L.B. beaches see record attendance, revenues
Free admission in effect for seniors and youths
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — City officials received some good news last week: beach revenues are on the increase.
Danny George, beach manager, and Carl Jennings, director of the Recreation Department and Human Services, delivered the news at the July 28 workshop meeting.
"We have made a major jump as far as revenues are concerned, from both daily and seasonal," Jennings told the council. "In 2000 we made $126,604, compared to 2009, where to date we made $565,525."
So far this year, beach fees are up $20,000 to $30,000 from the same point in 2008, according to city Finance Director Ron Mehlhorn Sr.
This is the second year that the recreation department has had a policy of not charging youths under 17 and senior citizens for admission to the beach.
"It should be noted that 2000-2007 also included when our rates were different and we charged kids and senior citizens," George said. "[The] last two years is just strictly our new policy, and we've really jumped in numbers the last two years."
Some thought that a rainy month of June may have driven revenues down, but George said that wasn't the case.
"If you look at our numbers, we've only had four rain days," he said. "The weather has not really been that bad."
George said a lot of the beachgoers are coming from surrounding areas and check the weather in advance to plan their trip. George cited the July 25 weekend, where Saturday was expected to be nicer than Sunday.
"Like this weekend, everybody came to the beach, and the rain scared them off the beach, but they've already been there," council President Michael DeStefano said, agreeing with George.
"They already paid," city Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. quickly added.
George then explained how well the beach did during that weekend.
"We did $27,000 by 1 p.m. [on Saturday]," he said. "Sunday was actually much better than Saturday, and we did a third of the business."
George went on to say that there have been many good days for the beaches lately.
"Two Sundays ago we did $38,000 in dailies," he said. "Our biggest day was the 4th of July, where we just about hit $40,000.
"Today, on a Tuesday, we did $9,300 and the beach almost looked like a Saturday because every Suburban comes in with two moms and seven kids," he added.
George also explained that the number of people could not be properly calculated with just the number of daily badges sold.
"What you can't calculate is the [number] of seasonal," he said. "Our seasonal badges, we surpassed that with 200 more seasonal badges than we did all of last year.
"Not to mention every kid who is 17 and under," he added. "Our beaches are so crowded it's unbelievable."
George credited the policy of allowing children and senior citizens on the beach for no charge as a reason the beaches have been so crowded this season.
"What is amazing is the amount of kids," he said. "I believe the word is out. People know this year more than ever that 17 and under are free."
George said that last year there was a problem because the children would need to provide identification to prove that they were under 17. This year, that issue has been smoothed out.
"It has been easy on our ticket takers because we were so hard on them last year about the ID," he said. "They know now that they are not getting on without an ID.
"It's the best deal in town," he added. Jennings said that beachgoers did their research, and the low cost of the Long Branch beach was sought out.
"We must have gotten hundreds of calls before the season," he said.
George explained how the city is maximizing the beaches it has.
"We have 60 booths open and 15 beaches," he said. "Our goal was to spread down the beach.
"Our goal is put a lifeguard on, put flags up, and people will come," he added.
George also cited the number of beaches that have been packed this season.
"I think North Bath has never been more crowded," he said. "The train situation has been awesome. You just see people flying down to the beach."
Council members were pleased to hear about the crowded beaches and increased revenues, but were also concerned about increased expenses attached to the beach operations.
"We opened up a lot of beaches and stands, so our expenses are higher," Councilman Anthony Giordano said.
Woolley said that the city does not calculate daily expenses for operating the beach until after the season, but added that it was "an expensive operation."
The Long Branch beaches operate from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A daily badge is $5 and a seasonal badge is $35.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tax bills go out & city sees relief on the way
Tax bills go out & city sees relief on the way
Sale of tax anticipation notes not necessary
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — It appears that the city has managed to avert a financial crunch with the use of some creative financing moves.
On July 14, Long Branch Director of Finance Ron Mehlhorn Sr. painted a gloomy picture for Long Branch, stating that he was unable to send out tax bills because the municipal tax rate had not yet been authorized by the county.
Without collecting taxes and with upcoming bills to pay to the schools and the county, Mehlhorn said at that time he might have to borrow up to $10 million in tax anticipation notes.
The $10 million, he estimated, would cost taxpayers an extra $200,000 to $400,000 in interest.
But during the July 28 workshop, Mehlhorn said the problem has been solved.
"There's been an outcry since the last meeting about the tax anticipation notes," Mehlhorn said. "With some innovative financing and a lot of hard work, it looks like we won't have to borrow money."
While the current situation is still bleak, there is help on the way.
"Where we stand right now, we have $672,000," Mehlhorn said. "The tax bills went out on Friday."
Mehlhorn said in an interview that people have stopped him on the street and said they've received their tax bills, which are due in August.
Long Branch will raise more then $70 million from the tax levy for the fiscal year. While some residents have already paid their taxes, the larger share of the first tax bill is not expected for a few weeks.
"It's going to take a little while for those to start coming in," Mehlhorn said.
He also said that the city would receive about $2.5 million in state aid on Aug. 3.
Mehlhorn previously stated that it costs between $1 million and $2 million a week to run the city, so with cash flow low, the state aid is coming at an opportune time.
He added that a $2.1 million bond was sold to an institutional investor two weeks early to give the city some extra cash.
During the interview Mehlhorn explained that selling the bond early is a departure from the city's standard practice.
"We usually sell one bond and buy another on the same day," he said. "Right now we have two bonds out."
Mehlhorn said the move will initially cost about $1,300 to obtain the $2 millionplus, but that the $1,300 will be recouped when the bond is sold two weeks from now.M
ore revenues, roughly $1 million, will be needed because the city's next scheduled payroll date is Aug. 7. The city also must pay $3.6 million to the county by Aug. 15, but that date is somewhat flexible, he said.
"I talked to the county, and if we don't have the $3.5 million for a couple of days or a week, we won't be penalized," he said. "Everyone has worked with us on this, so we will get through all right."
Mehlhorn said the biggest news since the last meeting was that the county certified the tax rate, thus allowing tax bills to be sent out.
"At that point [two weeks ago] we just didn't know," he said. "The problem was nobody owed [the city] anything, and I had payroll and school bills and county bills due."
We couldn't tax anyone, so it looked like I was going to have to borrow money," he added. "July is historically the worst month, with no taxes coming and the schools being able to request 20 percent of their money."
