AP Community Collaborative Open House

Dear Constituents,

I am writing to pass along an announcement I received today from the Asbury Park Community Collaborative. The Asbury Park Community Collaborative is inviting all Asbury Park residents to their 2nd Annual Open House. The event is being held at their new home at the Salvation Army Building. The details are below.

Peace,

James W. Keady
Councilman, City of Asbury Park, NJ


WHAT: 2nd Annual AP Community Collaborative Open House

WHEN: Wednesday, February 7th, 2007

TIME: 10:00AM - 2:00PM

WHERE: Salvation Army Building ~ 605 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

This informal “Open House” is for everyone and anyone who is interested in seeing where the Collaborative is now housed. ALL are invited -- Parents, agency reps, clergy, city officials, concerned citizens, etc. please feel free to drop by, find out what we are currently working on and give any input on how we can help. Light refreshments will be served

We do hope to see you on February 7th and welcome your involvement in the Collaborative efforts throughout 2007!

Asbury Park Community Collaborative Mission: “To keep our children safe and to support our families by building strong community partnerships that allow easier access to needed services”

For more information contact:
Jacqueline Gardocki, Director
Asbury Park Community Collaborative
848-333-4661

Dinner to Honor Mr. Frank Budd

Dear Constituents,

I am writing to invite you to take part in honoring Mr. Frank Budd, arguably, the greatest athlete to ever grace the Asbury Park athletic scene.

Many of you may be aware that on October 30, 2006 the Asbury Park Board of Education passed a resolution naming the Asbury Park High School Track and Field Oval after Mr. Budd. In light of this action, on February 23rd a dinner will be hosted by the Shore Athletic Club at the Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune, NJ, with proceeds benefiting the Frank Budd Memorial Scholarship and to help erect a monument in Mr. Budd’s honor at the Asbury Park High School Stadium.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Mr. Budd’s athletic accomplishments, Frank graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1958. During his time as a Blue Bishop, Frank was a member of the Varsity Basketball Team, was a First Team All-State Football player, and an All-American Track and Field performer.

Frank attended Villanova University on a full athletic scholarship and was a three time NCAA track champion. He participated in the 100 and 200 yard dashes, the 4x100, 4x200 and the mile relay. In 1960, while still a student at Villanova, Frank made the United States Olympic Team and competed in the Olympic Games in Rome, Italy in the 100 yard dash, for which he was a finalist, and as a member of the 4 x 100 relay team.

In 1962 Frank broke the 20-year-old 100 yard dash record of 9.3 seconds by running a new world record of 9.2 seconds. After this feat, Frank Budd was dubbed “The Worlds Fastest Human Alive.”

After Frank’s graduation from Villanova University in 1962, he played professional football for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins and did a stint in the Canadian Professional Football League. Frank has since been selected by the Asbury Park Press as “Athlete of the Century” and was inducted into the Asbury Park High School distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2003.

Given all his accomplishments it is clear why we should honor Mr. Budd and hold him up as a role model for our children in Asbury Park. You can participate in honoring him in the following ways. First, you can attend the event on February 23rd. Tickets are $75 each. Second you can purchase an ad in the ad booklet for the event. Prices are as follows:

¼ Page $60
½ Page $90
Full Page $110
Full Page Inside Front Cover $150
Full Page Inside Back Cover $150
Full Page Back Cover $150
Supporters Page Listing $10 individual/$15 couples

There are also corporate ticket packages available.

Blue Package - $750
5 tickets to the dinner
1 Full Page Ad
Company banner displayed at the dinner

Black Package - $425
3 tickets to the dinner
1 Full Page Ad

For more information or to purchase tickets or ads, please contact Mr. John Morton at 732.361.7051.

I am hopeful that you will join us in supporting the effort to honor Mr. Budd and I look forward to seeing you at the dinner.

Peace,


Councilman James W. Keady
City of Asbury Park, NJ

Asbury Park City Council Meetings Tonight

Dear Constituents:

I am writing to inform you that the Asbury Park City Council will be meeting tonight, Wednesday, January 17, 2007. 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.

I hope this finds you well.

Peace,

James W. Keady, Councilman
City of Asbury Park, NJ

ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING AGENDA
JANUARY 17, 2007 – 5PM
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

I. Contract Negotiations
A. Madison Marquette January 11th Meeting Update – Mr. Sammet
1. Dispute Resolution Agreement
2. Metro Homes Sales Facility
B. Letter of Concern Update – Mr. Sammet
C. Metropolitan Hotel
D. $30,000 Little League Donation for Field Improvements
E. Odor Control for Wastewater Treatment Facility – Mr. Hastie
F. Potential Interlocal Agreements with Municipalities

II. Litigation
A. Teicher Update – Mr. Aaron
1. Redevelopment Agreement
2. Taxes Issues

III. Acquisition/Land Sales
A. WRA Eminent Domain Updates: Commissioner’s Report – Mr. Aaron
1. Asbury Park Board of Education

B. Transferring Land to Interfaith Neighbors for Affordable Housing Construction – Mr. Raffetto
1. 49-53 Ridge Avenue (Block 94, Lot 5&6)
2. 1017-1019 Bangs Avenue (Block 64, Lot 7)
3. 47 Ridge Avenue (Block 94, Lot 4)

IV. Personnel Matters
A. Police Department

ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP SESSION MEETING AGENDA
JANUARY 17, 2007 – 6PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

I. Review of Regular Agenda

II. Mr. Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
A. Request for WRA plan amendment by Omnipoint Communications to include telecommunication equipment
B. Recommended Amendment to City Sign Ordinance

IV. Matters to be introduced by City Council

V. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney

VI. Matters to be introduced by City Manager

VII. Matters to be introduced by Assistant City Manager


ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
January 17, 2007 – 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
A. Liquor Transfer – Reducing licensed area of Market in the Middle from 508-516 Cookman Avenue to just 516 Cookman Avenue
B. Transfer of RDR pocket license from 513 Bangs Avenue to 508 Cookman Avenue
C. Raffle – Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues (RL: 3-2007)
D. Bingo – Logan Road Minyon (BL: 5-2007)

