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Asbury Park council adopts transportation updates, approves UEZ grant application and new bench sponsorship program
Summary
Council adopted a transportation ordinance with several traffic and parking changes, unanimously approved a $100,000 UEZ application for downtown events and created a bench sponsorship program; public commenters urged better downtown parking enforcement and street‑tree maintenance.
The Asbury Park City Council adopted a transportation ordinance and approved several routine and economic development resolutions at its December meeting, and members of the public urged city officials to address persistent downtown parking problems.
Transportation Director James Bonanno summarized ordinance 2025‑29 as a package of six changes stemming from committee recommendations and public comments: a no‑parking zone on Sylvan Avenue outside the Renaissance exit to protect turning movements; designation of a WC manager parking space in City Hall's lot; installation of a new four‑way stop at Park Avenue and 7th Avenue; establishment of two 15‑minute spaces on Asbury Avenue tied to a nearby development; 12 resident‑only permit spaces on Birch Street between 1st and 2nd avenues; and one‑way designations for Bridal, New and Pine streets. The council adopted the ordinance after a public comment period. The motion carried with Council member Chapman voting "No"; other council members voted yes.
On the consent and individual resolutions, the council:
- Approved the consent agenda (resolutions 2025‑480 through 2025‑490) in a single vote. - Passed resolution 2025‑491 (setting the Jan. 14, 2026 reorganization meeting) as amended to begin executive session at 4:00 p.m. and the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. - Approved payment of bills (resolution 2025‑492). - Passed resolution 2025‑493 authorizing an application to the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for $100,000 to fund regularly scheduled UEZ‑sponsored consumer‑attracting events. - Approved resolution 2025‑494 to establish a bench sponsorship program overseen by the nonprofit friends group supporting the Shade Tree Commission for benches near Deal, Sunset and Wesley Lakes.
Public participation focused on downtown parking enforcement, permit rules and visitor parking. Luis Morales, owner of Endless Waves (550 Cookman Ave), described persistent all‑day parking in metered spots and permit‑excluded areas that reduces turnover and meter revenue and urged the city to adopt measures such as a four‑hour limit to improve customer access. "Without clear limits and daytime turnover, the downtown district cannot function as an accessible, vibrant commercial area," Morales said. Council invited him to the parking committee meeting scheduled for Jan. 21 to continue the conversation.
The council moved through several ordinance introductions to amend building and fire/alarm code sections; those items were introduced for later public hearing. After those matters the meeting adjourned.
Next steps: The transportation ordinance will take effect per the city's ordinance schedule; the UEZ application will proceed through the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority process if the city submits the application. Public parking concerns will be carried to the parking committee for further consideration.