Mehlhorn credited his staff for working long hours and getting the tax bills out as quickly as possible.
"They did a great job getting them out," he said.
While Mehlhorn credited his staff, both the City Council and residents credited Mehlhorn.
"Thank you for getting the tax bills out," Councilwoman Mary Jane Celli said during the workshop.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Sale of tax anticipation notes not necessary
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — It appears that the city has managed to avert a financial crunch with the use of some creative financing moves.
On July 14, Long Branch Director of Finance Ron Mehlhorn Sr. painted a gloomy picture for Long Branch, stating that he was unable to send out tax bills because the municipal tax rate had not yet been authorized by the county.
Without collecting taxes and with upcoming bills to pay to the schools and the county, Mehlhorn said at that time he might have to borrow up to $10 million in tax anticipation notes.
The $10 million, he estimated, would cost taxpayers an extra $200,000 to $400,000 in interest.
But during the July 28 workshop, Mehlhorn said the problem has been solved.
"There's been an outcry since the last meeting about the tax anticipation notes," Mehlhorn said. "With some innovative financing and a lot of hard work, it looks like we won't have to borrow money."
While the current situation is still bleak, there is help on the way.
"Where we stand right now, we have $672,000," Mehlhorn said. "The tax bills went out on Friday."
Mehlhorn said in an interview that people have stopped him on the street and said they've received their tax bills, which are due in August.
Long Branch will raise more then $70 million from the tax levy for the fiscal year. While some residents have already paid their taxes, the larger share of the first tax bill is not expected for a few weeks.
"It's going to take a little while for those to start coming in," Mehlhorn said.
He also said that the city would receive about $2.5 million in state aid on Aug. 3.
Mehlhorn previously stated that it costs between $1 million and $2 million a week to run the city, so with cash flow low, the state aid is coming at an opportune time.
He added that a $2.1 million bond was sold to an institutional investor two weeks early to give the city some extra cash.
During the interview Mehlhorn explained that selling the bond early is a departure from the city's standard practice.
"We usually sell one bond and buy another on the same day," he said. "Right now we have two bonds out."
Mehlhorn said the move will initially cost about $1,300 to obtain the $2 millionplus, but that the $1,300 will be recouped when the bond is sold two weeks from now.M
ore revenues, roughly $1 million, will be needed because the city's next scheduled payroll date is Aug. 7. The city also must pay $3.6 million to the county by Aug. 15, but that date is somewhat flexible, he said.
"I talked to the county, and if we don't have the $3.5 million for a couple of days or a week, we won't be penalized," he said. "Everyone has worked with us on this, so we will get through all right."
Mehlhorn said the biggest news since the last meeting was that the county certified the tax rate, thus allowing tax bills to be sent out.
"At that point [two weeks ago] we just didn't know," he said. "The problem was nobody owed [the city] anything, and I had payroll and school bills and county bills due."
We couldn't tax anyone, so it looked like I was going to have to borrow money," he added. "July is historically the worst month, with no taxes coming and the schools being able to request 20 percent of their money."
Mehlhorn credited his staff for working long hours and getting the tax bills out as quickly as possible.
"They did a great job getting them out," he said.
While Mehlhorn credited his staff, both the City Council and residents credited Mehlhorn.
"Thank you for getting the tax bills out," Councilwoman Mary Jane Celli said during the workshop.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Group would rename, enhance L.B. boardwalk
Group would rename, enhance L.B. boardwalk
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Agroup of Long Branch residents is proposing a plan to create a unified boardwalk along the city's oceanfront that would feature art installations and a historical theme.
Save Ocean Avenue Committee member Dennis Sherman spoke during the July 28 workshop portion of the council meeting to discuss the committee's list of priorities to enhance the boardwalk.
The first priority listed by the group, which is working in conjunction with the Long Branch Historical Society, is to rename the Long Branch boardwalk.
"We are proposing for you to put forth a resolution to rename the boardwalk Seven Presidents Ocean Walk," Sherman said while presenting the council and administration with copies of the plans.
Sherman said he previously presented this idea, and the reaction was positive.
"The thought of creating a unified walk from West End all the way up through Seven Presidents Park [is something] all of you said was a good idea and would support," he said.
Since the previous meeting with the city, Sherman said, the committee has met with people and groups around the city, including the Long Branch Historical Society and Monmouth Health Center.
"Since that time, we have been meeting with local groups, talking to different people to get ideas about the ocean walk," he said. "The ocean walk is based on the [fact] that Long Branch has the unique oceanfront that no other Jersey Shore community has.
"It has clubs, it has beautiful beaches, it has some of the finest mix of venues," he added.
Sherman went on to cite West End, Pier Village, the Great Lawn and Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park as attractions that draw people to the area.
"The Long Branch oceanfront is probably one of the most beautifully unique all up and down the Jersey Shore," he said. "No one can match what we have."
One of the major thrusts of the plan is to incorporate more art and history onto the boardwalk.
Save Ocean Avenue, working in conjunction with the historical association, has proposed a plan to tell the history of Long Branch along the ocean walk.
"We have been meeting with the historical association; they have a plan to put up five plaques," Sherman said. "They would start where the grand hotels were and take us back through history."
Plans also call for a replica of the city seal to be placed on the walk.
Sherman cited the city's rich history as an inspiration for the plan.
"Long Branch is unique because the seven presidents visited here with many other famous people from the era," he said. "We want to bring the history back with the ocean walk."
Renaming the boardwalk is just one of the priorities of the committee, he said.
"We are asking you to not only pass the resolution, but to help us with the other priorities," Sherman said.
According to information he distributed at the meeting, some other priorities include creating artistic archways, additional flower pots and benches, improvements to the boards and railings along the boardwalk, improving the pedestrian crossing on Ocean Boulevard, and the creation of an art walk.
"We can have mosaics along the concrete slabs of the boardwalk," Sherman said. "There are plans to fix the boardwalk; there are plans for the railings. Where the boardwalk indents and goes out, [we want to] build some trellises."
Sherman acknowledged that some of the plans might be easier to put into place, while others, like extending the bike path, would be more involved.
"We want to extend the bike path from South Bath all the way up to Morris Avenue," he said. "There will be plenty of room for people to get up and back.
"There are problems with it, and Mr. [William] Richards [director of public safety] is working on that," he added. "That is one of our goals and will probably be one of the toughest ones."
