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An Allenhurst commissioner may change his yes vote on sending a proposed merger between the borough and Loch Arbour to the state for review, according to a letter to Allenhurst residents sent by the Loch Arbour Board of Commissioners.

The letter states “a small group of concerned residents met in private and persuaded an Allenhurst Commissioner to reconsider his affirmative vote” to send the merger proposal to the state.

If the unnamed commissioner changes his vote at tomorrow’s Allenhurst Board of Commissioner’s meeting, the proposed merger of the two municipalities will not go forward.

Loch Arbour Mayor Paul Fernicola declined to state which Allenhurst Commissioner may change his vote, and directed inquiries to the Allenhurst Commissioners themselves.

Allenhurst Mayor David McLaughlin did not return two calls seeking comment.

In a 2-1 vote on Jan. 14, the Allenhurst board [shown above] gave the go-ahead to submit a proposal that provides specifics of the merger to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs [DCA]. Commissioners Christopher J. McLoughlin and Terence Bolan voted yes. Mayor David J. McLaughlin voted no.

In accordance with state guidelines, the DCA must approve the consolidation proposal and make any amendments to it, which would then be subject to another vote from commissioners in both municipalities. After the vote, three public forums would be held, one in each separate municipality and one jointly. Representatives from the DCA would be present at all three forums to answer questions from residents. After the three hearings, commissioners in each town would vote whether to put the consolidation question on the November ballots in both towns. The measure would have to win majorities in Allenhurst and Loch Arbour to pass.

“There are 376 registered voters in Allenhurst, and it is unfortunate that it does not appear that the [Allenhurst commissioners] are going to have the opportunity to get the feedback from the DCA and make an informed decision about consolidation,” said Loch Arbour’s Fernicola. “They are going to have two opportunities after getting the feedback from the DCA to make a decision to move forward with the process. So, there’s plenty of time for the Allenhurst commissioners to pull out of the project if they get unfavorable responses from the DCA. If they got unfavorable responses I would expect them to vote not to continue with the process. To switch your vote after two public meetings is, I think, a premature decision.”

The Allenhurst Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet in town hall Tuesday, Jan. 28. Board of Commissioners’ Meetings are held at 7:30pm at Borough Hall, located at 125 Corlies Avenue.

Below is a copy of the letter sent to Allenhurst residents:

Dear Allenhurst Resident,

As you know, the Allenhurst Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on January 14, 2014 authorizing the submission of a joint Allenhurst – Loch Arbour preliminary Consolidation Plan to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). As a result, the Village of Loch Arbour has forwarded this plan to DCA for their comments and modifications.

The Mayor and Commissioners of Loch Arbour have been notified that the Allenhurst resolution may be rescinded at their next public meeting. After the original vote and public meetings, a small group of concerned residents met in private and persuaded an Allenhurst Commissioner to reconsider his affirmative vote.

Loch Arbour has been notified that an Allenhurst Commissioner is considering switching his vote at the next public meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2014. This preliminary plan submission was just a first step, which could ultimately lead to a more clearly defined public referendum, and public vote by ALL Allenhurst Residents.

Such an important and complex issue should be discussed at several more public meetings prior to this vote. 

At the January 9th Allenhurst – Loch Arbour joint meeting, the following major highlights of the consolidation plan were reviewed:

• Stabilization and guaranteed future operation of the Allenhurst Fire Department, Police Department and DPW

• The average Allenhurst household will have an annual tax savings of approximately 21% for the  next 10 years. And, at that time, the Loch Arbour properties would pay 23% of the Allenhurst’s tax levy.

• Loch Arbour will pay off the $5,000,000 ($5 Million) current debt of Allenhurst

• A Special Taxing District will be created in Loch Arbour to cover all current and possible future costs of consolidation

• Allenhurst will acquire all of Loch Arbour’s municipal properties, including the newly expanded beachfront to construct new cabanas and accommodate beachgoers who frequently crowd Allenhurst’s beach

The benefits of consolidation for Allenhurst should be taken into serious consideration. We strongly urge every Allenhurst Resident to attend the January 28st meeting at 7:30pm, and ask your Mayor and Commissioners why they would request pulling the plan back from the State, which they had just recently approved.

Remember, the future wellbeing of Allenhurst should be equally decided by All the Residents of Allenhurst.

Respectfully yours,

Paul Fernicola                                                Al Cheswick                              Dennis D’Angelo

Mayor                                                                Commissioner                         Commissioner

Village of Loch Arbour

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