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West Long Branch council adopts higher FAR standard after lengthy public hearing
Summary
After more than a dozen residents spoke, the Borough Council adopted Ordinance O-26-14 on June 3, 2026, increasing floor-area-ratio (FAR) limits in parts of West Long Branch. Supporters and opponents urged further study; the council says changes can be revisited.
The West Long Branch Mayor and Council voted unanimously June 3 to adopt Ordinance O-26-14, which amends subsections §18-3 and §18-15 of the borough zoning code to increase allowable floor-area-ratio in specified zones. Councilman Bray moved adoption on third reading; the motion passed with all six members voting aye.
Borough Planner Andy Thomas summarized the ordinance during the public hearing, saying, "0-26-14 increases the FAR beyond the existing standards currently in place." Residents who spoke during the hearing offered a mix of concerns and recommendations: Ralph Hanan warned that changing rules after purchases can hurt resale prospects; Joe Bouganim said the draft rules "would prevent him from staying in his home if he wanted to grow his family," and others urged a design-review approach or additional time to study alternatives.
Several speakers questioned legal and technical details: Steve Schulz argued the draft's two-year protection language conflicted with state timing rules, while attorney Jennifer Krimko countered that the Municipal Land Use Law provides a minimum two-year protection and that municipalities may adopt longer protections. Council members said they had received more than 70 emails on the topic, emphasized that the ordinance increases—rather than tightens—current allowances, and noted the council remains open to revisiting specifics in the future.
The ordinance record notes the public hearing was posted in advance; the adoption completes the local legislative process for this change, and the council may consider further amendments at later meetings.