Sherman cited increased projected revenues as a reason to get the plans accomplished, but in the end, he sees the improvements as creating a place where people can be active and enjoy Long Branch.
"If you're a biker or a walker or a jogger, you will be doing all of this through art, sculptures, murals, paintings and history," he said. "Long Branch is unique. We have a jewel; we have a boardwalk that can tie all the parts that developed over the years and that will develop."
Save Ocean Avenue members are Sherman and city residents Bill McLaughlin, Mary Jean Lepis, Bob Kenyon and Wally Bruchman. The group can be reached via the website at http://www.saveoceanave.com/.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Agroup of Long Branch residents is proposing a plan to create a unified boardwalk along the city's oceanfront that would feature art installations and a historical theme.
Save Ocean Avenue Committee member Dennis Sherman spoke during the July 28 workshop portion of the council meeting to discuss the committee's list of priorities to enhance the boardwalk.
The first priority listed by the group, which is working in conjunction with the Long Branch Historical Society, is to rename the Long Branch boardwalk.
"We are proposing for you to put forth a resolution to rename the boardwalk Seven Presidents Ocean Walk," Sherman said while presenting the council and administration with copies of the plans.
Sherman said he previously presented this idea, and the reaction was positive.
"The thought of creating a unified walk from West End all the way up through Seven Presidents Park [is something] all of you said was a good idea and would support," he said.
Since the previous meeting with the city, Sherman said, the committee has met with people and groups around the city, including the Long Branch Historical Society and Monmouth Health Center.
"Since that time, we have been meeting with local groups, talking to different people to get ideas about the ocean walk," he said. "The ocean walk is based on the [fact] that Long Branch has the unique oceanfront that no other Jersey Shore community has.
"It has clubs, it has beautiful beaches, it has some of the finest mix of venues," he added.
Sherman went on to cite West End, Pier Village, the Great Lawn and Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park as attractions that draw people to the area.
"The Long Branch oceanfront is probably one of the most beautifully unique all up and down the Jersey Shore," he said. "No one can match what we have."
One of the major thrusts of the plan is to incorporate more art and history onto the boardwalk.
Save Ocean Avenue, working in conjunction with the historical association, has proposed a plan to tell the history of Long Branch along the ocean walk.
"We have been meeting with the historical association; they have a plan to put up five plaques," Sherman said. "They would start where the grand hotels were and take us back through history."
Plans also call for a replica of the city seal to be placed on the walk.
Sherman cited the city's rich history as an inspiration for the plan.
"Long Branch is unique because the seven presidents visited here with many other famous people from the era," he said. "We want to bring the history back with the ocean walk."
Renaming the boardwalk is just one of the priorities of the committee, he said.
"We are asking you to not only pass the resolution, but to help us with the other priorities," Sherman said.
According to information he distributed at the meeting, some other priorities include creating artistic archways, additional flower pots and benches, improvements to the boards and railings along the boardwalk, improving the pedestrian crossing on Ocean Boulevard, and the creation of an art walk.
"We can have mosaics along the concrete slabs of the boardwalk," Sherman said. "There are plans to fix the boardwalk; there are plans for the railings. Where the boardwalk indents and goes out, [we want to] build some trellises."
Sherman acknowledged that some of the plans might be easier to put into place, while others, like extending the bike path, would be more involved.
"We want to extend the bike path from South Bath all the way up to Morris Avenue," he said. "There will be plenty of room for people to get up and back.
"There are problems with it, and Mr. [William] Richards [director of public safety] is working on that," he added. "That is one of our goals and will probably be one of the toughest ones."
Sherman cited increased projected revenues as a reason to get the plans accomplished, but in the end, he sees the improvements as creating a place where people can be active and enjoy Long Branch.
"If you're a biker or a walker or a jogger, you will be doing all of this through art, sculptures, murals, paintings and history," he said. "Long Branch is unique. We have a jewel; we have a boardwalk that can tie all the parts that developed over the years and that will develop."
Save Ocean Avenue members are Sherman and city residents Bill McLaughlin, Mary Jean Lepis, Bob Kenyon and Wally Bruchman. The group can be reached via the website at http://www.saveoceanave.com/.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Monday, October 12, 2009
T.F. considers cutting open space funding
T.F. considers cutting open space funding
$876K collected in 2008 for open space
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The Borough Council discussed at its meeting last week the possibility of a referendum that would seek voter approval to cut the open space tax almost in half.
The contentious discussion took place during the workshop portion of the July 21 meeting, after the council introduced an amendment to the 2009 municipal budget.
The current tax rate for open space is 3 cents for every $100 of assessed valuation. That rate was set by a November 2005 referendum that raised the rate from 1.5 cents per $100.
A major point of discussion at the meeting was that after the recent revaluation that took effect in 2008, the amount of money collected from the open space tax rose dramatically.
According to Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor, the borough collected $384,181 from the open space tax in 2007. After the revaluation, the amount collected rose to $876,746 in 2008.
Some members of the council said that a referendum seeking approval to lower the open space tax rate could possibly save taxpayers $58.10 annually. Taxpayers currently pay just over $103 a year into the open space fund.
However, the council was split on whether or not this was the right time to cut down on open space taxes.
Council Deputy President Gary Baldwin pointed out that the previous referendum was passed before the revaluation took place.
"With the receipts going up so high with the revaluation. I think it's time to take a look at that," he said.
The two councilmen who seemed to be the most opposed to cutting open space funding were Andy Mayer and council President Duane Morrill.
Baldwin took issue with the two councilmen, who earlier had voted against the budget amendment.
The amendment, made in line with the recommendations of Director of Finance Stephen Pfeffer, raised the tax rate and will increase homeowners' tax bills by $92 per year.
"I sit here tonight and listen to you [Morrill and Mayer] adamantly vote against a small increase to help us next year to keep us from getting into trouble," he said. "Your reason for that is simply you're tired of asking the public for more tax money."
For Baldwin, the jump in taxes after the revaluation is the reason the borough needs to drop the rate on the open space tax.
"They approved 3 cents, moving from 1.5 to 3, but at that time the approval gave this borough an opportunity to buy $350,000 [open space property]," he said. "It didn't give us permission to give us [more than] $800,000 from the pockets of the taxpayers."
For Mayer, who was not present during the meeting but weighed in on speakerphone, it is too soon after the previous referendum to consider another.
