Dear Constituents,
I am writing to inform you about an important event taking place tomorrow night.
The Asbury Park School District - District Wide & School Based Parent/Community Liaisons are sponsoring a Title I & No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Training.
EDUCATION AND PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When: November 28, 2006 – 6:00-7:30pm
Where: Bradley Elementary School, 1100 Third Avenue, Asbury Park
Refreshments will be served.
Speakers include:
Mr. Dale Caldwell, President of New Brunswick Board of Education, and the Middlesex Region Educational Services Commission, and is a former deputy commissioner of the State Department of Community Affairs.
Ms. Anna Taliaferro, Parent Resource Center Supervisor, Paterson, NJ, and president of the New Jersey Association of Parent Coordinators, Inc. She has a long history and expertise in advocating for parents locally and nationally.
For more information contact Ms. Jessie M. Ricks at 732.776.2559, Ext. 2562.
I hope you can attend.
Peace, JWK
James W. Keady, Councilman
City of Asbury Park, NJ
Monday, November 27, 2006
Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan - Information Session
Dear Constituents,
On behalf of myself, Councilman Johnson and the entire Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee, I would like to invite you to attend an information and discussion session regarding the Amended Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan.
This community meeting will take place this Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 6pm at Sisters Academy, which is located on the corner of Springwood and Ridge Avenues, Asbury Park.
At this event we will be offering the community a first look at the draft Amended Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan that the committee has generated after more than a year of concerted effort.
Following this information session, we will present the draft plan to the Mayor and Council on December 6, 2006. We also will allow the community a 30-day review period and we will schedule a number of input/feedback sessions with the public throughout January 2007. When these are completed, we will make final recommendations to the Mayor and Council in February 2007.
It is important for you to know that the plan is not in its final form. This is a crucial time for the public to give input and help us to shape the plan so that the community feels 100% comfortable with its contents.
If you have any questions prior to the meeting, feel free to email me at james.keady@cityofasburypark.com or call me at 732-502-5196.
I hope this finds you well and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
Peace, JWK
James W. Keady, Councilman
City of Asbury Park, NJ
On behalf of myself, Councilman Johnson and the entire Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee, I would like to invite you to attend an information and discussion session regarding the Amended Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan.
This community meeting will take place this Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 6pm at Sisters Academy, which is located on the corner of Springwood and Ridge Avenues, Asbury Park.
At this event we will be offering the community a first look at the draft Amended Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan that the committee has generated after more than a year of concerted effort.
Following this information session, we will present the draft plan to the Mayor and Council on December 6, 2006. We also will allow the community a 30-day review period and we will schedule a number of input/feedback sessions with the public throughout January 2007. When these are completed, we will make final recommendations to the Mayor and Council in February 2007.
It is important for you to know that the plan is not in its final form. This is a crucial time for the public to give input and help us to shape the plan so that the community feels 100% comfortable with its contents.
If you have any questions prior to the meeting, feel free to email me at james.keady@cityofasburypark.com or call me at 732-502-5196.
I hope this finds you well and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
Peace, JWK
James W. Keady, Councilman
City of Asbury Park, NJ
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Constituents,
My wife Leslie and I would like to wish each of you and your families a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. In honor of this wonderful holiday, I would like to share with you a poem by Joanna Fuchs that I particularly enjoy.
Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now,
let’s be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I’m thankful for you.
###
On a related Thanksgiving note, for many of us, Thanksgiving weekend is not complete without a solid dose of football. Given this, I would like to invite you to attend one or all of the following Thanksgiving weekend football games to support our kids in Asbury Park.
Friday 11:00am at Toms River South High School
Asbury Park Junior Midgets vs. Bridgewater-Raritan
Eastern Region Pop Warner Championship
If they win they will go to the National Championship in Orlando, Florida
Saturday at 4:30pm at Toms River South
Asbury Park Pee-Wees vs. White Oak, MD
Eastern Region Pop Warner Championship
If they win they will go to the National Championship in Orlando, Florida
Saturday at 10:30am at Neptune High School
Asbury Park HS Blue Bishops play the Neptune HS Scarlet Fliers
Regular Season Game
I hope this finds you well and again, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Peace, JWK
My wife Leslie and I would like to wish each of you and your families a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. In honor of this wonderful holiday, I would like to share with you a poem by Joanna Fuchs that I particularly enjoy.
Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now,
let’s be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I’m thankful for you.
###
On a related Thanksgiving note, for many of us, Thanksgiving weekend is not complete without a solid dose of football. Given this, I would like to invite you to attend one or all of the following Thanksgiving weekend football games to support our kids in Asbury Park.
Friday 11:00am at Toms River South High School
Asbury Park Junior Midgets vs. Bridgewater-Raritan
Eastern Region Pop Warner Championship
If they win they will go to the National Championship in Orlando, Florida
Saturday at 4:30pm at Toms River South
Asbury Park Pee-Wees vs. White Oak, MD
Eastern Region Pop Warner Championship
If they win they will go to the National Championship in Orlando, Florida
Saturday at 10:30am at Neptune High School
Asbury Park HS Blue Bishops play the Neptune HS Scarlet Fliers
Regular Season Game
I hope this finds you well and again, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Peace, JWK
Monday, November 20, 2006
Request for Funding for the West Side Community Center
Dear Constituents,
I am writing to share information with you about the discussion that occurred at last Monday’s City Council Meeting regarding earmarking funds for potential use by the West Side Community Center.
During the public portion of the meeting, a significant number of residents and community leaders shared their frustrations about the violence in our streets and its impact on our young people. To combat this problem, they asked for the City Council to offer greater support to the West Side Community Center.
In light of the issues they raised, I put a motion on the floor requesting that the governing body earmark $100,000 in funding from our Community Development and Affordable Housing Fund that could be made available for infrastructure upgrades and programming at the West Side Community Center. I also stated that in order for this money to be released, the West Side Community Center would submit proposals to the City Council on how the money would be used. The governing body would subsequently vote on which proposals they would like to support.
I was unable to garner a second for this motion.
There have been some detractors of mine that have suggested that I met with these citizens on Sunday night prior to the meeting and “set the whole thing up.” Not only does such a charge show complete disrespect for the initiative of these West Side residents, it also is patently false. On Sunday evening, when the community members were holding their meeting, I was at home with my wife, Leslie.
There has also been the charge that I “blindsided” my colleagues with my request, that I had never discussed this issue before. On October 18, 2006, the day that Tylik Pugh was shot, I discussed earmarking $250,000 in funds from the Community Development and Affordable Housing Fund for community programs with both the City Manager and the Mayor. My proposal was similar to the one I made on Monday night, that the funds would be set aside and that community organizations like the West Side Community Center, the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army, etc. could apply for money for programs specifically focused on getting our young people off the streets and involved in positive activities. At the request of the Mayor, I did not put forth this proposal publicly that night and I deferred to his desire to have some time to speak with the folks at the West Side Community Center.
It has also been said that there was no basis for the $100,000 amount that I requested be earmarked on Monday night. In my numerous conversations with staff, the former Executive Director, their consultant, and board members at the West Side Community Center, I learned quite a bit about their needs, financial and otherwise. In addition, 8 months ago, in March 2006, the West Side Community Center gave a proposal to the City requesting approximately $90,000 in funding for infrastructure upgrades to the facility. This proposal has not been moved forward to date.
Regarding the infrastructure needs to the West Side Community Center: they are deeply in need of having the bathrooms in the gym completely rehabilitated; the electrical wiring in the main building completely redone; a general facelift for both the exteriors and the interiors of the gym and the main building; and help in creating renewable revenue streams to maintain appropriate staffing levels and programming for our kids. I strongly believe that making an investment into the West Side Community Center has the potential to reap benefits for the city now and in years to come.
If you have an idea on how we can best approach the items listed above or perhaps you would like to donate your time or financial resources, please let me know.
While much attention has been focused on my approach to these issues of late, the realities still remain. I am hopeful that the entire community will work together collaboratively to address these challenges, and I firmly believe that we have it within us to accomplish the task.
I hope this finds you well.
Peace, JWK
I am writing to share information with you about the discussion that occurred at last Monday’s City Council Meeting regarding earmarking funds for potential use by the West Side Community Center.
During the public portion of the meeting, a significant number of residents and community leaders shared their frustrations about the violence in our streets and its impact on our young people. To combat this problem, they asked for the City Council to offer greater support to the West Side Community Center.
