A new organization is working to help entrepreneurs realize their full potential in the Asbury area. The Business Development Center [BDC], owned by Interfaith Neighbors, is located on the first floor of the Springwood Center. They conduct workshops and give classes to teach area residents how to run a business. Roger Boyce [pictured above, left], […]

Asbury Park is joining the state’s health benefits program in an effort to reduce employee insurance costs. The city council at its Jan. 2 meeting approved a resolution authorizing participation in the plan. Preliminary estimates show the switch could save the city $1 million in the first year, city manager Terence Reidy said. The city […]

A spending plan for the city’s charter study commission [CSC] was approved at the council meeting held on Jan. 2. Among the costs listed in the $18,000 budget are $1,000 for consultant fees; $500 for speaking fees; $3,500 for legal fees; and $4,000 for printing costs. A secretary will be hired for an expected total […]

The centerpiece of Allenhurst’s nativity scene was reported missing on Jan. 2 and police are currently following leads to locate the 150-pound figure of baby Jesus [pictured at right], according to Chief Robert Richter. “The people in town are upset,” Richter said. “Who steals the baby Jesus?” Police figure the culprits in this theft could […]

The Asbury Park Half Marathon is on for April 20, despite devastation from Hurricane Sandy last year. The original course was destroyed by the hurricane, but the Jersey Shore Running Club RunAPalooza Race Committee has developed a new route, according to a prepared release. The run will start and finish in Asbury Park and head […]

Art supply and lifestyle store Rebearth on Bangs Avenue will close its doors on January 15. “It’s not a sad day, it’s just a different day,” said Damian Hiller, who co-owns the store with Tim Scramowicz. “Thank you Asbury Park.” The two also have a studio upstairs in the building, from where they will continue […]

Loch Arbour’s beach club won’t be ready for the summer season this year, Commissioner Alfred J. Cheswick announced at the governing body’s Jan. 2 meeting. “The pavilion is not going to be built in time,” he said. “We don’t want to rush it. We want to do it right.” The beach club’s pavilion, located at […]

Two popular restaurants on the Asbury Park boardwalk — Stella Marina and Cubacan — expect to reopen by February 1, according to Dennis Tafuri, general manager for both establishments. The two have been closed since suffering damage from Hurricane Sandy. “We have two construction crews working feverishly to get the places ready,” said Tafuri [pictured […]

The board of education [BOE] prepared for the new year by swearing in new members and naming a new president and vice president at a reorganization meeting last night. First, four members were sworn in to the board — newcomers Christian Hall and Qzeena Taylor, and returning members Barbara Lesinski and Rev. Geneva Smallwood. Hall, […]

The city council last night approved a resolution allowing free three-hour parking to be extended until March 1. The measure applies to all spots that are normally metered, along the waterfront and in the central business district [CBD]. Parking restrictions have not been enforced since Hurricane Sandy struck on Monday, Oct. 29, because 57 of […]