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In the annual State of the City address delivered Wednesday, City Manager Michael Capabianco [below right] cited highlights from 2016 and laid out a framework for the year ahead and beyond.

He acknowledged continued work with partners, like the Asbury Park School District and its Board of Education, the Asbury Park Housing Authority, Interfaith Neighbors, and the Asbury Park Music Foundation.

Accomplishments included bringing WiFi to beach, the Salt School work development program implemented by The Asbury’s David Bowd, assisting with the development of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School’s new park and the creation of Springwood Avenue Park and the free summer concert series.

The city helped organized the Pulse Memorial Grove planting in Library Square, dredging of Deal Lake, and worked with NJ Transit to maintain the level of service. The also passed a resolution requesting the state agency to extended service later in the day, and worked on continued shared service agreements with Monmouth County, Neptune and Loch Arbour.

In reference to the framework and vision of the city, Capabianco said made reference to the City Council’s amended changes in the downtown area [Central Business District] that brought noise mitigation guidelines and an extension of the types of allowable ventures. He said amendments to the waterfront redevelopment plan [WRA] are underway.

Reevaluation of the city’s Master Plan [which maps the framework and vision] is underway and is expected to be implemented by late summer or early fall, Capabianco said.

With regard to development now kicking up speed on the city’s west side, Capabianco referenced the Michaels Group Renaissance project, Boston Way redevelopment and Interfaith Neighbors Turf Club project which will give the duplex home buyers added security through an adjacent income property.  

Currently the city is working with stakeholders and residents to help revitalize the southwest quadrant via a $500,000 Housing and Urban Development [HUD] Choice Neighborhood grant and participated in the two day Creative Asbury Park workshop that helped connect agencies, organizations, businesses, and residents.

The city created an in depth road repair plan via a ranking of every city street, the first of its kind in over six years Capabianco said. Necessary repairs were also made to the city’s sewer treatment plant, thanks in part to Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] funding.

This year also saw the start of repairs to Sunset and Wesley lakes and a $400,000 Brownfields grant from the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] to help with areas in need of remediation. Once identified the sites can be redeveloped and turned into income generators and job creators, Capabianco said.

With the opening of The Asbury, the city’s newest hotel and entertainment venue, waterfront redeveloper iStar has turned attention on 1101 Ocean Avenue – a boutique hotel, condo and commercial space where development stalled for decades. They are also in the process of completing the Asbury Lanes revamp and South Grand homes.

Mention was made of boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette’s redevelopment kick off at the Fifth Avenue Pavilion and band shell, with Capabianco saying they ‘look forward to the opening of the event and restaurant space.’

“Improving the lives of those in the city continues to be primary goal of city hall,” Capabianco said.

He noted the work of the Quality of Life Committee and the municipality’s award winning four-year workforce development plan.

“The city continues to require workforce development as a part of projects that require City Council approval,” he said. “This is an ongoing commitment, one that’s manifested in the successful Salt School program at The Asbury and will be present in the 1101 Ocean Ave [development].”

Capabianco also made note of their commitment to hire local residents to help change the unemployment and underemployed rate.

The Asbury Park Police Department’s accreditation is expected to completed by late spring, and in the past year technological and equipment updates included the use of body cameras.  

Recognition came for the city’s street smart program, being an LGBTQ supportive community.

This past year, the municipality formed a Sunset Lake Commission and Business Committee, extended seats and term limits so more people can serve on the ad hoc groups, and discussions are underway for the creation of an Art Committee.

2016 also saw the hiring of a full time CFO and all utilities – beach, sewer, and transportation operating in the black, the first time in 2-3 years this occurred, Capabianco said.

New objectives include creating a Mayor’s Wellness group, a mock high school student council meeting, continuing the workforce development plan, hiring an IT Director, a city wide [new] business survey, upgrading the city’s credit rating, creating a gateway sign plan, welcome kits for both residents and businesses, exploring partnerships with colleges and universities, and continue to explore shared services with county, state, and federal agencies, Capabianco said.

There will also be an affordable housing review and drafting of a fair share housing plan, evaluation of the city hall and transportation properties for better uses, developing a bike and pedestrian plan – complete with the increase of bicycle racks, alternate side street parking, a city wide street light survey and working with NJ Transit to improve bus routes within the city.

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