noncollectively bargained positions, such as school administrators, will pay the 1.5 percent immediately.
Pagano also mentioned that the district may save money in the future by consolidating with neighboring towns Allenhurst, Interlaken and Deal.
“We had a meeting with [Executive County Superintendent] Carole Knopp Morris last Thursday [March 25] with the surrounding towns,” he said, “just to begin the discussion about one school district.
“No decisions have been made except to meet again and discuss it further.”
He said that that Allenhurst and Interlaken are nonoperating school districts that will ultimately be assigned to a neighboring town.
“Allenhurst and Interlaken are considered nonoperating school districts,” he said. “They are going to be assigned somewhere; it may be Asbury Park, it may be Ocean Township.”
Pagano said that consolidation is something he supports.
“I wrote a letter saying these kids were born together, they go to the same churches and synagogues together, they play in the same athletic teams together,” he said. “We have the room, we have the schools.
“We had a 419-student decrease the last three or four years and we are ready and willing to take them.”
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Teachers union refuses wage freeze to save $1.6M
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Ocean Township Board of Education presented a $69.5 million 2010-11 school budget last week that will require staffing cuts to offset reduced state aid.
The district announced 39 positions would be cut if the budget is approved, including administrators and employees at the district’s five schools largely due to a 33 percent reduction in state aid.
Superintendent Thomas Pagano announced the cuts at the March 30 board meeting.
“There are 39 positions being cut, 31 full-time and eight parttime,” he said. “They are being cut across all areas of the school district: administration, teaching, custodial, transportation, athletics, technology, maintenance and grounds.”
Pagano said that not all the cuts to staffing would be layoffs.
“About a third of these positions are retirements and people we are not going to replace,” he said. “Another third of these positions are through attrition. And then there is another third that is going to take place through reduction of present personnel.”
Pagano explained that the district would make cuts, but maintain class sizes.
“The cuts that we are making will maintain class sizes at 20 or less, which is very good at these times,” he said.
He also said that should the budget be defeated at the polls, additional cuts would have to be made.
“Those cuts stay in the budget whether it passes or not,” he said. “There will be additional reductions should the budget not pass.”
The Ocean Township School District will receive close to $6.8 million in state aid for 2010-11, after receiving $9.97 million last year.
The district, with an estimated enrollment of almost 4,000 students, also was required to use $2.1 million in surplus funds this year when the state withheld state aid checks.
“Within a 30-day period we lost about $5.5 million,” Pagano said.
The $69,513,832 budget calls for a $54,808,683 tax levy.
If the budget is approved, Ocean Township residents will see an increase of 1.3 percent in the tax rate, resulting in a $64.03 increase for a home valued at the town’s average of $406,000. The decrease in average value is due to the re-evaluation recently completed by the township.
Because of the state-mandated change in the apportionment for the sending town of Loch Arbour, residents with a home valued at the village average of $1.4 million will see a tax increase of $5,798 this year.
Board member Denise Parlamas explained the mind-set of the board in preparing the budget.
“We are in a very serious crisis. As a board, our goal during this budget season is to make cuts that do not directly impact the education of our children,” she said. “We have tried to preserve as many jobs as possible.
“We have cut positions across the board, including three administrative positions,” she added. “There are many cuts and costsaving measures as well,” she continued.
“We believe the cuts we have made are very unfortunate but necessary in this economic climate.”
The budget passed with a 4-1 vote, with board member Michael Beson voting against it.
Beson explained his reason for voting against the budget as introduced.
“One reason is I don’t think we’ve cut enough,” he said. “Also I was very disappointed by one of our bargaining agents not voting for a pay freeze.
“I think that put us all in jeopardy,” he added.
According to Gary Bahr, vice president of the Township of Ocean Education Association, the teachers union was asked last month to freeze salaries for this year but voted against it.
Bahr explained why he believed the vote was rejected.
“Primarily, the pace was too fast,” he said. “It was something that came out on Tuesday to vote on Friday.
“There were no guarantees for future cuts if the budget went down,” he added. “Thirdly, everything was frozen for a year, so wherever we are this year we’d be next year. This meant that all the staff will be a year behind on their salary guides the rest of their career.”
District Administrator Ken Jannarone said that if the teachers agreed to the salary freeze, it would save the district about $1.6 million.
Ocean resident Brian Lefferson slammed the union for its position.
“My benefits go up every year,” he said. “What you are saying to me is very irresponsible.”