In light of the issues they raised, I put a motion on the floor requesting that the governing body earmark $100,000 in funding from our Community Development and Affordable Housing Fund that could be made available for infrastructure upgrades and programming at the West Side Community Center. I also stated that in order for this money to be released, the West Side Community Center would submit proposals to the City Council on how the money would be used. The governing body would subsequently vote on which proposals they would like to support.
I was unable to garner a second for this motion.
There have been some detractors of mine that have suggested that I met with these citizens on Sunday night prior to the meeting and “set the whole thing up.” Not only does such a charge show complete disrespect for the initiative of these West Side residents, it also is patently false. On Sunday evening, when the community members were holding their meeting, I was at home with my wife, Leslie.
There has also been the charge that I “blindsided” my colleagues with my request, that I had never discussed this issue before. On October 18, 2006, the day that Tylik Pugh was shot, I discussed earmarking $250,000 in funds from the Community Development and Affordable Housing Fund for community programs with both the City Manager and the Mayor. My proposal was similar to the one I made on Monday night, that the funds would be set aside and that community organizations like the West Side Community Center, the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army, etc. could apply for money for programs specifically focused on getting our young people off the streets and involved in positive activities. At the request of the Mayor, I did not put forth this proposal publicly that night and I deferred to his desire to have some time to speak with the folks at the West Side Community Center.
It has also been said that there was no basis for the $100,000 amount that I requested be earmarked on Monday night. In my numerous conversations with staff, the former Executive Director, their consultant, and board members at the West Side Community Center, I learned quite a bit about their needs, financial and otherwise. In addition, 8 months ago, in March 2006, the West Side Community Center gave a proposal to the City requesting approximately $90,000 in funding for infrastructure upgrades to the facility. This proposal has not been moved forward to date.
Regarding the infrastructure needs to the West Side Community Center: they are deeply in need of having the bathrooms in the gym completely rehabilitated; the electrical wiring in the main building completely redone; a general facelift for both the exteriors and the interiors of the gym and the main building; and help in creating renewable revenue streams to maintain appropriate staffing levels and programming for our kids. I strongly believe that making an investment into the West Side Community Center has the potential to reap benefits for the city now and in years to come.
If you have an idea on how we can best approach the items listed above or perhaps you would like to donate your time or financial resources, please let me know.
While much attention has been focused on my approach to these issues of late, the realities still remain. I am hopeful that the entire community will work together collaboratively to address these challenges, and I firmly believe that we have it within us to accomplish the task.
I hope this finds you well.
Peace, JWK
Friday, November 17, 2006
What Every Tennant Needs to Know
Dear Constituents,
If you or someone you know has ever asked any of the following questions…
My landlord raised my rent $300. Is that legal?
What happens to my “stuff” if I am evicted?
Can I be evicted for not having a lease?
I’ve been waiting 90 days for my security deposit. Is that legal?
They are trying to take my Section 8 away, what can I do?
Then you need to join us at:
“WHAT EVERY TENNANT NEEDS TO KNOW”
Saturday, November 18, 2006
10:00AM – 2:00PM
At The Salvation Army, 605 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey
Free Recordkeeping Kits & Cameras for the First Fifty (50) Participants
For More Information Contact Ms. Hazel Samuels: (732) 502-4589
Sponsored by the City of Asbury Park’s Affordable Housing Subcommittee and the Asbury Park Office of Housing and Community Development
Peace, JWK
If you or someone you know has ever asked any of the following questions…
My landlord raised my rent $300. Is that legal?
What happens to my “stuff” if I am evicted?
Can I be evicted for not having a lease?
I’ve been waiting 90 days for my security deposit. Is that legal?
They are trying to take my Section 8 away, what can I do?
Then you need to join us at:
“WHAT EVERY TENNANT NEEDS TO KNOW”
Saturday, November 18, 2006
10:00AM – 2:00PM
At The Salvation Army, 605 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey
Free Recordkeeping Kits & Cameras for the First Fifty (50) Participants
For More Information Contact Ms. Hazel Samuels: (732) 502-4589
Sponsored by the City of Asbury Park’s Affordable Housing Subcommittee and the Asbury Park Office of Housing and Community Development
Peace, JWK
Monday, November 13, 2006
Keady Supported by AP Press Editorial Board
Asbury Park's Lightning Rod
Posted by the Asbury Park Press (http://www.app.com/) on 11/12/06
If Asbury Park Councilman James Keady were being graded on his ability to alienate people, he'd be doing "A" work this marking period.