VI. Resolutions
A. Appointments/Re-Appointments
B. Discharge of Mortgage (2)
C. Items from Tax Collector (3)
D. Budget Transfer

VII. Ordinances
A. Introduction – None

B. Public Hearing – Advertised 1/4/07 in the Coaster
1. Amend STARS Plan
2. Salary – Assessing Aide
3. Eminent Domain: 214-216 Fourth Avenue (Sigford)

C. Decision – Carried from 12/6/06
1. Eminent Domain – Baronet and Fast Lane

VII. Decision on Bids: Carried from 1/3/07
A. Fire vehicle repairs

MLK Events in Asbury Park Area

Dear Constituents,

I am writing to invite you to three events I will be taking part in to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH @ 4PM
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1ST AND GRAND AVENUES
ASBURY PARK, NJ

Associate Pastor Gil Caldwell and First United Methodist Church, First and Grand Avenues, Asbury Park are hosting their Martin Luther King Observance: "THE WORDS of MARTIN LUTHER KING and THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC as played by Vinnie Carrao and friends; Jazz and Gospel. Martin Luther King in his address to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival, said "God has wrought many things out of oppression. We have been endowed with the capacity to create - and from this capacity has flowed the songs of sorrow and joy that allowed us to cope...Jazz has been a stepping stone to this." The public is invited to this FREE event.

For more information, please contact Rev. Gil Caldwell at (732) 775-2693.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15TH @ 12PM
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB - CENTRAL JERSEY CLUB
LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH
81 HIGHWAY 35
NEPTUNE, NJ

The Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club will be hosting their Annual Dr. King Community Celebration, featuring comments from local officials and a keynote from Rev. Porter Brown of Asbury Park. The national theme for club’s events is “Remember, Celebrate, Act: A Day On - Not a Day Off.” The local theme is “Stand Up and Speak Out for Justice -Because Freedom Cannot Defend Itself.”

For more information, please contact Janice G. Sweeney at (732) 922-1804.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15TH @ 6PM
SPIRIT OF TRUTH WORLD VISION OUTREACH
WEST SIDE COMMUNITY CENTER
115 DEWITT AVENUE
ASBURY PARK, NJ

Spirit of Truth World Vision Outreach presents the 2nd Annual "Keeping the Dream Alive" Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration to celebrate the life and contributions of Dr. King. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome. The event will feature readings, quotations and commentaries of Dr. King, read by a diverse assembly of Ministers, City Officials and Community Activists from Asbury Park. There will also be performances by local singers, poets, dancers, choirs, and rappers. A free hot dinner will be served and there will be a distribution of free canned goods, boxed food, new hats and gloves, and a toy giveaway for children 10 and under.

For more information, please contact Rev. Kevin Nunn at (732) 367-7537.

Peace,

Councilman James W. Keady
City of Asbury Park, NJ

Battle at the Boardwalk at Convention Hall

Dear Constituents,

Happy New Year! I hope everything is going well for you thus far in 2007. I am writing to encourage you to attend the Battle at the Boardwalk basketball event that will be taking place this weekend at Convention Hall. The full schedule of games can be found at:

http://www.hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/hg_bob07.php

The event kicks off with our own Asbury Park Blue Bishops Boys team, who are currently undefeated and ranked #5 at the Shore, taking on the Neptune High School Scarlet Fliers, who are currently ranked #2 at the Shore and #20 in NJ.

This is a great opportunity for all of us to get out and support our kids and show our Asbury Park spirit.

Go Bishops!!!

Peace,

Councilman James W. Keady
City of Asbury Park, NJ

Asbury Park City Council Meetings Tomorrow

Dear Constituents:

Happy New Year!

I am writing to inform you that the Asbury Park City Council will be meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 3, 2007. 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.

I have included the 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
JANUARY 3, 2007 – 5PM
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

I. Contract Negotiations
A. Madison Marquette Meeting Update
B. Asbury Partners Response to “Letter of Concern” – Mr. Raffetto

II. Litigation
A. Teicher Update – Mr. Aaron

III. Potential Litigation
A. Sex Offender Residency Ordinance – Mr. Raffetto
B. Noise Violations in the CBD – Mr. Raffetto

IV. Acquisitions
A. WRA Eminent Domain Updates: Commissioner’s Report – Mr. Aaron
1. D&M Realty
2. H.D. Dunn Associates
3. Board of Education

B. Sale of Undersized City-owned Properties – Mr. Famularo
1. 703 Bond Street (Block 138, Lot 15)
2. 39 DeWitt Avenue (Block 96, Lot 39)

IV. Personnel Matters
A. Professional Appointments
B. Tax Collector Update
C. Police Department


ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP SESSION MEETING AGENDA
JANUARY 3, 2007 – 6PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

I. Review of Regular Agenda

II. Mr. Gilmour, Commerce and Cultural Director
A. Resolution for UEZ to purchase four (4) police patrol vehicles

III. Mr. Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
B. Request for WRA plan amendment by Omnipoint Communications to include telecommunication equipment

IV. Matters to be introduced by City Council

V. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney

VI. Matters to be introduced by City Manager

VII. Matters to be introduced by Assistant City Manager


ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
January 3, 2007 – 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
A. Social Affair Permit – Vocational School

VI. Resolutions
A. Appointments/Re-Appointments
B. Professional Service Appointments
C. Appoint Tax Collector
D. Extend Temporary Senior Center Lease
E. Items from Tax Collector (4)
F. Designate Banks for 2007
G. Budget Transfers
H. Temporary Budget

VII. Ordinances
A. Introduction
1. Right-of-Way – Robert Legere Homes
2. Right-of-Way – Holy Spirit Church
3. Right-of-Way – 705 Cookman Avenue

B. Public Hearing – Advertised 12/14/06 in the Coaster
1. Eminent Domain – Flamingo Hotel

VII. Decision on Bids: Received 12/27/06
A. Electrical upgrade – Police Dispatch Center
B. Printing services
C. Dumpster and disposal
D. City vehicle repairs
E. Fire vehicle repairs
F. Ambulance billing

Asbury Park City Council Meetings Tonight

Dear Constituents:

I am writing to inform you that the Asbury Park City Council will be meeting tonight, Wednesday, December 20, 2006. The Executive Session begins at 4pm, 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.

