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The Asbury Park Skateboarding Foundation, having obtained its 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status, can now apply for grants and donations to fund its proposed skateboarding park.

But where the park will be located is not set in stone.

Last week the Foundation’s organizers wrote an open letter to the community. The letter came after questions arose as to whether Sunset Park was the appropriate location for the proposed 10,000 square foot skateboarding area. Organizers asked the community to submit alternate locations by May 15.

Asbury Park’s Mayor and City Council members gave an unofficial nod of support March 14, enabling the Foundation to move forward with fundraising initiatives, and Michele Alonso, the city’s Director of Planning and Redevelopment, was charged with surveying the site before the governing body’s official vote to dedicate the northwest corner of the park to the Foundation.

This weekend, the Mayor and Council said via telephone interviews that they remain supportive of the Foundation’s plans but have a list of alternate sites they will propose. The list is not being made public until the vetting process is complete. At that time, the governing body will meet with the Foundation’s organizers.

“The skate park people did their due diligence,” Mayor John Moor said. “They tried to find any lot owned by the city. They spoke to the Board of Education, Interfaith Neighbors, and the Housing Authority.”

Moor said the Sunset Park location was proposed since the group’s initial intention to construct the park on the west side was not feasible.

“There is no property along Springwood Avenue that the city owns that is not tied up in the redevelopment zone,” Moor said.

And, although the city owns lots on the west side, they measure [on average] 25 x 100 square feet and are located in residential neighborhoods – making them not unsuitable for the proposed plan, Moor said.

As for placing the skateboarding park in Springwood Avenue Park, Moor said there is not enough room for accommodate the proposed plan.

“We are evaluating a couple more options,” Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said. “But, if it’s no skate park or Sunset Park, I’m leaning toward Sunset Park. Having said that, we are absolutely looking at other options. People are for the skate park in theory and I hope we can find another spot.”

Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton said she is only in favor of constructing the park if the immediate neighbors are willing to accept the proposal.

“I never said I was in favor of it being there [in Sunset Park],” Clayton said. “I always had reservations of it being there because it is a passive park.”

Clayton said the City Council’s list of properties takes the community’s comments into consideration.

“We think these would be suitable locations close enough to serve the community it wants to serve and at the same time not interfere with residential neighborhoods or take space in a passive parks.”

Councilman Jesse Kendle, who sits on the Recreation Committee, said the Foundation met with them a few times before bringing the proposal forward to the City Council.

“They did their homework,” Kendle said. “I know the kids and the community are in favor of the idea but we are looking at the best location possible.”

When asked if he would support the skateboarding area within Sunset Park if no other site becomes feasible, Kendle said “I know it will all work out. We’d like to get it done as soon as possible because it would be good for the kids around the city.”

Councilman Joe Woerner was unavailable for comment but has said he supports the Foundation’s plans. In an earlier interview, Woerner said noise pollution from a skate park measures lower than roadway traffic.

The City Council will propose its list of suitable properties from a roster of land it owns. Once a final determination is made for the skateboarding park’s location, the Mayor and City Council will vote on dedicating the site to the Foundation.

“We will not be changing the use of a park,” Moor said. “And if anyone thinks we will use eminent domain to acquire a piece of property that is not possible. I’m only one vote but I don’t think the State is going to be too fond of that and I would never agree to that and the Skateboarding foundation has never asked for that.”

Because Asbury Park receives transitional aid from the State, a state monitor must approve its budgetary matters.

City Planner Michele Alsonso will survey the site and make recommendation prior to a City Council vote. Based on the new location’s zoning – the Foundation may need to submit site plans to the Zoning or Planning Board.

In the meantime, the Foundation will host a fundraising photo show 7 p.m. April 16 at Café Volan, 510 Bangs Avenue.

While the 501 (c) (3) tax exemption status was approved on March 14, its effective date of exemption is August 3, 2015, according the organization’s website. For more information, visit www.asburyparkskateboardfoundation.org.

[feature photo courtesy of Sara Stadtmiller]

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