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Council adopts redevelopment plan for 1211–1213 West Park Avenue over resident traffic concerns
Summary
Ordinance 2545, a redevelopment plan for two West Park Avenue lots that could allow about 30 townhomes near the middle school, was adopted by a 3–1 vote after a resident warned of traffic impacts and asked when planning documents would be made public.
The Ocean Township Council adopted Ordinance 2545 on June 11, approving a redevelopment plan for block 1.22, lots 33 and 34 (1211–1213 West Park Avenue). The measure passed by a 3–1 roll-call vote after public comment raised concerns about traffic and notice.
Resident Alex Hayes, who spoke at the public hearing, said he had consistently objected to the proposal and warned it could worsen traffic near the middle school: “I just cannot imagine the traffic that’s going to be... a stone’s throw from the middle school,” he said, and asked when redevelopment documents would be made available to the public.
Town staff and council replied that the planning board had already considered the plan in a public meeting and that the related reports and exhibits are a matter of public record. Councilor Kevin said, "It's public now. The planning board approved it at a public meeting," and advised Mr. Hayes to request documents through the municipal records/OPRA process if he wanted copies.
Why it matters: The redevelopment plan covers two properties adjacent to Ocean Township Middle School and, according to public remarks, could accommodate roughly 30 townhome units. Residents expressed worry about traffic, circulation, and whether sufficient notice and documentation were available ahead of the council vote.
Vote and next steps: The council closed public comment and adopted the ordinance (roll-call recorded: Aera — yes; Kaplan — yes; Terico — no; Neutani — yes). Staff said redevelopment documents and planning-board materials are available through municipal channels and that further project-level proposals (site plans, design details) will come back through the planning process and be subject to public review.
Public-record access: Multiple speakers urged improved timeliness for posting minutes and planning materials; staff agreed to circulate the planning-board record and said residents may file an OPRA request for documents.