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
DECEMBER 20, 2006 – 4PM
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

I. Contract Negotiations
A. State Parking Deck – Mr. Hastie

B. WRA Subcommittee Report – Mr. Sammet
1. Plan Amendment
2. Dispute Resolution Agreement Update
3. Madison Marquette

C. Odor Control Update

II. Litigation
A. Teicher Update – Mr. Aaron
1. Developer’s Agreement
2. Unpaid Property Taxes

B. Asbury Shores Update – Mr. Northgrave

III. Acquisition
A. 214-216 Fourth Avenue (Sigford Ventures), Block 175, Lot 16 – Mr. Aaron

IV. Personnel
A. Asbury Works (2) Positions

B. Tax Assessor (1) Position


ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP SESSION MEETING AGENDA
DECEMBER 20, 2006 – 6PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

I. Review of Regular Agenda

II. Mr. Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director
A. Request to extend Paramount Homes’ temporary trailers at current location

B. Planning Board’s recommendation for an amendment to the STARS redevelopment plan at 1406-1422 Springwood Avenue

III. Mr. Gilmour, Commerce and Cultural Director and Mr. Grant, City Engineer
A. CBD Streetscape Design

IV. Mr. Kay, Municipal Clerk
A. Set dates for 2007 regularly scheduled Council meetings

V. Ms. Hartman, Tax Assessor
A. 5-Year exemption at 654 Cookman Avenue for Cookman Asbury Associates IV, LLC

VI. Request for use of public right-of-way for Robert Legere Homes-Design Center

VII. Matters to be introduced by City Council

VIII. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney

IX. Matters to be introduced by City Manager

X. 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
A. Bingo Licenses for 2007

VI. Resolutions
A. Appointments/Re-Appointments
B. Appoint Registrar, Deputy and Alternate
C. Annual Notice
D. Item from Tax Collector
E. Petty Cash Fund
F. State Purchase – Police: Guns and Vests
G. Budget Transfers
H. Amend 2006 Budget

VII. Ordinances
A. Introduction
1. 214-216 Fourth Avenue

VII. Decision on Bids
A. Jet Vac Truck, Street Sweeper, Sewer Camera,

B. RCA Project – 1106 Monroe Avenue

Asbury Park City Council Meetings Tonight

Dear Constituents:

I am writing to inform you that the Asbury Park City Council will be meeting tonight, Wednesday, December 6, 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.

I have included tonight’s meeting agendas below and I encourage you to attend. I heard this morning from the City Manager that an item will be added to the Executive Committee Agenda posted below. The City Council will be receiving a briefing by Deputy Chief Kinmon about the murder that occurred in Asbury Park last night. Following this briefing I am sure that the governing body will make a collective public statement at the Workshop Session about this unfortunate situation. In any event, I ask that you keep the family of the victim in your prayers as you continue with your day.

I hope this finds you well.

Peace,

James W. Keady, Councilman
City of Asbury Park, NJ

ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING AGENDA
DECEMBER 6, 2006 – 5PM
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

I. Contract Negotiations
A. State Parking Deck – Mr. Hastie
B. WRA Subcommittee Report – Mr. Sammet
C. WRA Unpaid Legal Fees/Dispute Resolution Agreement – Mr. Aaron

II. Litigation
A. Teicher Update – Mr. Aaron
B. Market Street Mission – Mr. Raffetto

III. Acquisition
A. 214-216 Fourth Avenue (Sigford Ventures), Block 175, Lot 16 – Mr. Aaron
B. 200 First Avenue, Flamingo Hotel, Block 146, Lot 5 – Mr. Aaron

IV. Personnel
A. Construction Office – Mr. Raffetto
B. Other Matters


ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP SESSION MEETING AGENDA
DECEMBER 6, 2006 – 6PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

I. Review of Regular Agenda

II. Presentation of the Springwood Avenue DRAFT Redevelopment Plan - Mr. Sammet, Redevelopment and Planning Director

III. AP-UEZ Marketing Contracts - Mr. Gilmour, Commerce and Cultural Director

IV. Alternate Street Parking in CBD Area for Clean Streets

V. Conditions Placed on Mercantile License – Mr. Raffetto, City Attorney

VI. Request from Monmouth County Cotillion Committee to utilize one “city date” in Convention Hall

VII. 5-Year Tax Exemption at 654 Cookman Avenue for Cookman Asbury Associates – Mrs. Hartman, Tax Assessor

VIII. Recreation Department’s Hairbraiding First Class Ceremony Presentation – Mr. Famularo, Assistant City Manager

IX. Matters to be Introduced by City Council

X. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney

XI. Matters to be introduced by City Manager

XII. Matters to be introduced by Assistant City Manager


ASBURY PARK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
DECEMBER 6, 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
A. Hearing – Cameo Bar

VI. Resolutions
A. Appointments/Re-Appointments
B. Discharge of Mortgage – 1304 Third Avenue
C. Advertise for Various Bids
D. Items from Tax Collector
E. Budget Transfers

VII. Ordinances
A. Introduction – NONE
B. Decision – Carried from 10-4-06 - Eminent Domain: Baronet and Fastlane
C. Public Hearing – Advertised 11-16-06 in the Coaster
1. Amend Animal Control to license cats
2. Sleeping in Public Prohibited

VII. Decision on Bids
1. Jet Vac Truck, Street Sweeper, Sewer Camera, Chlorine and Sludge Transport
2. RCA Project – 154 Ridge Avenue

A Response to "Idealist Becomes the Demagogue"

Dear Constituents,

Below is an Op/Ed of mine that was published on Thursday in the TriCity News. It is a response to Mr. Jacobsen’s recent piece about me titled, “Idealist Becomes the Demagogue.”

