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Asbury Park council reviews 36-unit "Carousel" proposal as residents push for landmark protections
Summary
Developers presented plans for a 36-unit, multifamily building on a former parking lot near Wesley Lake; attendees pressed the council to use legal and preservation tools to stop demolition of boardwalk landmarks and to protect public parking and family-sized housing.
Developers of a waterfront parcel in Asbury Park presented a plan for a 36-unit multifamily building on what is now a surface parking lot, telling the council the project would not demolish any existing boardwalk buildings.
"This application involves the redevelopment of what is currently a surface parking lot. This does not involve the demolition of any buildings or any structures whatsoever," said Jennifer Phillips Smith, attorney for APW Redeveloper, during the council presentation. She said the project would later proceed to the planning board for subdivision and site-plan approvals.
Civil engineer Lena Borda Veron described site constraints, including two existing easements along Wesley Lake, a site elevation that informed flood-hazard design, and an internal parking garage. "Based on the ordinance we would be required to provide 54 parking spaces. We are providing 58 parking spaces within the garage," Borda Veron said.
Architect Michael Lawson outlined the proposed five-story building massing, rooftop terraces and materials palette. "We have 36 units," Lawson said. "Four of them are one‑bedrooms and 32 of them are two‑bedrooms." He added the design incorporates sustainability measures such as EV chargers, bicycle parking and LED lighting, and that the team is targeting many LEED Silver practices.
Councilors pressed the developers on interior layout and potential unintended uses. Council member Clayton asked about enclosed "dens" in several units that could function as bedrooms. Developers confirmed those dens lack windows and closets; councilors said that feature is likely to be scrutinized at the planning-board review and may require deed or lease restrictions.
Public commenters at the meeting raised broader concerns tied to the same waterfront redevelopment area: the loss of public parking, a lack of family-sized units, and the visual character of new buildings. Several speakers urged the council to require local art or murals on new facades and to ensure new development does not erase historic character.
The project team said the current presentation is one step in a multi-stage approval process; a subsequent developer agreement and planning-board review will follow. The council did not take a substantive vote on the project tonight; public review and technical permitting remain ahead.
The council scheduled related public hearings and will receive more detailed design and permit drawings during the planning-board review, where issues such as unit layout, windowing and parking will be revisited.
