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To the Editor, Asbury Park Sun:

I met Cathy and Jonathan in 2012. Right after Hurricane Sandy hit, they rented a one-bedroom condo in the same building that I live in on Deal Lake Drive. They were an energetic and enthusiastic young couple who moved to Asbury Park to take advantage of everything it had to offer; the beach, the restaurants, the music scene and the quirky community of artists and activists. They loved the historic architecture, the diversity of the people here, and the natural environment, evidenced by Jonathan’s frequent postings of photographs on Facebook and Instagram. They cheered for the floats at the Pride Parade and attended the Black Lives Matter Rally at the post office after George Floyd was murdered. They were adamant about marching in solidarity with all members of our community.

Cathy and Jonathan were also great neighbors. They would organize barbeques in the backyard and share Asbury Park brewed ale, masterfully grilled steak and expertly crafted salad. They genuinely listened when I agonized over an awful situation.  When my Mom was hospitalized, they walked my Lab mix along with their pug and puggle, so I could help care for her. When Covid hit, Cathy would sanitize the elevator buttons and Jonathan provided tips on where to get great curbside service. They were funny and kind. 

Unfortunately, over this past summer, their landlord decided to sell the unit that had been their home for the past eight years. As they looked for another apartment, it became clear to them that they could no longer afford to rent in Asbury Park. Fortunately, they were able to find a suitable place in Red Bank. 

I wish them well, but it would have been nice if they could have stayed in Asbury Park, the place they called home for the past eight years.

Cathy and Jonathan’s story is not unique. We have seen many friends and neighbors displaced due to the rising cost of living in Asbury Park. The rental market, especially over the past decade, has made living in Asbury Park unaffordable for many current residents. 

On Tuesday, December 22nd at 6pm, there will be a public hearing on a rent stabilization ordinance for the City of Asbury Park. It is a fair ordinance for landlords which allows for rent increases, but finally provides renters (85% of Asbury’s residents) with a reasonable and effective rent control ordinance. Please call in your support on December22^nd or reach out to the Mayor and Council to voice your support. 

Now is the time. Thank you!  

Kerry Margaret Butch 

Asbury Park

[Letters represent the opinion of their writer and are not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here.]

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