Peace,

James W. Keady
Councilman, City of Asbury Park, NJ

GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU WRITE
By Councilman James W. Keady

In the November 16th issue of the TriCity News, TCN Publisher, Dan Jacobson authored a story titled, “Idealist Becomes the Demagogue,” commenting on an event that took place at the November 13th Asbury Park City Council Meeting. He called me a slew of nasty names and leveled some serious charges against me. What he failed to tell his readers is that he was not in attendance at the Council meeting in question.

In fact, all of Mr. Jacobson’s information from that evening came from secondhand sources. Unfortunately, I am not surprised by this because Mr. Jacobson rarely attends City Council meetings and he usually reports the majority of his “news” from secondhand sources.

Ok, so Dan could not make it to the meeting. He heard about what happened and thought it worthy to write about. Given this, did he do what any fair-minded journalist would do and reach out to me to confirm his “facts” or to seek comment or clarification from me on what he was “reporting”?

No.

What Mr. Jacobson did was print false information and extrapolate his lengthy opinion from it, misinforming and misleading his readership in the process.

When I read the article, I called Dan and asked him why he did not reach out to me to confirm that he had the facts correct given that he was not at the meeting. And he said:

“My deadline was too tight for me to call you.”

His deadline was too tight for him to call me.

Let me give TCN readers a little background here. Dan Jacobson and I have a fairly good rapport with each other and we have an ongoing dialogue on a range of local and national political issues. He has my home phone number, my cell phone number, and my work phone number, all of which he has used in the past to call me about stories he is working on. Dan’s office is about 50 feet from mine – same building, same floor - and he stops by our office regularly. And if I do not see Dan in the office, one of his favorite hang out spots is directly across the street from my home.

Despite all this access and the fact that Dan was writing a story that was focused on me and my statements at a City Council meeting, he never said a word to me.

Now, do I expect Dan Jacobson or anyone for that matter to agree with everything I say or do in my role as a Councilman in Asbury Park? Certainly not, but what I do hope for is simple fairness and accuracy in reporting.

What would have been fair in this situation would have been for Dan to call me and ask me direct questions about what transpired at the November 13, 2006 City Council meeting.

Here are my thoughts on how such a phone call might have gone.

BEGIN INTERVIEW

DJ: JIM, WHAT EXACTLY DID YOU PROPOSE AT THE COUNCIL MEETING REGARDING 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.

Again, to be clear, I was not saying the money should go to the West Side Community Center that night. I requested a firm and measurable commitment of resources on the part of the City and a process by which those resources could be allocated.

I was unable to garner a second for this motion.

DJ: DID YOU TALK ABOUT THIS ISSUE WITH ANY OF YOUR FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS PRIOR TO THE MEETING?

There has 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.

DJ: SOME PEOPLE HAVE SAID THAT YOU “SET THIS WHOLE THING UP” AND ORCHESTRATED HAVING THESE PEOPLE COME TO THE COUNCIL MEETING.

There have been some detractors of mine that have suggested that I met with these citizens at a Sunday night meeting prior to the Council 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 false. On Sunday evening, when the community members were holding their meeting, I was at home with my wife, Leslie.

There are others who say that I set this up on Saturday afternoon because my wife and I participated in a “Stop the Violence” vigil and march organized by Mrs. Laura Henry, a Bangs Avenue Resident. This is false as well. To say that I orchestrated what these people said at the meeting is to disregard them as living, breathing, thinking human beings with their own minds. Clearly, those who want to redirect the focus back to me are missing the content of these residents’ statements – which was exactly their point – they feel that no one seems to be listening to their needs.

DJ: SOME PEOPLE IN ASBURY PARK HAVE ACCUSED YOU OF GRANDSTANDING LATELY, HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND TO THIS CHARGE?

My actions have not changed. What has changed is the reaction from certain Asbury Park citizens. I stand up for what I believe is right. I stood up for protecting the Baronet from the specter of eminent domain. I stood up and demanded a greater level of performance by Asbury Partners on our Waterfront. I stood up for more attention and resources to be focused on the Downtown. I stood up to appropriate funds for a summer youth jobs program. I stood up for the gay community when they were unjustly attacked by the Concerned Christian Coalition.

At the November 13th meeting, I stood up and requested that we take official action to earmark resources for the needs of the West Side Community Center and all of a sudden, I’m demonized. I wonder why it is that when I stand up for private property owners or for historical preservation, I am appreciated, but when I stand up for residents on the West Side who deal with violence day in and day out, I’m grandstanding, I’m a demagogue, and I’m “playing the race card”.

DJ: IF YOU ARE REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT HELPING THE WEST SIDE RESIDENTS, WHY DON’T YOU ADVOCATE FOR THINGS LIKE RENT CONTROL?

I have. I wrote back in May of 2006 about my actions on this issue. The complete blog entry can be found at www.keadyreport.blogspot.com. Click on May 2006 under “Archives”.

DJ: FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD, THE MEMBERS OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY THAT SPOKE AT THE COUNCIL MEETING WERE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF YOU AND VERY CRITICAL OF YOUR FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS, WHY DO YOU THINK THAT WAS THE CASE?

Since my election to office, I have made the West Side a priority in my life. I spend time every week walking through the neighborhood listening to concerns of West Side residents and business owners. I also attend a lot of events on the West Side, from community vigils to football games to social events. I have tried, by my actions, to let the people on the West Side know that I am as concerned about their lives and future as I am about folks on the East Side. As for the attitude of those who spoke at the Council meeting towards my colleagues, I would encourage you to do what you did not do in your November 17th issue - get your own first-hand information.

DJ: SOME PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE SAYING THAT YOU ARE TOO FOCUSED ON THE WEST SIDE, TO THE DETRIMENT OF OTHERS IN YOUR CONSTITUENCY. BASICALLY, THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT SUPPORTED YOU WHEN YOU RAN, BUT NOW THEY ARE UNSURE IF YOU STILL SUPPORT THEM AND THEIR CONCERNS. HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THIS?

I think at the moment, my supporters among the homeowners and business owners are generally frustrated about the pace of redevelopment in Asbury Park. This frustration has been bubbling below the surface for some time now.

