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Residents press council on Kushner tax abatement, EMS contract and public‑comment rules; mayor cites First Amendment limits on flags
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Summary
Public commenters urged the council to reject a tax-abatement for the Kushner Lower Broadway project after a fire, questioned a five-year county EMS contract, and asked the city to reform public‑comment procedures and clarify flag displays on city property; Mayor Polon and council responded that many flags are on private property and that the city will not approve an abatement tied to the fire.
Public commenters used the April 8 Long Branch City Council meeting to press for policy changes and clearer answers on several issues, including a requested resolution on the Kushner Company’s Lower Broadway project, questions about an EMS shared‑services contract, proposals to reform public‑comment rules, and a request for a consistent flag policy on city property.
Vincent Lepore (33 Ocean Terrace) submitted a written resolution he asked the clerk to place on the April 22 agenda that would direct the council to "negate any attempt by Kushner Companies to use the fire damaged tenement building as an excuse for a long term tax abatement." Lepore also questioned the proposed county EMS shared‑services contract, asking why it covers the period 05/01/2026 to 04/30/2031 rather than annual terms, where the city will house two ambulances required under the agreement, and whether Long Branch residents would be responsible for out‑of‑pocket fees.
Lepore told the dais he wanted answers about subsidy levels for MedStar services and noted a separate budget transfer he said would put $140,000 to first aid squads; the transcript records his concerns and his request that the clerk certify and circulate his proposed resolution.
A second resident who identified himself as JP called for structural changes to public participation, urging the council to allow virtual attendance, create standing town committees for recurring topics, consider a public advocate to track resident concerns and permit limited cross dialogue during the public comment period (he suggested a 10‑minute allowance). "We need to make the public comment section better," he said, arguing the current five‑minute, no‑cross‑dialogue format discourages participation and follow‑through.
Johnny Morales (215 Norwood Avenue) asked the council to adopt a clear, consistent policy on flags and displays on city‑owned property to ensure neutrality and fair representation across communities. Mayor Polon and council members responded that many flags raised in the discussion were on private property and therefore protected by the First Amendment. Mayor Polon said the city controls flags on public property but cannot order private property owners to remove displays, adding, "The First Amendment protects my right to put a flag on my house that offends you." Another council member went on record during responses to state there would be no abatement for the Lower Broadway project.
Council President acknowledged the comments and invited residents to follow up during council hours; the clerk provided the city's public‑comment rules and said residents may schedule time with the clerk to continue discussions. The council also accepted a consent agenda of listed resolutions (no changes reported) and moved to take informational steps including posting details of community events (an expungement workshop) and outreach on the city website.
The meeting record shows requests for follow‑up (responses to Lepore’s questions about EMS subsidy and ambulance housing, and formal consideration of his proposed resolution) were made; the transcript does not record detailed answers to Lepore’s budget and contract questions at this meeting.
