---

[A previous version of this story referred to the park as Bradley Park]

Waterfront redeveloper iStar kicked off a set of projects this week that will bring improvements to Atlantic Park. The list also includes sidewalk and roadway upgrades troughout Asbury Park’s oceanfront region. 

Re-grading work began this week in the park, located just north of the redeveloper’s soon to open boutique hotel – The Asbury [at right].

The improvements will feature new sod, irrigation and pathways, as well as new streetlights, sidewalks, benches, and bicycle racks that will be placed around the park’s perimeter.

The work is expected to be completed prior to the July 4^th Holiday weekend, officials said.

Estimated at a $2.3 million cost, the projects include the widening of Fifth Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Kingsley Street as well as along Sunset Avenue west to Webb Street.

Kingsley Street north to Sunset Avenue will be upgraded, officials said. The work features new storm water and sanitary sewer systems, curbs, and sidewalks, as well as streetlights, benches and bicycle racks, officials said.

iStar plans to place 30 new double trash receptacles, with trash and recycling containers, throughout the waterfront along Cookman Avenue, Kingsley Street and the western side of Ocean Avenue. New sidewalks and pavers are to be placed along OceanAvenue in front of the Stone Pony, officials said.

Also new this week, was the closure of Fourth Avenue, between Kingsley Street and Ocean Avenue. The closure is in preparation for construction at 1101 Ocean Avenue [at right) mixed use high rise designed by Manhattan based architect Gary Handel.

The 16-story development will feature 128 condominiums on its highest levels, followed by a 58-room luxury hotel, retail space that measures close to 22,000 square-feet, and a parking garage that can accommodate over 400 vehicles.

As the summer season nears, company officials are readying for the start of its “Crew” program. The ambassador program, headquartered at 200 Cookman Ave, has employed close to 100 since its 2013 launch. The program provides a one week [40-hour] hospitality training course, with more than half its employees residing in Asbury Park.

—————————————————————————

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---