Here is a short list of what I believe are the root causes of their frustrations.

1. Despite all the hype about the redevelopment of Asbury Park’s waterfront, Asbury Partners has not created one new residential ratable in four years. This lack of progress occurred despite the fact that we just experienced one of the largest real estate booms in American history. The lack of new ratables means two things - no new customers for business owners and no new tax revenue to lighten the burden on homeowners.

2. Despite all the hype about the redevelopment of Asbury Park’s waterfront, Asbury Partners has not rehabilitated one pavilion, nor have they rehabilitated Convention Hall or the Casino. Because of the way the redevelopment deal was written, there are almost no penalties against Asbury Partners for their slow movement on the waterfront and no “carrot” that the Council majority has agreed on to make the process move faster. Further, the Council has not been public enough about its disapproval of Asbury Partners’ lack of progress.

3. We have had multiple murders in Asbury Park this past year; 102 reported shootings; 50 guns taken off the streets by our Police Department; thousands of arrests; and a growing gang problem in our city.

4. The downtown streetscape has not even started. The rehabilitation of the Steinbach’s building, while underway, has dragged on for years.

5. It does not seem that we have a clear plan for marketing our most tangible assets – Asbury Park as a brand name, Asbury Park’s music and cultural history, and Asbury Park as a summer (and beyond) tourist destination.

6. A concentration of poverty and unstable family situations that lead to crime and a drug trade continue to undermine any efforts made by our school system, our Police Department and our City Government to create a safe and secure city.

DJ: YOU ARE ONLY ONE PERSON ON THE COUNCIL AND YOU ARE IN THE MINORITY. SO WHY ARE PEOPLE SO UPSET WITH YOU?

With people generally frustrated about the progress of redevelopment, you have both new business owners and new homeowners questioning whether or not Asbury Park was a good investment. People are not seeing the progress that they were promised by the re-elected majority of Mayor Sanders, Deputy Mayor Bruno and Councilman Loffredo. Some people are starting to panic that their investment is going to tank and that they are going to lose everything they have risked. This is a tangible fear for people and something the Council needs to take very seriously.

Having said this, I do think there are two issues that people are concerned about specific to me and that may have offered them a channel for their greater frustrations.

First was my nuanced position on the Market Street Mission. A lot of homeowners are upset about this organization setting up shop in Asbury Park and I have heard people placing the blame on me that they have come to our city.

I have been very clear about the facts and my position on this. I did not seek out the Market Street Mission or vote to have them come to Asbury Park. But given the fact that they bought the building and received the appropriate permits to come, I am not going to bury my head in the sand. I am going to engage them and the County on both the Market Street Mission’s policies and the County’s greater responsibility to dealing with problems of homelessness.

I strongly agree that Asbury Park should not be the only town to provide social services for Monmouth County’s homeless. And so I am in the process of engaging the County and State Offices of Human Services and Social Services to designate a clear plan of regionalizing the responsibility for homeless people. If you would like more information on my position, please visit www.keadyreport.blogspot.com. Click on July 2006 under “Archives.” This work is currently underway via the newly created City Subcommittee on Homelessness, which I co-Chair with Councilman Loffredo.

Second, after two non-fatal shootings on the West Side, I truthfully answered questions from a reporter from ABC News about the gang presence in Asbury Park.

The statement I made was on October 17th, the day before Tylik Pugh was fatally shot at 11:30am in broad daylight within 100 yards of our middle school. This was the day before our school board made the decision to close our schools for two days. This was a day before the media descended en masse to cover these events. You had four days worth of regional and national negative media coverage that ensued and I think it just pushed people over the edge.

Some people felt that I could have “spun” or “massaged” my comments to not make the City look bad. My response is that I was elected to proactively attempt to find solutions to the problems our city is facing. We can only solve our problems by facing them honestly.

DJ: OK. SO NOW WHAT?

I believe that a number of things must be done to keep Asbury Park moving forward in a positive direction. I have outlined above a short list of issues that the homeowners and business owners are concerned about. We must couple these with the top three issues from folks on the West Side – job creation, affordable housing and increased recreation opportunities – and get to work solving problems. I have done the analysis and have a number of changes I would like to see made, but I need three votes in order to get anything done. It has been difficult for me to get the support of two other votes since I have been on the Council, and a number of initiatives that I have put forth have not made it because of this.

What we need most is for more Asbury Park residents to get involved by coming to City Council meetings and by joining Boards and Commissions to do the work which needs to be done. The TriCity News could help us in moving the city along by doing real reporting on these issues so that citizens are fully aware, rather than subjective, fact-less rants.

Here are a few questions you could start digging into, to create the dialogue necessary for forward movement:

1. How do we attract light manufacturing into the Memorial Drive corridor to create good paying entry-level manufacturing jobs for West Side residents?

2. Given that Asbury Partners has not delivered any new ratables on the Waterfront and as such, we have a short-term budget gap and a mid-term financial planning problem, how can we fund the programs we need to deal with the roots of crime and gangs in our city with a goal of preventing further violence?

3. How hard of a line should we draw with Asbury Partners at this point in the process? Given their lack of performance on delivering promises made to the community, should we consider more drastic actions for the long-term good of the city?

4. How is the lack of new residents on the waterfront affecting downtown business and overall investment?

5. What is the best way of marketing Asbury Park in a way that maximizes our key historical, musical, cultural and tourist assets?

6. How much affordable housing do we need and what exactly does “affordable” mean in Asbury Park?

7. What vision for Asbury Park will best serve the economic and social needs of its current residents?

Now Dan, I do not want you to tell me what you usually do - “people don’t want to read about all that stuff – it’s too boring for them. They don’t care.” People do want to read about this, they do care, and you need to report on it. Even those people in the suburbs that you consistently harp on know that finding answers to questions like these is critical if Asbury Park is going to redevelop in a way that is sustainable both economically and socially. I am doing my part by trying to find policy answers to these questions. It is where my energy has been and will continue to be focused during my term in office.

