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FC Monmouth pitches youth clinics and community engagement at Camp Basie; residents raise church, park and retail concerns
Summary
FC Monmouth's general manager proposed expanding free player clinics and pre‑match health and vendor engagement at Camp Basie; public comments raised opposition to a local 'Bridal' project, concerns about Marine Park construction impacts and a cluster of vape/head shops downtown.
James Dares, general manager of FC Monmouth, told the Red Bank Borough Council that the club has used Camp Basie Park since 2018 and wants to broaden its community programming ahead of the 2026 season. "Prior to our matches, we've hosted player clinics for free with our players for years now at this point," Dares said, and described a plan for pre‑match engagement that would include player demonstrations, clinics, and opportunities for visitors to visit vendor tables and learn about local resources. He proposed an event date in mid‑October (staff availability and field scheduling remain to be confirmed).
During the public comment period, Charles Janjigian of 165 Spring Street spoke on behalf of some Monmouth Street restaurant owners who he said were "severely opposed" to a project referenced as 'Bridal' and suggested the borough consider business impacts. Janjigian also noted that initial construction activity had started at Marine Park and urged caution around tree removal and potential ground degradation near the riverbank. "We don't need [more head shops and vape shops]," Janjigian said, reporting there are five or six such businesses downtown.
Council members acknowledged the comments and discussed enforcement and traffic safety in response to separate comments about double parking on Mummah Street; a resident described a truck encountering double‑parked cars that narrowed the roadway. One attendee promoted a fundraiser for the Red Bank Borough Education Foundation in which a portion of sales at designated pumps will be donated to the foundation during September and October.
Dares said the club already runs free player clinics and envisions deeper partnership with the borough's health and wellness committee and local businesses to turn match days into broader engagement opportunities for families and youth. He emphasized coordination with Parks & Rec and local vendors and said final dates depend on field availability.
The council did not take formal action on the FC Monmouth proposal during the meeting; staff indicated they would follow up on scheduling and logistics.
