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Long Branch Council adopts boardwalk extension, zoning changes and a new fire truck; several ordinances pass unanimously
Summary
The Long Branch City Council on Dec. 10 adopted multiple ordinances, including a $5 million ARPA‑funded boardwalk extension, bond ordinances tied to state grants, a $2 million bond for a 100‑foot ladder 'quint' for the fire department, and a parking restriction; roll calls recorded affirmative votes and motions passed.
On Dec. 10, 2025, the Long Branch City Council adopted several ordinances and took routine actions including a consent agenda and license renewals.
The council adopted Ordinance 15‑25, creating no‑parking restrictions on the south side of West End Court (west of 2nd Avenue) to reserve space for commercial loading and unloading. The measure was adopted on second and final reading by roll call (yes votes recorded), with no public comment at the hearing.
The council also adopted Ordinance 16‑25, a capital ordinance to construct the boardwalk extension in the city, appropriating $5,000,000 expected from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) for a pier and supporting amenities. No members of the public spoke during the hearing; the ordinance passed on second and final reading by roll call.
Related financing was approved through Ordinance 17‑25, a bond ordinance authorizing approximately $4,761,000 in bonds to finance part of the Boardwalk Extension project. Officials stated the city received grant awards from the New Jersey Division of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Boardwalk Preservation Fund; recent FEMA flood elevation changes and updated engineering load requirements were cited as factors affecting design and cost. The bond ordinance passed on final reading by roll call.
Ordinance 18‑25 authorizes acquisition of a multi‑purpose 100‑foot aerial 'quint' for the Long Branch Fire Department, appropriating $2,000,000 and authorizing $1,904,000 in bonds. During the public hearing, resident Vincent Lepore challenged the ordinance’s public summary and questioned procurement details, life expectancy and whether the department preferred a tower bucket rather than a ladder truck. Despite objections and questions, the council adopted the ordinance on second and final reading by roll call.
The council adopted Ordinance 19‑25 to amend zoning Chapter 345 to add definitions for 'gasoline station' and 'convenience center'; the hearing produced no public comment and the ordinance was approved on final reading.
Votes at a glance: • Ordinance 15‑25 (No parking, West End Court west of 2nd Ave): Adopted on second/final reading; roll call recorded affirmative votes; outcome: approved. • Ordinance 16‑25 (Boardwalk extension — $5,000,000, ARPA): Adopted on second/final reading; outcome: approved. • Ordinance 17‑25 (Bond ordinance, Boardwalk Extension — bonds ~$4,761,000; state grants noted): Adopted on second/final reading; outcome: approved. • Ordinance 18‑25 (Bond for fire truck — $2,000,000 appropriation; $1,904,000 bonds): Adopted on second/final reading; outcome: approved. Public commenter raised procurement and specification questions. • Ordinance 19‑25 (Zoning definitions — gasoline station, convenience center): Adopted on second/final reading; outcome: approved.
The council also approved a consent agenda of resolutions, renewed taxicab owner licenses for 2026 and introduced Ordinance 21‑25 (titles and salaries for certain employees for 2025), setting its public hearing for Dec. 23, 2025.
What’s next: Ordinance 21‑25 was introduced on first reading and scheduled for a public hearing on Dec. 23, 2025; capital projects tied to federal and state grants will proceed according to the ordinances adopted.