"The last open space referendum was voted on by the voters in November of 2005," he said. "It wasn't that long ago."
Mayer also cited the unanswered questions relating to the closing of Fort Monmouth as a reason why the open space tax should not be cut.
"The property at Fort Monmouth, we really don't know what's going to happen with that," Mayer said. "Now really isn't the right time to evaluate changing it."
Councilwoman NancyAnne Fama also is concerned that the tax rate may be too high for the open space tax.
"Mr. Mayer and Duane [Morrill], you just voted against the budget amendment," she said. "I'm sure you're aware that in 2006 the tax receiptswere just under $400,000. With the revaluation, those receipts have more then doubled."
Fama went on to say that open space is important, but with revenues decreasing, cutting the open space tax is a way to give back.
"We all agree with open space," she said. "We all want fields for kids, but we do have to also tighten the belt."
Morrill's argument was that open space land is a lot cheaper to maintain than developed land.
"I think it will be a lot cheaper to keep open space," he said.
Mayer claimed that there isn't a lot of undeveloped land in the borough, but there is some on the south end of town that could be acquired with open space funds.
"There's some land on the south end of town that if we don't act sometime in the near future, that land's going to be gone forever," Mayer said. "This is really our only opportunity to prevent further developing in town by acquiring this land."
"If we buy the property, we also have expense associated with that," Fama said. "Whether it is developed or purchased by the town, there is still cost associated with that.
Morrill also said there wasn't much land left and that he is aware of the possibility of the borough building an indoor sports center and a softball field.
Business Administrator Bryan Dempsey said those are things that the borough may desperately need.
"Unless we come up with some kind of indoor facility, it's going to get harder and harder to have activities for the children because of limited space and competition for that space," he said.
Dempsey also gave a brief history of open space in Tinton Falls, saying that the borough purchased three pieces of property in 2001 but just one piece of property since the last open space referendum.
But for Baldwin, the issue is taxes and giving residents back a little something in a tough economic climate.
"We can cut this budget really down low, and you can give up a lot in this town, but I don't want to do that," he said. "So this is a chance for maybe to relieve this little bit of increase, and if we are lucky and get the revenues back up in some of these areas, then this will all be just a moot point."
Mayer, who earlier in the evening advocated for cutting expenses rather than raising taxes, said there is just not enough time to consider the change and that he opposes rushing this decision.
"I didn't want to increase the taxes without looking at what we could do with reducing the operating expenses in the borough," he said. "I don't think today's the day to do that [cut open space]; open space doesn't grow on trees.
"I'd like to find some more facts about Fort Monmouth and see what we can do about working down our debt," he continued. "I'm not interested in bonding any more money.
"Do we really want to progress any further if we don't know what is going to happen with Fort Monmouth?" he asked. "Do we want to wait another year on this?"
Baldwin argued that Tinton Falls is too far away from knowing the impact that the closing of Fort Monmouth is going to have on the borough.
"We are still a ways away from knowing the impact the Army is going to have on us," Baldwin said. "We are powerless to do anything against it anyway."
Another factor for Mayer was that the open space tax rate helps in applying for grant money.
"Our current open space rate helps out with grants as well," he said. "We are looked at very favorably based on our tax rate on that."
Baldwin said he would be willing to cut open space funds if it means that there is less of a chance that the borough would have to cut personnel to save money.
"Open space is an investment, but employees, police officers, recreation services, parks — that's an investment also," he said. "When we start cutting those investments because of open space, I'm not sure that's a good trend."
At the end of the meeting, newly appointed Borough Attorney Brian Nelson explained the options the borough has if a referendum is not put before voters in the general election in November.
"You could legally do a special election, but that would be quite costly," he said. "If you don't have a question adopted by Aug. 21, then you'd have to have a special election, which I don't think you'd want to do."
The deadline to submit a referendum question is Aug. 21, which means that the council must act and agree quickly in order to add to the ballot a question about changing the open space tax rate.
Nelson said he would prepare questions for the Aug. 4 meeting.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
$876K collected in 2008 for open space
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The Borough Council discussed at its meeting last week the possibility of a referendum that would seek voter approval to cut the open space tax almost in half.
The contentious discussion took place during the workshop portion of the July 21 meeting, after the council introduced an amendment to the 2009 municipal budget.
The current tax rate for open space is 3 cents for every $100 of assessed valuation. That rate was set by a November 2005 referendum that raised the rate from 1.5 cents per $100.
A major point of discussion at the meeting was that after the recent revaluation that took effect in 2008, the amount of money collected from the open space tax rose dramatically.
According to Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor, the borough collected $384,181 from the open space tax in 2007. After the revaluation, the amount collected rose to $876,746 in 2008.
Some members of the council said that a referendum seeking approval to lower the open space tax rate could possibly save taxpayers $58.10 annually. Taxpayers currently pay just over $103 a year into the open space fund.
However, the council was split on whether or not this was the right time to cut down on open space taxes.
Council Deputy President Gary Baldwin pointed out that the previous referendum was passed before the revaluation took place.
"With the receipts going up so high with the revaluation. I think it's time to take a look at that," he said.
The two councilmen who seemed to be the most opposed to cutting open space funding were Andy Mayer and council President Duane Morrill.
Baldwin took issue with the two councilmen, who earlier had voted against the budget amendment.
The amendment, made in line with the recommendations of Director of Finance Stephen Pfeffer, raised the tax rate and will increase homeowners' tax bills by $92 per year.
"I sit here tonight and listen to you [Morrill and Mayer] adamantly vote against a small increase to help us next year to keep us from getting into trouble," he said. "Your reason for that is simply you're tired of asking the public for more tax money."
For Baldwin, the jump in taxes after the revaluation is the reason the borough needs to drop the rate on the open space tax.
"They approved 3 cents, moving from 1.5 to 3, but at that time the approval gave this borough an opportunity to buy $350,000 [open space property]," he said. "It didn't give us permission to give us [more than] $800,000 from the pockets of the taxpayers."
For Mayer, who was not present during the meeting but weighed in on speakerphone, it is too soon after the previous referendum to consider another.
"The last open space referendum was voted on by the voters in November of 2005," he said. "It wasn't that long ago."
Mayer also cited the unanswered questions relating to the closing of Fort Monmouth as a reason why the open space tax should not be cut.