Lefferson did, however, praise the district for the budget.
“All I can say is I am very impressed with the tax increase,” Lefferson said. “You people have done a good job.
“I am very impressed with this budget. My taxes are going to go up less than $64, and I figured they’d go up about $150.”
One of the largest increases in the budget is for employee health benefits, which increased more than $1 million, or 25 percent, from last year.
Pagano explained some of the methods, besides staff reductions, the district used to trim the budget.
“The administrators voluntarily took a pay freeze for next year,” he said. “The budget contains no capital projects, contains no new equipment in technology, and contains no special purchases of any kind.”
He said that the district saw decreases in certain items because of solar panels used to save energy, shared services, as well as refinancing bonds.
Pagano also said that the district employees would kick in 1.5 percent for health insurance premiums once the current contract expires. Noncollectively bargained positions, such as school administrators, will pay the 1.5 percent immediately.
Pagano also mentioned that the district may save money in the future by consolidating with neighboring towns Allenhurst, Interlaken and Deal.
“We had a meeting with [Executive County Superintendent] Carole Knopp Morris last Thursday [March 25] with the surrounding towns,” he said, “just to begin the discussion about one school district.
“No decisions have been made except to meet again and discuss it further.”
He said that that Allenhurst and Interlaken are nonoperating school districts that will ultimately be assigned to a neighboring town.
“Allenhurst and Interlaken are considered nonoperating school districts,” he said. “They are going to be assigned somewhere; it may be Asbury Park, it may be Ocean Township.”
Pagano said that consolidation is something he supports.
“I wrote a letter saying these kids were born together, they go to the same churches and synagogues together, they play in the same athletic teams together,” he said. “We have the room, we have the schools.
“We had a 419-student decrease the last three or four years and we are ready and willing to take them.”
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Krebs team looks to steady city finances
Krebs team looks to steady city finances
Candidates cite stable taxes, youth programs, term limits
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch mayoral candidate Robert Krebs (2nd from left) poses with his ticket of council candidates: David Pizzo (l-r), Joseph Wayne and John Freda. Long Branch mayoral candidate Robert Krebs (2nd from left) poses with his ticket of council candidates: David Pizzo (l-r), Joseph Wayne and John Freda. LONG BRANCH — Mayoral candidate Robert G. Krebs kicked off his campaign by introducing the members of his ticket at the Windmill restaurant in North Long Branch last week.
Krebs and his slate of City Council candidates— David Pizzo, Joseph Wayne and John Freda — appeared with supporters at the restaurant on March 30.
Krebs, a certified senior adviser, briefly went over some of his ideas to improve the city’s financial status.
“No property tax increases for four years, that’s the issue,” he said. “We are going to go with six-year tax abatements for home improvements.
“The first year is free, the second year is 20 percent, the third year is 40 percent and so on.”
Krebs said he is looking not only to give tax abatements for home improvements, but also at giving them to businesses.
“Businesses want to expand, build a warehouse, and we are going to give them the same tax abatements,” he said.
Another platform Krebs cited is eliminating the city’s six redevelopment zones.
“We are going to eliminate the redevelopment zones, let the private sector come in — that will take care of all the blight that is floating around the town,” he said.
Krebs credited his career as a financial adviser for his ability to shape the fiscal status of the city.
“I understand finance, and it makes it much easier for me,” he said. “I know how much debt the city has. I’m going to restructure the debt and save some money.
“I’m going to knock out lobbyists; we are not going to pay lobbyist anymore in this town.”
Wayne, who is a substitute teacher, said that property rights and taxes are the crucial issues for the city’s future.
“Property taxes have gotten way out of hand,” he said. “Property rights, too. A lot of people want to build on their property and can’t, and that has become an issue.
“I want to make Long Branch a place where the average [household] can afford to raise their family.”
Freda, who works as a business consultant, also cited the importance of eliminating the redevelopment zones.
“We need change here in Long Branch,” he said. “We are tired of people getting forced out of their homes to be replaced by a bigger home.
“The main issue going forward is the zoning, so people can improve their properties,” he added. “We want to stop eminent domain immediately.”
Another platform for Krebs’ team is to limit the mayor and council members to two terms.
“Two elections,” Krebs said, “that’s it.”
Freda agreed that term limits are a good idea.
“We want to set term limits, that’s my biggest issue,” he said.
“We need to set term limits to have new blood come in and have different ideas.”