We know that you want Asbury Park to be just like Berkeley, Madison or Asheville. Something that those towns have is an independent, alternative newspaper that reports in detail on the issues that the mainstream news agencies miss. We need you to do your part – research issues first-hand and report.

Why? Because you are the TriCity News and you’re here to help.

END INTERVIEW

Important Workshop for AP Parents this Tuesday Night

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

CM Keady's August Newsletter

Dear Constituents,

I am writing to update you on the progress of the various committees on which I serve and on other initiatives I am pursuing on behalf of the citizens of Asbury Park. After posting this to my blog and sending an e-mail alert, I will be taking a much needed break from work to rest and rejuvenate. I will respond to any of your replies or questions when I return to the office on September 5th.

I hope you enjoy the remaining days of summer!

Peace, JWK

SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
At the August 16th City Council meeting, the Council agreed (with the recommendation made by myself and Mayor Sanders on behalf of the Subcommittee on Affordable Housing) to send out a “Request for Proposals” for Area 1 of the STARS Redevelopment Plan. Area 1 is made up of the properties bordered by Atkins Avenue, Adams Avenue, Borden Avenue and the Asbury/Neptune City line. The goal for this area is to create 60-100 affordable housing opportunities with a heavy focus on homeownership.

Along with action on Area 1 of STARS, we are also ready to move forward on redevelopment in Area 3 (Ridge Avenue) of the plan as well as on two Bangs Avenue properties. We have a little more legwork to do to get Area 2 (Borden Avenue) of the STARS plan online, but I am confident that this will be addressed in the coming weeks. When completed, these redevelopment areas should create close to 20 affordable housing opportunities with homeownership as the primary goal.

SPRINGWOOD AVENUE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The excitement and momentum continues to build regarding the redevelopment of Springwood Avenue. On Friday, August 11th, myself, Councilman Johnson, City Staff and members of the Advisory Committee spent the day at the Berkeley Carteret Hotel for a marathon planning session. Throughout the day we covered the following: the vision, goals and objectives for the plan, land use, identifying specific district elements, cataloging existing assets, design guidelines, utilities, green building projects, retail and commercial opportunities, housing, open/public space, education and recreation opportunities, and community resources.

The overriding goal for this session, which we achieved, was to give Don Sammet, our Director of Planning and Redevelopment, the information he will need to write the redevelopment plan for the Springwood Avenue corridor. Our hope is to have this plan ready for public review, comment and revisions in early Fall.

SUBCOMMITTEE ON HOMELESSNESS
At the August 16th City Council meeting, the Council agreed with the recommendation made by myself and Mayor Sanders to establish a Subcommittee on Homelessness. The committee will be chaired by myself and Councilman Loffredo and will consist of representatives from our Social Services Department, Monmouth County Social Services, NJ Department of Supportive Housing, local service providers, and city residents.

My vision for this committee is to create and execute a plan of action that will end homelessness in Asbury Park. I believe we can do this by a more efficient delivery of services and by demanding that communities from Brielle to the Atlantic Highlands share in the responsibility for the caretaking and rehabilitation of homeless individuals.

ADVISORY BOARD FOR ASBURY WORKS
Much of the recent energy of the Advisory Board for Asbury Works has been spent on supporting our Summer Youth Jobs Initiative. Our goal for this program was to put 80 city youth to work this summer. To date, we have had approximately 120 youth take part in the program – 120 of Asbury Park’s youth working in summer jobs, earning money, learning important skills, and being productive members of society.


RECREATION INITIATIVES
New Senior Swim Program:
I am happy to announce that via my new role as a Board Member of the Community YMCA, I was able to help create our new Asbury Park Senior Swim Program. Sessions will be held at the Red Bank YMCA from 2-3pm on the first and third Thursdays of each month. There will be lanes for swimming as well as water aerobics with an instructor. I would like to thank Wendy Lukowitz from the Asbury Park Senior Center and Kristen Weber from the Community YMCA for helping to coordinate this program. Seniors can sign up for this FREE program by contacting the Senior Center at 848-992-1334.

Summer Soccer Program:
I would also like to report that the Fourth Annual Asbury Park Summer Soccer Program was a rousing success. This year we had over 75 children and adults participate in the program. I would like to thank my wife, Leslie Kretzu, who co-directed the program with me this year. I would also like to thank Dolan Williams who helped with coaching, as well as TJ’s Pizza and the Shore Wellness Center for their financial support.

Upgrading our Athletic Fields:
In the past few weeks I have been in conversation with our High School Athletic Director about the possibility of upgrading our athletic fields at the High School and the Middle School. My vision is to have each of our fields surfaced with cutting edge “Field Turf” or artificial surface used on many professional, college and high school fields across the country. This vision also includes installing lights at the High School stadium. Such an upgrade, coupled with increased community and police supervision, would do wonders for our City, particularly for our youth. Imagine having three first class athletic fields that were available for year-round programming. (An added bonus with regard to the artificial surface will be that Canadian geese will no longer be able to feed on the grass of the athletic fields and therefore, will not linger about and defecate on the athletic fields, which has been a problem in the past.) To make this vision a reality, we are going to need the cooperation of both the City Council and the Asbury Park School Board. As we move into the Fall, I plan to continue researching and dialoguing on this issue and my hope is that by the winter, we will have a plan in place to execute this vision.

Re-establishing a YMCA Presence in Asbury Park:
This past week I met with a fellow Community YMCA board member about how we can re-establish a presence for the YMCA in Asbury Park. We agreed that the best approach is to start with some programming initiatives. In the coming weeks, we will be meeting with YMCA staff to create a plan of action to bring the following programs to Asbury Park: an After-school Program, a Learning Center Program, an Adult Life-Skills Program, and “Beyond Asbury.” “Beyond Asbury” is an idea that I have been developing for about two years now. My vision is to create a program where we can bring kids from our city to locations and events that they would not normally have access to. The hope is that by exposing them to what is literally “Beyond Asbury” that they will be inspired to greater levels of achievement academically and socially.