"The property at Fort Monmouth, we really don't know what's going to happen with that," Mayer said. "Now really isn't the right time to evaluate changing it."
Councilwoman NancyAnne Fama also is concerned that the tax rate may be too high for the open space tax.
"Mr. Mayer and Duane [Morrill], you just voted against the budget amendment," she said. "I'm sure you're aware that in 2006 the tax receiptswere just under $400,000. With the revaluation, those receipts have more then doubled."
Fama went on to say that open space is important, but with revenues decreasing, cutting the open space tax is a way to give back.
"We all agree with open space," she said. "We all want fields for kids, but we do have to also tighten the belt."
Morrill's argument was that open space land is a lot cheaper to maintain than developed land.
"I think it will be a lot cheaper to keep open space," he said.
Mayer claimed that there isn't a lot of undeveloped land in the borough, but there is some on the south end of town that could be acquired with open space funds.
"There's some land on the south end of town that if we don't act sometime in the near future, that land's going to be gone forever," Mayer said. "This is really our only opportunity to prevent further developing in town by acquiring this land."
"If we buy the property, we also have expense associated with that," Fama said. "Whether it is developed or purchased by the town, there is still cost associated with that.
Morrill also said there wasn't much land left and that he is aware of the possibility of the borough building an indoor sports center and a softball field.
Business Administrator Bryan Dempsey said those are things that the borough may desperately need.
"Unless we come up with some kind of indoor facility, it's going to get harder and harder to have activities for the children because of limited space and competition for that space," he said.
Dempsey also gave a brief history of open space in Tinton Falls, saying that the borough purchased three pieces of property in 2001 but just one piece of property since the last open space referendum.
But for Baldwin, the issue is taxes and giving residents back a little something in a tough economic climate.
"We can cut this budget really down low, and you can give up a lot in this town, but I don't want to do that," he said. "So this is a chance for maybe to relieve this little bit of increase, and if we are lucky and get the revenues back up in some of these areas, then this will all be just a moot point."
Mayer, who earlier in the evening advocated for cutting expenses rather than raising taxes, said there is just not enough time to consider the change and that he opposes rushing this decision.
"I didn't want to increase the taxes without looking at what we could do with reducing the operating expenses in the borough," he said. "I don't think today's the day to do that [cut open space]; open space doesn't grow on trees.
"I'd like to find some more facts about Fort Monmouth and see what we can do about working down our debt," he continued. "I'm not interested in bonding any more money.
"Do we really want to progress any further if we don't know what is going to happen with Fort Monmouth?" he asked. "Do we want to wait another year on this?"
Baldwin argued that Tinton Falls is too far away from knowing the impact that the closing of Fort Monmouth is going to have on the borough.
"We are still a ways away from knowing the impact the Army is going to have on us," Baldwin said. "We are powerless to do anything against it anyway."
Another factor for Mayer was that the open space tax rate helps in applying for grant money.
"Our current open space rate helps out with grants as well," he said. "We are looked at very favorably based on our tax rate on that."
Baldwin said he would be willing to cut open space funds if it means that there is less of a chance that the borough would have to cut personnel to save money.
"Open space is an investment, but employees, police officers, recreation services, parks — that's an investment also," he said. "When we start cutting those investments because of open space, I'm not sure that's a good trend."
At the end of the meeting, newly appointed Borough Attorney Brian Nelson explained the options the borough has if a referendum is not put before voters in the general election in November.
"You could legally do a special election, but that would be quite costly," he said. "If you don't have a question adopted by Aug. 21, then you'd have to have a special election, which I don't think you'd want to do."
The deadline to submit a referendum question is Aug. 21, which means that the council must act and agree quickly in order to add to the ballot a question about changing the open space tax rate.
Nelson said he would prepare questions for the Aug. 4 meeting.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Amended Tinton Falls budget calls for tax hike
Amended Tinton Falls budget calls for tax hike
Council will vote on budget at Aug. 4 meeting
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Borough Council followed the advice of the borough's finance director and introduced an amendment to the 2009 budget that would both cut some expenses and raise taxes.
The council adopted a resolution at the July 21 meeting by a 3-2 vote that would raise the tax rate by 2.7 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
The tax rate will go from 35.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 38 cents.
The total spending plan is $21.6 million, with a tax levy of $11.4 million. The proposed amendment resulted in an $805,823 increase in taxes.
The proposed increase would cost the owner of a house valued at the borough average of $343,760 an extra $92 annually in municipal taxes, according to Director of Finance Stephen Pfeffer.
Pfeffer had urged the council to revisit the budget, which as originally proposed, did not raise the tax rate from last year.
He also said that the borough cut more than $52,000 in expenses, which is the reason why the tax increase came in below what Pfeffer previously suggested, which was that the borough go to the state-mandated 4 percent cap on increases in the tax levy.
Low revenues and bleak prospects for the future is the reason Pfeffer initially suggested that the Borough Council amend the original zero-increase tax levy.
For Pfeffer, this amendment will help Tinton Falls in the coming budgets.
"I've prepared an amendment to the 2009 budget that accomplishes many of the problems that we discussed at the last meeting," he said in addressing the council. "We did find another $52,153 [cut from expenses]."
With the increase in taxes and exp enses trimmed, the budget increase over last year now comes in under the s tate-mandated maximum tax cap.
Pfeffer said the amendment allows the budget to compensate for the low revenues from permit fees and interest earned experienced in the early part of this year.
"The amendment basically is put forward to reduce our miscellaneous revenues to an amount that we could realistically collect," he said.
"Our analysis shows that our revenues have fallen off dramatically since 2008 and even somewhat in the beginning of 2009."
While municipal taxes will be going up, the owner of a home valued at the borough average of $343,760 will still see a $110 reduction in taxes overall because of reductions in the tax levy in both the Monmouth Regional and Tinton Falls school district budgets.
At the meeting, Pfeffer explained some of the revenue line items that were ultimately reduced.
"The major accounts that we reduced were the municipal court, interest on investment, Uniform Construction Code revenue and hotel tax revenue," he said.
"We went through various line items," he added. "Some had to do with changes in professionals, some had to do with just certain things that occurred in the last two months."
But one of the major problems affecting the borough's finances is the depleted surplus, which now stands at less than $50,000.
"How much is going to come from surplus?" Councilman Scott Larkin asked at the meeting.