Pizzo, who is a self-employed contractor, explained that gang awareness should be something the city is focused on.
“We have a lot of children and a lot of gangs in the school system,” he said. “It is difficult for parents to try to get a grip on that. We need some awareness out there.”
Pizzo also said he would like to see some more volunteers to bolster the fire department and first aid department.
Krebs explained his impetus for running for mayor.
“My property taxes went way up, and I said, ‘Am I getting anything more? No.’ ”
Krebs also explained how his ticket came together.
“We met and we went over what my principles are,” he said. “They have the same principles. They are all local people and they will bring some new, fresh ideas.
“They are younger, and the bottom line is that is what we need.”
Krebs said he has already been reaching out to residents in his campaign leading up to the May 11 municipal election.
“The campaign process has been very surprising,” he said. “I have gone around and spoken with a lot of property owners, a lot of residents, and they want change.
“I was surprised by that. They really want taxes to go down.”
Wayne, who is a lifelong resident, said he would like to see more youth programs implemented.
“I’m really big on youth programs,” he said. “I think the city really needs to focus on the youth, because that’s where the future is.”
Freda, who is a boxing coach with the Police Athletic League, agrees that there should be more youth programs.
“There is a lot that has to be done here in Long Branch, and we have nothing for kids,” he said. “Getting the kids off the streets, putting them to work over the summer so they stay out of trouble.”
Pizzo, who is a lifelong resident of Long Branch, was confident in his ticket’s abilities.
“I know the roots of Long Branch well, and I think the town needs some improvements,” he said. “I think it is very important that the voices will be heard.
“We want to cut some costs in the city. I think we are going to do a phenomenal job for our city.”
Krebs is running for mayor against fiveterm incumbent Mayor Adam Schneider as well as current Councilman Brian Unger.
The three council candidates on his ticket are vying for five open council seats among a field of 21 candidates.
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Candidates cite stable taxes, youth programs, term limits
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Long Branch mayoral candidate Robert Krebs (2nd from left) poses with his ticket of council candidates: David Pizzo (l-r), Joseph Wayne and John Freda. Long Branch mayoral candidate Robert Krebs (2nd from left) poses with his ticket of council candidates: David Pizzo (l-r), Joseph Wayne and John Freda. LONG BRANCH — Mayoral candidate Robert G. Krebs kicked off his campaign by introducing the members of his ticket at the Windmill restaurant in North Long Branch last week.
Krebs and his slate of City Council candidates— David Pizzo, Joseph Wayne and John Freda — appeared with supporters at the restaurant on March 30.
Krebs, a certified senior adviser, briefly went over some of his ideas to improve the city’s financial status.
“No property tax increases for four years, that’s the issue,” he said. “We are going to go with six-year tax abatements for home improvements.
“The first year is free, the second year is 20 percent, the third year is 40 percent and so on.”
Krebs said he is looking not only to give tax abatements for home improvements, but also at giving them to businesses.
“Businesses want to expand, build a warehouse, and we are going to give them the same tax abatements,” he said.
Another platform Krebs cited is eliminating the city’s six redevelopment zones.
“We are going to eliminate the redevelopment zones, let the private sector come in — that will take care of all the blight that is floating around the town,” he said.
Krebs credited his career as a financial adviser for his ability to shape the fiscal status of the city.
“I understand finance, and it makes it much easier for me,” he said. “I know how much debt the city has. I’m going to restructure the debt and save some money.
“I’m going to knock out lobbyists; we are not going to pay lobbyist anymore in this town.”
Wayne, who is a substitute teacher, said that property rights and taxes are the crucial issues for the city’s future.
“Property taxes have gotten way out of hand,” he said. “Property rights, too. A lot of people want to build on their property and can’t, and that has become an issue.
“I want to make Long Branch a place where the average [household] can afford to raise their family.”
Freda, who works as a business consultant, also cited the importance of eliminating the redevelopment zones.
“We need change here in Long Branch,” he said. “We are tired of people getting forced out of their homes to be replaced by a bigger home.
“The main issue going forward is the zoning, so people can improve their properties,” he added. “We want to stop eminent domain immediately.”
Another platform for Krebs’ team is to limit the mayor and council members to two terms.
“Two elections,” Krebs said, “that’s it.”
Freda agreed that term limits are a good idea.
“We want to set term limits, that’s my biggest issue,” he said.
“We need to set term limits to have new blood come in and have different ideas.”