WESLEY LAKE COMMISSION
On August 23rd, as a Representative of the Wesley Lake Commission, I attended the Citizen’s for Wesley Lake meeting at Neptune Township Town Hall. It was a very productive work session. By the end of the meeting, five subcommittees were created and tasked with pulling together resources for a plan of action that will be presented jointly to the Asbury Park City Council and the Neptune Township Committee. The subcommittees would focus on: revisiting the existing Wesley Lake Commission enabling ordinance and making suggestions for revisions to the ordinance; possible Commission restructuring; creating a plan for infrastructure restoration; targeting funding sources for project work; immediate clean-up and rehabilitation projects; creating a plan for community education and outreach about Wesley Lake.

I volunteered to serve on the subcommittee focusing on immediate clean-up and rehabilitation projects along with Neptune’s Deputy Mayor, Mike Golub. At the moment, my short list for this work includes clearing out the storm drains of silt on Lake Avenue, upgrading the lighting along the lake and on the footbridges, and re-landscaping the entrances to the bridges. I am sure that once the evaluation is complete this list will have grown significantly.

WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT
There are two timely issues regarding the Waterfront Redevelopment Plan that I would like to report on:

Baronet Theater:
At the August 16th City Council meeting there was to have been a vote to condemn the Baronet Theater by eminent domain. During the deliberations on this matter, I asked what I believed were some key questions. I asked the Councilmembers on the Waterfront Redevelopment Subcommittee – CM Johnson and DM Bruno – if Asbury Partners had presented any materials that I was unaware of that detailed their plans for this particular block. They responded that Asbury Partners had not presented any such materials. I also asked, in light of this, why there was the current urgency to condemn these two particular properties. There did not seem to be any clear answer to this question from anyone.

Councilman Johnson and I, as well as many supporters in the pubic, felt that there was no clear reason that we should be condemning the Baronet at this time. Despite that, it seemed that this was the direction that things were going in. Then Councilman John Loffredo read a letter into the record from Larry Fishman of Asbury Partners that detailed Asbury Partners’ commitment to maintaining film programming in Asbury Park at a number of venues. Upon the reading of this letter, I asked Councilman Loffredo if he would support having the commitments that Asbury Partners outlined “memorialized” via contract. He agreed. The vote was then tabled until September 6th and direction was given by the Council for the Waterfront Redevelopment Subcommittee to negotiate this issue with Asbury Partners. Ultimately, will this save the Baronet? I am not sure. However, it now gives the Waterfront Redevelopment Subcommittee some leverage going into a negotiating session. My hope is that they come out with a commitment from Asbury Partners to save the Baronet.

5th Avenue Pavillion:
They say that a picture says a thousand words. Click here to see an artist’s rendering for the rehabilitation of the 5th Avenue Pavilion.

http://thecoaster.net/wordpress/?p=774#more-774

If Asbury Partners delivers on this, it would be the most significant project on the City’s Waterfront in 30 years in my opinion. As I did at the City Council meeting, I will again congratulate them for what appears to be a “home run.” It is now the responsibility of the City Council to hold Asbury Partners to their word and ensure that the project is delivered in a timely fashion.


MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR AUGUST
On August 1st I had a great time reading to the kids at the Westside Community Center’s “Freedom School” program and then attending the Westside’s community event later that evening.

On August 7th I was honored to have witnessed the swearing in of Kevin Keddy, our new Fire Chief, as well as the promotions of a number of our City Firefighters.

On August 11th I enjoyed a wonderful evening at a fundraiser for Asbury’s own Garden State Film Festival.

On August 19th I was honored to co-Chair the “Back to School Block Party” with CM Johnson. For those of you who did not attend, you missed your chance to dunk me in the dunking booth. But don’t worry, the kids more than made up for your absence.

Later that afternoon on August 19th I “went green,” and took in all that the Clearwater Festival had to offer. This is one of my favorite annual events in Asbury Park and I enjoyed every minute - especially reliving some high school memories listening to the Smithereens perform.

On August 22nd, I attended the monthly meeting of the Asbury Park Senior Center. I updated them on the swim program and I discussed the possibility of free matinees for Seniors at the Baronet Theater.

On August 24th, I attended a very exciting meeting for the “Improving the Odds” initiative at the Asbury Park Middle School. This initiative is working to create a plan of action for increasing involvement among students and parents and increasing academic performance at the Middle School.

On August 25th, I started a much needed break from work! As I wrote above, I will be out of the office until September 5th. I hope that anything you might need from me can wait until my return; however, if there is an emergency, please call me at home at 732.988.9985.

Public Forum on Asbury Park Housing Crisis

Constituents,

I received the following from Fr. Bill McLaughlin at Holy Spirit Church and I would encourage you to attend.

Peace, JWK

CRISIS IN HOUSING IN OUR CITY AND COUNTY:

Please participate in a forum to be held at Holy Spirit Church, 705 Second Ave. from 8:00 til 10:00 pm. This forum will be broadcast live on Asbury Radio with Maureen Nevin as host. The issues to be addressed:

1. The cost and availability of housing, especially home ownership, for those who fall under the median income for our area. Many are under the wage guidelines for poverty.

2. The cost and availability of shelter for those who are "de facto" homeless in our city and area. What can be done to help those who wish to help our poorest brothers and sisters?

3. How do we help meet the challenges posed by overcrowding in many parts of the city?

If you can't be here, give a call to the radio for your input.

Fr. Bill McLaughlin, Pastor

Baronet Theater Vote Tonight!

Dear Constituents,

At tonight’s City Council Meeting the governing body will be voting on whether or not to condemn the historic Baronet Theater through the use of eminent domain. Please come out and encourage my fellow City Council members to vote “NO” on this issue.

For your convenience, I have posted the agendas for all of tonight’s meetings below.