"$3.15 million," Pfeffer answered, adding, "I think that left us with about 40- some-odd thousand [dollars] in surplus."
For Pfeffer, the current level of the surplus is a less than comfortable situation but is something he realizes is going to be an issue moving forward.
"If I had my way, I'd like to have a whole month's worth of payroll as the rainy-day fund," he said. "That would be approximately $600,000.
"But that's just not the reality of today, given the state has mandated certain changes in the budget," he added.
The revenue shortage is something that may have major effects on future budgets, according to Pfeffer.
"What we really need in order to get through 2010 is for the economy to pick up and our revenues to come in substantially higher than what we anticipated in the budget," he said.
Overshooting the projected revenue numbers would do a lot for future budgets, including replenishing a depleted surplus, he said.
"Because what that would do is replenish the surplus, and in 2010 that would reduce our reliance on taxes and also hopefully get us in [under] the levy cap," he said. "The key is how much above those numbers can we generate? The more we generate, the better we will be in 2010."
The way the economy is currently situated, coming in over the projected revenue figures may not be a realistic goal for Tinton Falls, he said.
"If the economy stays where it is and revenue stays where it is, we will have a major problem in 2010," Pfeffer said. "It would obviously be a lot worse if we didn't have this amendment."
Pfeffer predicts that without the amendment, the borough could possibly face a shortfall of about $1.5 million, which would force the administration to find alternative ways to raise the money.
"We would have to find a way to get inside the levy cap by making drastic reductions or by taking alternative measures, which would be looking for approval from the state and/or taxpayers," he said.
Pfeffer figured that without the amendment, the borough could possibly add $850,000 to the $1.5 million revenue shortfall for next year.
Councilman Andy Mayer, who voted against the budget, said he would rather find a way to not raise taxes.
"I just keep wondering if there is more to not impact the taxpayers as much," he said.
Mayer and Pfeffer went back and forth at the meeting over what seemed to be a difference in philosophy.
"I think the original point of the amendment was to get us as close to the maximum levy cap as we could," Pfeffer said.
"We could be looking at the revenue side; to balance that, we need to keep looking at the expense side," Mayer said.
"I agree, and the mayor has instructed us to keep doing that throughout 2009 so there is a positive impact in 2010," Pfeffer said.
"My fear is by increasing the taxes and by providing that revenue, there is less incentive to keep looking at those expenses," Mayer said.
"In this environment, I would have to disagree," Pfeffer said. "I think from the standpoint of the employees here, most of them now understand the gravity of the situation, and everyone seems to be pitching in and cutting costs as much as possible."
Mayor Michael Skudera said the borough did the best it could in looking to cut expenses.
"We have looked at different cost-saving measures," Skudera said. "Some of the things we looked at so far [are]: the prosecutor's salary is lower, the borough attorney is not taking health benefits, [and] the public safety position that was lowered to save money."
But those efforts did not satisfy all of the council members.
Larkin expressed concern that what was once considered a good budget now has so many holes in it.
"I'm sitting here with a sense of disappointment that we are here looking at additional monies on what was described a couple months ago as a good budget, and how things changed that dramatically that we are here," Larkin said. "I don't want to be back here again next year."
Larkin ultimately voted yes on the amendment, but Mayer and council President Duane Morrill voted against the amendment.
"I really don't like the idea of looking at tax increases right now, especially in this economic time," Mayer said.
Morrill said he understands that it is a tough economic time for Tinton Falls, but also feels the pain of the residents in the current economic climate.
"I also understand the borough is in hard times, but so are our residents," Morrill said as he voted against the amendment. "I drive through the neighborhoods, and every day I see another house up for sale and another one of our residents pulling out because they just can't afford to live here.
"It's tough times, and I can't see raising money and chasing more residents," he added.
A public hearing on the amendment is scheduled for the Aug. 4 council meeting, to be followed by a vote on the budget amendment.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Council will vote on budget at Aug. 4 meeting
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Borough Council followed the advice of the borough's finance director and introduced an amendment to the 2009 budget that would both cut some expenses and raise taxes.
The council adopted a resolution at the July 21 meeting by a 3-2 vote that would raise the tax rate by 2.7 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
The tax rate will go from 35.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 38 cents.
The total spending plan is $21.6 million, with a tax levy of $11.4 million. The proposed amendment resulted in an $805,823 increase in taxes.
The proposed increase would cost the owner of a house valued at the borough average of $343,760 an extra $92 annually in municipal taxes, according to Director of Finance Stephen Pfeffer.
Pfeffer had urged the council to revisit the budget, which as originally proposed, did not raise the tax rate from last year.
He also said that the borough cut more than $52,000 in expenses, which is the reason why the tax increase came in below what Pfeffer previously suggested, which was that the borough go to the state-mandated 4 percent cap on increases in the tax levy.
Low revenues and bleak prospects for the future is the reason Pfeffer initially suggested that the Borough Council amend the original zero-increase tax levy.
For Pfeffer, this amendment will help Tinton Falls in the coming budgets.
"I've prepared an amendment to the 2009 budget that accomplishes many of the problems that we discussed at the last meeting," he said in addressing the council. "We did find another $52,153 [cut from expenses]."
With the increase in taxes and exp enses trimmed, the budget increase over last year now comes in under the s tate-mandated maximum tax cap.
Pfeffer said the amendment allows the budget to compensate for the low revenues from permit fees and interest earned experienced in the early part of this year.
"The amendment basically is put forward to reduce our miscellaneous revenues to an amount that we could realistically collect," he said.
"Our analysis shows that our revenues have fallen off dramatically since 2008 and even somewhat in the beginning of 2009."
While municipal taxes will be going up, the owner of a home valued at the borough average of $343,760 will still see a $110 reduction in taxes overall because of reductions in the tax levy in both the Monmouth Regional and Tinton Falls school district budgets.
At the meeting, Pfeffer explained some of the revenue line items that were ultimately reduced.
"The major accounts that we reduced were the municipal court, interest on investment, Uniform Construction Code revenue and hotel tax revenue," he said.
"We went through various line items," he added. "Some had to do with changes in professionals, some had to do with just certain things that occurred in the last two months."
But one of the major problems affecting the borough's finances is the depleted surplus, which now stands at less than $50,000.
"How much is going to come from surplus?" Councilman Scott Larkin asked at the meeting.