Pizzo, who is a self-employed contractor, explained that gang awareness should be something the city is focused on.
“We have a lot of children and a lot of gangs in the school system,” he said. “It is difficult for parents to try to get a grip on that. We need some awareness out there.”
Pizzo also said he would like to see some more volunteers to bolster the fire department and first aid department.
Krebs explained his impetus for running for mayor.
“My property taxes went way up, and I said, ‘Am I getting anything more? No.’ ”
Krebs also explained how his ticket came together.
“We met and we went over what my principles are,” he said. “They have the same principles. They are all local people and they will bring some new, fresh ideas.
“They are younger, and the bottom line is that is what we need.”
Krebs said he has already been reaching out to residents in his campaign leading up to the May 11 municipal election.
“The campaign process has been very surprising,” he said. “I have gone around and spoken with a lot of property owners, a lot of residents, and they want change.
“I was surprised by that. They really want taxes to go down.”
Wayne, who is a lifelong resident, said he would like to see more youth programs implemented.
“I’m really big on youth programs,” he said. “I think the city really needs to focus on the youth, because that’s where the future is.”
Freda, who is a boxing coach with the Police Athletic League, agrees that there should be more youth programs.
“There is a lot that has to be done here in Long Branch, and we have nothing for kids,” he said. “Getting the kids off the streets, putting them to work over the summer so they stay out of trouble.”
Pizzo, who is a lifelong resident of Long Branch, was confident in his ticket’s abilities.
“I know the roots of Long Branch well, and I think the town needs some improvements,” he said. “I think it is very important that the voices will be heard.
“We want to cut some costs in the city. I think we are going to do a phenomenal job for our city.”
Krebs is running for mayor against fiveterm incumbent Mayor Adam Schneider as well as current Councilman Brian Unger.
The three council candidates on his ticket are vying for five open council seats among a field of 21 candidates.
Click here to enlarge
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Four vie for three seats on L.B. BOE
Four vie for three seats on L.B. BOE
Need for change, test scores among issues cited
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Three incumbents and one newcomer are vying to secure one of the three open seats on the Long Branch Board of Education in the April 20 election.
Newcomer Tara Beams is looking to unseat one of the board’s incumbents. Avery Grant, Michele Critelli and Armand R. Zambrano Jr. are seeking re-election.
Beams explained her reasons for running for a board seat in an interview last week.
“My daughter goes to school in the district, and I just want to make sure she is getting the best education possible,” she said. “I think this is the best way to take that role and be more proactive in your child’s education.
“I think it is time for some new voices, and I want to give back to the community and build a more positive image.”
Beams explained that she thinks the district currently has a negative image.
“There is a lot of criticism and a lot of people make a lot of assumptions and they criticize, but nobody wants to step in and do anything about it,” Beams said.
With the state cutting aid to districts across the state, Beams said that important decisions will have to be made in the coming years.
“I also think it is a really important time in education,” she said. “There are a lot of changes that will be coming down the pike as far as education funding. I’d like to have a voice and monitor the decisions that are being made.”
Beams is currently a high school teacher in Sayreville, but also previously worked in the private sector and said she understands both sides of the educational funding issue.
“Being a teacher and being in a district that has had a large portion of their state funding cut, I think it is a scary time for education,” she said. “I have also worked in the private sector, so I see the arguments that are going back and forth.”
Beams explained that if cuts are going to be made, they should be made with the students in mind.
“Whatever cuts are being made need to be in the best interests of the kids and need to be from the top down,” she said. “The most important thing is that the most amount of money needs to be spent on the students.”
Beams also said that cuts being made should not be made to penalize educators.
“Do I think that the teachers and the administrators need to feel penalized in some way? Absolutely not,” she said.
Beams has lived in Long Branch for six years and was previously a teacher in the district. She has a 3-year-old daughter in the district.
Grant has served on the board for the previous 12 years and explained some of the things he would like to see happen going forward.
“I’d like to see standardized test performance continue to improve,” he said. “I am still looking to have a swimming program implemented.
“Living at the Shore, we need to learn how to swim,” he added. “I want it so the community can use the facilities.
“We need to improve how we indicate the performance of our students.”
Grant said that one of things that has improved drastically during his time on the board has been the academic performance of Long Branch student-athletes.
“That was the initial reason I got on the school board,” he said. “Our athletes were being used as athletes but not being educated as well as they should.
