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The Asbury Park City Council announced Wednesday night the hiring of a City Planner.

Michele Alonso will begin work July 16, Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said.

Previously, Alonso [shown right] served as Assistant Director of Planning in Newark and as Supervising Planner in Jersey City, Acting City Manager Anthony Nuccio said.

“She has an extensive background in urban planning redevelopment and historic preservation,” Nuccio said. “She will be a very strong asset to the city because she has a lot of experience. I think she’ll fit in well.”

Alonzo replaces former Director of Planning and Redevelopment Don Sammet, who left in March after serving 11 years in the job.

“I think all of you know when Don left not only was the public heartbroken by his departure but the Council was also heartbroken by his departure,” Quinn said.

Alonso is extremely well qualified, Quinn said.

“She won the New Jersey Historic Preservation Award for 2010,” she said. “She comes extremely well qualified in historic preservation.”

City historian Werner Baumgartner said he could not be more thrilled to hear that a city planner with a background in historic preservation has been hired.

“I have fought this battle for as long as I have lived here, 35 years, to raise an awareness and a sensitivity to the need to preserve the character, and heritage and culture of this city.”

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