Public commenter raises concerns about grant status, DEI events and holiday displays in Long Branch

Vincent Lepore of 33 Ocean Terrace spoke during public comment to question details of Ordinance 02-25 and to raise separate concerns about past city events and holiday displays.

On the ordinance he asked why the Health and Technology Center was assigned a useful life of 28.7 years and why vacant land purchases were shown with a 40-year useful life. Mr. Martin, a city staff member, replied those useful-life schedules come from state bond law and the schedule required for bond ordinances. Lepore pressed whether an $850,000 Department of Housing and Urban Development grant listed for City Center Park had been received; Mr. Martin said the city had not received that cash and that some federal grants referenced for the technology center had not been fully received or spent.

Lepore also criticized the city’s handling of a DEI flag-raising event at West End Park on June 6, 2024, saying law-enforcement resources were redeployed and alleging the city prioritized that event over traditional Christmas displays in the park in prior years. He urged Council President Viera to answer questions about the city's priorities and alleged that the city had a pattern of redevelopment that harmed long-standing African American residents. Lepore's statements about past administrations and alleged actions were presented as his account and were not supported by documentary evidence at the meeting.

The council did not take action on the matters Lepore raised; staff answered questions about grant receipt status but did not provide documentation of grant deposits during the public hearing.