Peace,

Councilman James W. Keady


City Council Meeting: Executive Session (Closed to the Public)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 – 4:00pm

I. Litigation
A. Teicher Update – Mr. Aaron
B. Martone vs. Jordan – Mr. Raffetto
C. Pam LiPira Matter
D. Block 227 Tax Appeal: Dispute Resolution – Mr. Aaron

II. Contract Negotiations
A. Block 222, Lot 1 – Triangle Property – Mr. Aaron
B. Tax Abatement Request/The Center – Mr. Mayers
C. Storage for Tillie – Mr. Sammet
D. Amusement Rides on Boardwalk

III. Easement Request/RDR – Fred Raffetto

IV. Personnel
A. Main Street Redevelopment Committee Appointments – CM Loffredo
B. Municipal Court Review by Judge Lawson
C. City Manager’s Contract


City Council Meeting: Workshop Session (Open to the Public)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 – 6:00pm

I. Review of Regular Agenda

II. Asbury Partners – 5th Avenue Pavilion

III. Mr. Tony Nuccio – Sleeping in Public Ordinance

IV. Mr. Brian Grant, City Engineer
A. Engineering Services
B. HVAC Update

V. Mr. Tom Gilmour, Director of Commerce/UEZ
A. Funding of Fire Equipment
B. Façade Improvement Program

VI. Affordable Housing Subcommittee - Mayor Sanders and CM Keady
A. Request for RFP Phase I STARS Area

VII. Subcommittee on Homelessness - Mayor Sanders and CM Keady

VIII. Mr. Fred Raffetto, City Attorney
A. Right of Access Agreement, Block 98, Lots 3&4 – Mr. Yi, Springwood Avenue

IX. Special Event Applications
1. Jersey Shore VB VB Tourney Beach 9-9/10-06
2. Asbury Lanes Vintage Car Show Asbury Lanes 8-14/25/26
3. Cathedral Intl. Water Baptism. 4th Ave Beach 8-6-06
4. Greg Rinaldi Truck Show Bradley Park 9-3-06
5. Marie Thompson Barbecue Beach/BPark 9-17-06
6. St. George’s Lunch Bradley Park 9-17-06
7. APMS PTO Health Fair Prospect Avenue 9-19-06
8. Surfrider Fdn. Family Day 8th Ave Beach 8-12-06
9. City of AP Back to School Bangs Avenue 8-19-06
10. Bethel AME Block Party Langford 8-27-06
11. AP Little League Barbecue Sunset Park 8-29-06

X. Matters to introduced by City Council
A. Councilman Johnson
B. Councilman Loffredo
C. Deputy Mayor Bruno
D. Mayor Sanders
E. Councilman Keady
1. Senior Swim Program
2. JUMP Mentoring Program

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

City Council Meeting: Regular Meeting (Open to the Public)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 – 7:00pm

I. Public Participation

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Payroll Resolution

IV. Bill Resolution and Inservco

V. Applications and Liquor Licenses
A. Bingo License – Synagogue of Elberon BL: 6-2006
B. Renewal – Liquor Licenses – Special Rulings:
1. J&M Real Estate (pocket license)
2. DB Ventures – 206-208 Main Street (inactive)
3. Sixth Gear – 649 Mattison Avenue (inactive)
4. Asbury Fun – 207 Fourth Avenue (inactive)

VI. Resolutions
A. Appointments/re-appointments
B. City Clerk to publish 2005 Audit Summary
C. Multi-Purpose Sr. Center grants 2007-2009
D. Return overpayment of taxes – 407 Lake Avenue
E. Discharge of Mortgage – 831 Central Avenue
F. Discharge of Mortgage – 517 Munroe Avenue
G. Subordination of Mortgage – 1319 Summerfield Avenue
H. Items from the Tax Collector (2)
I. Accept 1968 Fire Truck from Ocean Township
J. Group Affidavit – 2005 Audit
K. Recreation - $2,500 Grant to Westside Community Center
L. Adoption of 2006 Budget (If approved by DCA)

VII. Ordinances – Introduction (None)

IX. Ordinances – Public Hearing – Advertised 7-13-06/7-27-06 Coaster
A. Bond- 2006 Road Program $450K
B. Bond – Sewer Repair $260K
C. Penalties for Curfew Violation
D. Eminent Domain: 205-207 Fourth Avenue

VIII. Decision on RCA Project Bids
A. 1209 Summerfield Avenue
B. 1114 Jeffrey Street
C. 1517 Bangs Avenue
D. 1505 Sewall Avenue

IX. Verizon Cable Application Hearing

Statement on the Baronet Theater

In recent weeks, there has been much discussion in the community about Saving the Baronet Theater from being condemned by eminent domain.

The current owner of the Baronet Theater, as almost all of you know, is Mr. Pat Fasano. In the 2004 Municipal Election, Mr. Fasano contributed $583 in support of my candidacy. In light of this, when the ordinance to take the Baronet by eminent domain was introduced at the July 6th City Council meeting, I recused myself from voting on the issue.

Tonight there will be a public hearing and most likely a vote on whether or not the City Council will take the Baronet from Mr. Fasano by eminent domain.

After careful consideration and conversations with our legal counsel, two additional attorneys, and a broad cross section of my constituents, I have made the decision that I will NOT be recusing myself from discussion and the potential vote on this matter at tonight’s City Council meeting.

I have made my positions on eminent domain and the preservation of our historical assets crystal clear both before and after the election. I am quite comfortable and confident that the modest contribution made by Mr. Fasano to my campaign will in no way cloud my judgment, influence my decision or compromise my ethics on this matter. Moreover, neither I, nor any members of my immediate family or any business organizations in which I have an interest have a direct or indirect financial or personal involvement that might reasonably be expected to impair my objectivity or independence of judgment. Regardless of who owned the Baronet Theater, I would vote in the same way.

Having said this, why do I feel we should SAVE THE BARONET?

First, it is a historical asset with a rich architectural and programmatic history. Second, the current owners have made the necessary renovations and are now ready to open the venue thus creating another destination location for people to visit in Asbury Park. Third, they plan to show movies on Friday through Sunday for $2 per ticket. Given the economic demographics in our city, this will make a night at the movies affordable for our working families. Fourth, they are willing to allow various community groups use the facility for programming. Finally, I have not seen, nor heard of any concrete plans that Asbury Partners has for this particular block and therefore I do not feel that there is any pressing need for this property to be taken at this time.

Peace, JWK