"$3.15 million," Pfeffer answered, adding, "I think that left us with about 40- some-odd thousand [dollars] in surplus."
For Pfeffer, the current level of the surplus is a less than comfortable situation but is something he realizes is going to be an issue moving forward.
"If I had my way, I'd like to have a whole month's worth of payroll as the rainy-day fund," he said. "That would be approximately $600,000.
"But that's just not the reality of today, given the state has mandated certain changes in the budget," he added.
The revenue shortage is something that may have major effects on future budgets, according to Pfeffer.
"What we really need in order to get through 2010 is for the economy to pick up and our revenues to come in substantially higher than what we anticipated in the budget," he said.
Overshooting the projected revenue numbers would do a lot for future budgets, including replenishing a depleted surplus, he said.
"Because what that would do is replenish the surplus, and in 2010 that would reduce our reliance on taxes and also hopefully get us in [under] the levy cap," he said. "The key is how much above those numbers can we generate? The more we generate, the better we will be in 2010."
The way the economy is currently situated, coming in over the projected revenue figures may not be a realistic goal for Tinton Falls, he said.
"If the economy stays where it is and revenue stays where it is, we will have a major problem in 2010," Pfeffer said. "It would obviously be a lot worse if we didn't have this amendment."
Pfeffer predicts that without the amendment, the borough could possibly face a shortfall of about $1.5 million, which would force the administration to find alternative ways to raise the money.
"We would have to find a way to get inside the levy cap by making drastic reductions or by taking alternative measures, which would be looking for approval from the state and/or taxpayers," he said.
Pfeffer figured that without the amendment, the borough could possibly add $850,000 to the $1.5 million revenue shortfall for next year.
Councilman Andy Mayer, who voted against the budget, said he would rather find a way to not raise taxes.
"I just keep wondering if there is more to not impact the taxpayers as much," he said.
Mayer and Pfeffer went back and forth at the meeting over what seemed to be a difference in philosophy.
"I think the original point of the amendment was to get us as close to the maximum levy cap as we could," Pfeffer said.
"We could be looking at the revenue side; to balance that, we need to keep looking at the expense side," Mayer said.
"I agree, and the mayor has instructed us to keep doing that throughout 2009 so there is a positive impact in 2010," Pfeffer said.
"My fear is by increasing the taxes and by providing that revenue, there is less incentive to keep looking at those expenses," Mayer said.
"In this environment, I would have to disagree," Pfeffer said. "I think from the standpoint of the employees here, most of them now understand the gravity of the situation, and everyone seems to be pitching in and cutting costs as much as possible."
Mayor Michael Skudera said the borough did the best it could in looking to cut expenses.
"We have looked at different cost-saving measures," Skudera said. "Some of the things we looked at so far [are]: the prosecutor's salary is lower, the borough attorney is not taking health benefits, [and] the public safety position that was lowered to save money."
But those efforts did not satisfy all of the council members.
Larkin expressed concern that what was once considered a good budget now has so many holes in it.
"I'm sitting here with a sense of disappointment that we are here looking at additional monies on what was described a couple months ago as a good budget, and how things changed that dramatically that we are here," Larkin said. "I don't want to be back here again next year."
Larkin ultimately voted yes on the amendment, but Mayer and council President Duane Morrill voted against the amendment.
"I really don't like the idea of looking at tax increases right now, especially in this economic time," Mayer said.
Morrill said he understands that it is a tough economic time for Tinton Falls, but also feels the pain of the residents in the current economic climate.
"I also understand the borough is in hard times, but so are our residents," Morrill said as he voted against the amendment. "I drive through the neighborhoods, and every day I see another house up for sale and another one of our residents pulling out because they just can't afford to live here.
"It's tough times, and I can't see raising money and chasing more residents," he added.
A public hearing on the amendment is scheduled for the Aug. 4 council meeting, to be followed by a vote on the budget amendment.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Enivronmental commission meets in L.B.
Environmental commission meets in L.B.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The city's newly formed Long Branch Environmental Commission met for the first time and officially drafted bylaws recently.
The group was appointed on June 22 and met for the first time on July 13.
The commission members discussed issues including the "Change a Bulb, Change the World" campaign.
The campaign was spearheaded by Mellaci and was featured at the recent Oceanfest celebration on July 4.
"Four hundred and seventy people pledged to the change their light bulb campaign," Mellaci said.
Mellaci also explained that the campaign has grown in the past three years.
"This is our third year," she said. "I thought we did great the first year, the second year was better. I expect this year to be even better then that."
With 470 already signed up, the initiative still has plans to collect more signatures.
"The last year, I think we had about 700 or 750 people sign on to the campaign. This year we are already at 470," Mellaci said. "We haven't started our library campaign yet. They are a great source of dissemination of information to the public.
"They get a lot of pledges," she added. "We signed up about 300 or 400 people down there."
The campaign educates the public about which light bulbs are best to save on energy.
"My concern is a lot of people don't know that compact lights are hazardous," Teitelbaum said. "You have to take them to Home Depot, you can't take them to Hazmat."
The commission will meet on the second Monday of each month and is led by Long Branch resident Mark Smiga.
"Our initial goal is to try to raise public awareness that we exist," Smiga said.
Commission members are Mark Smiga, Marcia Blackwell, Faith Teitelbaum, Dick Honymar, Rich Garlipp, Jennifer Smiga, Richard Lee and Ceil Mancini. Also involved are city employee liaisons, Carl Turner and Michele Bernich of the Planning Board and Carol Mellaci of the Division of Purchasing.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The city's newly formed Long Branch Environmental Commission met for the first time and officially drafted bylaws recently.
The group was appointed on June 22 and met for the first time on July 13.
The commission members discussed issues including the "Change a Bulb, Change the World" campaign.
The campaign was spearheaded by Mellaci and was featured at the recent Oceanfest celebration on July 4.
"Four hundred and seventy people pledged to the change their light bulb campaign," Mellaci said.
Mellaci also explained that the campaign has grown in the past three years.
"This is our third year," she said. "I thought we did great the first year, the second year was better. I expect this year to be even better then that."
With 470 already signed up, the initiative still has plans to collect more signatures.
"The last year, I think we had about 700 or 750 people sign on to the campaign. This year we are already at 470," Mellaci said. "We haven't started our library campaign yet. They are a great source of dissemination of information to the public.