First, he irritated fellow council members by joining union workers protesting the use of nonunion workers in some of the beachfront redevelopment projects. Two weeks ago, following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Tylik Pugh, he told a New York City television station that Asbury Park was home to 200 members of the Bloods gang — a comment that prompted the city's Urban Enterprise Zone board of directors to ask him to resign his council seat and, for good measure, to leave town.
Now, he has incurred the wrath of the city school board for touring Asbury Park High and meeting with students there without getting permission from the acting superintendent. Keady says his visit was blessed by the building principal.
The issue here shouldn't be Keady, but trying to solve the problems Keady has demonstrated he is concerned enough about to reach out directly to the kids in the community. He should be applauded for taking the initiative to try to better understand the city's youth and the dynamics of youth violence. Instead of sending out letters criticizing him, the school board should be encouraging every other council member and community leader to follow his lead.
Keady says he obtained valuable information from the students. "I thought, and still do think, that the solutions lie with them," he said. So do we. Community leaders need to engage those students, as well as their parents and guardians, in an ongoing conversation. That will be much easier to do if the council and school board can do a better job of conversing amongst themselves.
Posted by the Asbury Park Press (http://www.app.com/) on 11/12/06
If Asbury Park Councilman James Keady were being graded on his ability to alienate people, he'd be doing "A" work this marking period.
First, he irritated fellow council members by joining union workers protesting the use of nonunion workers in some of the beachfront redevelopment projects. Two weeks ago, following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Tylik Pugh, he told a New York City television station that Asbury Park was home to 200 members of the Bloods gang — a comment that prompted the city's Urban Enterprise Zone board of directors to ask him to resign his council seat and, for good measure, to leave town.
Now, he has incurred the wrath of the city school board for touring Asbury Park High and meeting with students there without getting permission from the acting superintendent. Keady says his visit was blessed by the building principal.
The issue here shouldn't be Keady, but trying to solve the problems Keady has demonstrated he is concerned enough about to reach out directly to the kids in the community. He should be applauded for taking the initiative to try to better understand the city's youth and the dynamics of youth violence. Instead of sending out letters criticizing him, the school board should be encouraging every other council member and community leader to follow his lead.
Keady says he obtained valuable information from the students. "I thought, and still do think, that the solutions lie with them," he said. So do we. Community leaders need to engage those students, as well as their parents and guardians, in an ongoing conversation. That will be much easier to do if the council and school board can do a better job of conversing amongst themselves.
City Council Meetings Tonight
Dear Constituents:
I am writing to inform you that the Asbury Park City Council will be meeting tonight, Monday, November 13, 2006. The Executive Session begins at 5pm, however this is not open to the public. The Workshop Session begins at 6pm and the Regular Meeting begins at 7pm, these are both open to the public.
These meetings are being held today, instead of our usual meeting date on the third Wednesday of the month, because the City Council will be attending the NJ League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City later in the week.
I have included tonight’s meeting agendas below and I encourage you to attend.
I hope this finds you well.
Peace,
James W. Keady, Councilman
City of Asbury Park, NJ
ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 13, 2006 – 5PM
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
I. Contract Negotiations
A. November 9th Waterfront Redevelopment Area Subcommittee Meeting with Asbury Partners – Mr. Donald Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
II. Litigation
A. Preliminary Investigation Report for Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan – Mr. Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
B. Market Street Mission – Mr. Fred Raffetto, City Attorney
ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP SESSION MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 13, 2006 – 6PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