“That has been coming around quite a bit.”G
rant was also proud that the district was able to save more than $2 million by switching to the state’s health insurance plan.
Grant explained that the state of educational funding is somewhat uncertain, but he expects the district to be able to handle any changes.
“I don’t know what is going to happen in 2012, but right now we are able to weather the storm,” he said. “We don’t know what the governor is going to do, but he is really pushing to get wage freezes.”
Grant said he supports some of Gov. Chris Christie’s ideas.
“He pushed for having 1.5 percent contributions [by school district employees] to the health plan, and I think really we need to do that,” he said. “That is something that should be mandated immediately.”
Grant said that he recently became aware that honor roll students in Long Branch have not performed well on the state’s standardized tests.
“The thing that really concerned me was the honor roll students were not passing the state’s standardized test,” he said.
Grant is retired and has lived in the city since 1967. He is also the executive director of the Long Branch Concerned Citizens Coalition and has a granddaughter in the Long Branch school system.
Zambrano declined to comment for this article, and Critelli could not be reached for comment.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Need for change, test scores among issues cited
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — Three incumbents and one newcomer are vying to secure one of the three open seats on the Long Branch Board of Education in the April 20 election.
Newcomer Tara Beams is looking to unseat one of the board’s incumbents. Avery Grant, Michele Critelli and Armand R. Zambrano Jr. are seeking re-election.
Beams explained her reasons for running for a board seat in an interview last week.
“My daughter goes to school in the district, and I just want to make sure she is getting the best education possible,” she said. “I think this is the best way to take that role and be more proactive in your child’s education.
“I think it is time for some new voices, and I want to give back to the community and build a more positive image.”
Beams explained that she thinks the district currently has a negative image.
“There is a lot of criticism and a lot of people make a lot of assumptions and they criticize, but nobody wants to step in and do anything about it,” Beams said.
With the state cutting aid to districts across the state, Beams said that important decisions will have to be made in the coming years.
“I also think it is a really important time in education,” she said. “There are a lot of changes that will be coming down the pike as far as education funding. I’d like to have a voice and monitor the decisions that are being made.”
Beams is currently a high school teacher in Sayreville, but also previously worked in the private sector and said she understands both sides of the educational funding issue.
“Being a teacher and being in a district that has had a large portion of their state funding cut, I think it is a scary time for education,” she said. “I have also worked in the private sector, so I see the arguments that are going back and forth.”
Beams explained that if cuts are going to be made, they should be made with the students in mind.
“Whatever cuts are being made need to be in the best interests of the kids and need to be from the top down,” she said. “The most important thing is that the most amount of money needs to be spent on the students.”
Beams also said that cuts being made should not be made to penalize educators.
“Do I think that the teachers and the administrators need to feel penalized in some way? Absolutely not,” she said.
Beams has lived in Long Branch for six years and was previously a teacher in the district. She has a 3-year-old daughter in the district.
Grant has served on the board for the previous 12 years and explained some of the things he would like to see happen going forward.
“I’d like to see standardized test performance continue to improve,” he said. “I am still looking to have a swimming program implemented.
“Living at the Shore, we need to learn how to swim,” he added. “I want it so the community can use the facilities.
“We need to improve how we indicate the performance of our students.”
Grant said that one of things that has improved drastically during his time on the board has been the academic performance of Long Branch student-athletes.
“That was the initial reason I got on the school board,” he said. “Our athletes were being used as athletes but not being educated as well as they should.
“That has been coming around quite a bit.”G
rant was also proud that the district was able to save more than $2 million by switching to the state’s health insurance plan.
Grant explained that the state of educational funding is somewhat uncertain, but he expects the district to be able to handle any changes.
“I don’t know what is going to happen in 2012, but right now we are able to weather the storm,” he said. “We don’t know what the governor is going to do, but he is really pushing to get wage freezes.”
Grant said he supports some of Gov. Chris Christie’s ideas.
“He pushed for having 1.5 percent contributions [by school district employees] to the health plan, and I think really we need to do that,” he said. “That is something that should be mandated immediately.”
Grant said that he recently became aware that honor roll students in Long Branch have not performed well on the state’s standardized tests.
“The thing that really concerned me was the honor roll students were not passing the state’s standardized test,” he said.
Grant is retired and has lived in the city since 1967. He is also the executive director of the Long Branch Concerned Citizens Coalition and has a granddaughter in the Long Branch school system.
Zambrano declined to comment for this article, and Critelli could not be reached for comment.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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