"They get a lot of pledges," she added. "We signed up about 300 or 400 people down there."
The campaign educates the public about which light bulbs are best to save on energy.
"My concern is a lot of people don't know that compact lights are hazardous," Teitelbaum said. "You have to take them to Home Depot, you can't take them to Hazmat."
The commission will meet on the second Monday of each month and is led by Long Branch resident Mark Smiga.
"Our initial goal is to try to raise public awareness that we exist," Smiga said.
Commission members are Mark Smiga, Marcia Blackwell, Faith Teitelbaum, Dick Honymar, Rich Garlipp, Jennifer Smiga, Richard Lee and Ceil Mancini. Also involved are city employee liaisons, Carl Turner and Michele Bernich of the Planning Board and Carol Mellaci of the Division of Purchasing.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Funding secured to complete L.B. pier design
Funding secured to complete L.B. pier design
House approves Pallone's request for $300K
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Long Branch pier and ferry terminal took another step toward being shovel-ready last week when the city secured $300,000 in funding.
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved a fiscal year (FY) 2010 Transportation and Housing & Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill that includes his request for $300,000 to complete the design and engineering phase of the Long Branch Pier and Ferry Terminal, according to a press release from Pallone's office.
In April, the city closed its request for proposals (RFP) for a lead designer to provide oceanfront pier and ferry terminal design and program management services.
As listed by the RFP, the contract will be funded jointly by the federal government and the city.
On Monday, Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. said the administration and a committee are reviewing proposals received.
Woolley said that the city hopes to have an announcement for a contract for the pier design in about 30 days.
"We are working through all the proposals," Woolley said. "We hope to have a contract in about 30 days and we are looking forward to getting the architectural design process started."
As for the funding, Woolley credits work by the mayor, council and administration as crucial to securing the additional funding.
"It was the result of a lot of work with the congressman," Woolley said. "We are very pleased we got it."
The projected ferry project is expected to connect Long Branch with lower Manhattan and, according to Pallone, would create 1,200 jobs during the construction phase and 600 full-time jobs once operation begins.
"During these difficult economic times it is important that we invest in infrastructure projects that will create jobs and improve communities," Pallone said in the release.
Pallone also expects the ferry and pier to benefit Long Branch from a tourism standpoint.
"The project will also boost the tourism market, enhance interstate commerce and attract residential and business investment along the Jersey Coast," he said.
According to Pallone, he requested the funds earlier this year.
News of the funding comes after the Long Branch City Council adopted an ordinance in March approving $1 million in bonds for the pier redevelopment project.
The ordinance authorizes a $50,000 down payment and $950,000 in bonds to finance the design of the pier and ferry terminal. The funds will pay for the preliminary design and engineering plans, but do not cover administrative costs.
In 1987, a fire destroyed the Long Branch pier, and since that time the city has acquired redevelopment rights and is ready to rebuild the pier and other amenities, including retail, restaurants, an amphitheater and a children's play area along the oceanfront.
The pier project is divided into three components:
The Core Pier, which will be the main structure and will cost approximately $36.3 million. Plans call for the pier to extend 900 feet from the boardwalk into the Atlantic Ocean.
The high-speed ferry terminal and docking facility, slated to cost $20.2 million, would provide a direct route from the Long Branch region to lower Manhattan at a travel time of 40 minutes. The pier will contain a docking system, as well as the ticketing and waiting areas required for the ferry operation.
The final component is the amenity uses at an estimated cost of $32.5 million, which include retail, restaurants, event space, a public winter garden, outdoor amphitheater, entertainment space, fishing area and a children's play area.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
House approves Pallone's request for $300K
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
The Long Branch pier and ferry terminal took another step toward being shovel-ready last week when the city secured $300,000 in funding.
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved a fiscal year (FY) 2010 Transportation and Housing & Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill that includes his request for $300,000 to complete the design and engineering phase of the Long Branch Pier and Ferry Terminal, according to a press release from Pallone's office.
In April, the city closed its request for proposals (RFP) for a lead designer to provide oceanfront pier and ferry terminal design and program management services.
As listed by the RFP, the contract will be funded jointly by the federal government and the city.
On Monday, Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. said the administration and a committee are reviewing proposals received.
Woolley said that the city hopes to have an announcement for a contract for the pier design in about 30 days.
"We are working through all the proposals," Woolley said. "We hope to have a contract in about 30 days and we are looking forward to getting the architectural design process started."
As for the funding, Woolley credits work by the mayor, council and administration as crucial to securing the additional funding.
"It was the result of a lot of work with the congressman," Woolley said. "We are very pleased we got it."
The projected ferry project is expected to connect Long Branch with lower Manhattan and, according to Pallone, would create 1,200 jobs during the construction phase and 600 full-time jobs once operation begins.
"During these difficult economic times it is important that we invest in infrastructure projects that will create jobs and improve communities," Pallone said in the release.
Pallone also expects the ferry and pier to benefit Long Branch from a tourism standpoint.
"The project will also boost the tourism market, enhance interstate commerce and attract residential and business investment along the Jersey Coast," he said.
According to Pallone, he requested the funds earlier this year.
News of the funding comes after the Long Branch City Council adopted an ordinance in March approving $1 million in bonds for the pier redevelopment project.
The ordinance authorizes a $50,000 down payment and $950,000 in bonds to finance the design of the pier and ferry terminal. The funds will pay for the preliminary design and engineering plans, but do not cover administrative costs.
In 1987, a fire destroyed the Long Branch pier, and since that time the city has acquired redevelopment rights and is ready to rebuild the pier and other amenities, including retail, restaurants, an amphitheater and a children's play area along the oceanfront.
The pier project is divided into three components:
The Core Pier, which will be the main structure and will cost approximately $36.3 million. Plans call for the pier to extend 900 feet from the boardwalk into the Atlantic Ocean.
The high-speed ferry terminal and docking facility, slated to cost $20.2 million, would provide a direct route from the Long Branch region to lower Manhattan at a travel time of 40 minutes. The pier will contain a docking system, as well as the ticketing and waiting areas required for the ferry operation.
The final component is the amenity uses at an estimated cost of $32.5 million, which include retail, restaurants, event space, a public winter garden, outdoor amphitheater, entertainment space, fishing area and a children's play area.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
No Flash Detected
Please download the latest version by clicking below:
Get
Advertisement for Brock Farms
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)