I. Review of Regular Agenda
II. Mr. Donald Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
A. Schedule of Events for Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan
III. Thomas Gilmour, Commerce and Cultural Director
A. Trash Containers for Central Business District Streetscape
B. Marketing Firm Selection
C. Garden State Film Festival Nomination
IV. Kevin Keddy, Fire Chief
A. Fair Exchange of Equipment with the Kearny (NJ) Fire Department
V. Tom Hastie, McManimon and Scotland
A. Request by the Cameo Bar to Modify Conditions on Alcohol License
VI. Mark Kinmon, Deputy Police Chief
A. Request from Wali Mohammed, Jr. to have grass area be cemented for smooth transition from van to sidewalk.
VII. Special Event Applications
A. Check Mate Annual Candlelight Walk 803 3rd to Trinity Church 12/1
VIII. Tony Nuccio, Social Services Director
A. Sleeping in Public Ordinance
IX. Mr. Fred Raffetto, City Attorney
A. Animal Control Fees Ordinance (Discussion)
X. Mr. Paul Torman, Merchants’ Guild
A. Central Business District Issues as Requested by Councilman Keady
XI. Matters to be Introduced by City Council
XI. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney
XII. Matters to be introduced by City Manager
XIII. Matters to be introduced by Assistant City Manager
ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 13, 2006 – 7PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
I. Public Participation
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Payroll Resolution
IV. Bill Resolution and Inservco
V. Applications and Liquor Licenses
VI. Resolutions
A. Appointments/Re-Appointments
B. Contract with Visiting Nurse Association of Central NJ
C. Insurance Settlements
D. $600.00 for Recreation – Music Camp
D. Discharge of Mortgage – 201 Borden Avenue
E. Amend Budget (2 items)
F. Items from the Tax Collector (4 items)
VII. Ordinances:
A. Introduction
1. Sleeping in Public Prohibited
B. Public Hearings - Advertised 10/26/06
1. Amend Taxi Ordinance
2. Release Easement at 1406-1422 Springwood Avenue
3. Convey Easement – 407 Grand Avenue and 503 Cookman Avenue
I am writing to inform you that the Asbury Park City Council will be meeting tonight, Monday, November 13, 2006. The Executive Session begins at 5pm, however this is not open to the public. The Workshop Session begins at 6pm and the Regular Meeting begins at 7pm, these are both open to the public.
These meetings are being held today, instead of our usual meeting date on the third Wednesday of the month, because the City Council will be attending the NJ League of Municipalities Convention in Atlantic City later in the week.
I have included tonight’s meeting agendas below and I encourage you to attend.
I hope this finds you well.
Peace,
James W. Keady, Councilman
City of Asbury Park, NJ
ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 13, 2006 – 5PM
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
I. Contract Negotiations
A. November 9th Waterfront Redevelopment Area Subcommittee Meeting with Asbury Partners – Mr. Donald Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
II. Litigation
A. Preliminary Investigation Report for Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan – Mr. Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
B. Market Street Mission – Mr. Fred Raffetto, City Attorney
ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP SESSION MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 13, 2006 – 6PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
I. Review of Regular Agenda
II. Mr. Donald Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
A. Schedule of Events for Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan
III. Thomas Gilmour, Commerce and Cultural Director
A. Trash Containers for Central Business District Streetscape
B. Marketing Firm Selection
C. Garden State Film Festival Nomination
IV. Kevin Keddy, Fire Chief
A. Fair Exchange of Equipment with the Kearny (NJ) Fire Department
V. Tom Hastie, McManimon and Scotland
A. Request by the Cameo Bar to Modify Conditions on Alcohol License
VI. Mark Kinmon, Deputy Police Chief
A. Request from Wali Mohammed, Jr. to have grass area be cemented for smooth transition from van to sidewalk.
VII. Special Event Applications
A. Check Mate Annual Candlelight Walk 803 3rd to Trinity Church 12/1
VIII. Tony Nuccio, Social Services Director
A. Sleeping in Public Ordinance
IX. Mr. Fred Raffetto, City Attorney
A. Animal Control Fees Ordinance (Discussion)
X. Mr. Paul Torman, Merchants’ Guild
A. Central Business District Issues as Requested by Councilman Keady
XI. Matters to be Introduced by City Council
XI. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney
XII. Matters to be introduced by City Manager
XIII. Matters to be introduced by Assistant City Manager
ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 13, 2006 – 7PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
I. Public Participation
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Payroll Resolution
IV. Bill Resolution and Inservco
V. Applications and Liquor Licenses
VI. Resolutions
A. Appointments/Re-Appointments
B. Contract with Visiting Nurse Association of Central NJ
C. Insurance Settlements
D. $600.00 for Recreation – Music Camp
D. Discharge of Mortgage – 201 Borden Avenue
E. Amend Budget (2 items)
F. Items from the Tax Collector (4 items)
VII. Ordinances:
A. Introduction
1. Sleeping in Public Prohibited
B. Public Hearings - Advertised 10/26/06
1. Amend Taxi Ordinance
2. Release Easement at 1406-1422 Springwood Avenue
3. Convey Easement – 407 Grand Avenue and 503 Cookman Avenue
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