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Residents press city over 7.5-foot sidewalks, permeable pavers and lost parking amid Webb Street redevelopment
Summary
Neighbors at the May 27 meeting urged the council to reconsider plans for 7–7.5-foot permanent sidewalks and concrete pavers on Webb Street and 6th Avenue, citing higher costs, maintenance concerns and lost parking. City staff said the width reflects redevelopment plans and that a paver maintenance schedule will be implemented.
Residents told the Asbury Park City Council May 27 they are concerned that recent redevelopment plans for Webb Street and surrounding blocks call for 7- to 7.5-foot permanent sidewalks and concrete pavers that will replace grassy aprons and may raise long-term maintenance costs for homeowners.
"Why do we need 7-foot sidewalks on a one-way street that has very little pedestrian traffic?" asked Gabriela Cucinada (209 6th Avenue), who said recent plans show 7-foot and 7.5-foot sidewalks where nearby blocks have 5-foot sidewalks and green aprons. She argued wider concrete pavers will cost residents more to replace and will diminish the neighborhood’s green character.
Frank Cucinato, also of 209 6th Avenue, pressed the city for a maintenance plan for permeable pavers, saying the installations “do not remain permeable unless they're maintained.” He said some pavers around town already appear to have lost permeability and that grass would be preferable where appropriate.
City staff and DPW representatives said the wider sidewalks are intended as permanent features tied to redevelopment of nearby parcels and right-of-way agreements; some earlier 5-foot sidewalks were temporary. Staff told residents they are coordinating with the manufacturer and that DPW will implement a power-washing maintenance schedule for pavers (frequency not specified in the transcript).
Residents also raised short-term parking losses after temporary repaving and striping; a merchant and resident said at least three parking spots were temporarily removed on Webb. Officials said temporary striping can be added for the summer and that the developer (identified in the meeting as Starfield) will be urged to restore permanent lines after paving.
Why it matters: Sidewalk widths, surface materials and parking availability affect pedestrian access, neighborhood character and ongoing maintenance costs that can fall to homeowners. Residents asked the council to examine consistency across blocks and to document long-term maintenance responsibilities.
What’s next: Staff said work in the area is expected to be substantially complete by mid-June (weather permitting) and that the city will press the developer to provide temporary striping for the summer and follow a paver maintenance plan.
