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Council gets update on Community Benefits Agreement; some residents ask for transparency on uses
Summary
Council and the public discussed how the $5 million Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is being allocated; the mayor said most of the $5 million remains unspent and committees will continue public meetings; examples of potential recipients were listed (Eatontown Baseball, Mount Zion Church).
Council members and residents asked how the $5,000,000 CBA funds are being distributed and whether operational costs (IT) were being shifted into the CBA. The mayor said the committee has met and will provide updates; he listed initial requests including funding for Eatontown Baseball (which serves about 180 kids) and Mount Zion Church for ADA accessibility improvements. "The overwhelming majority of the $5,000,000 is not touched," the mayor said, and added that committee meetings are public and will continue to refine priorities.
Residents expressed concern about using CBA funds for items that previously were operational expenses, and asked for clarity on how CBA awards are prioritized. Council members said they will continue to engage with the CBA committee and invite public input; the mayor said more detailed grant lists and legal guidance have been obtained and will be presented during regular meetings.
