Bradley Beach Mayor Says School Funding ‘Antiquated’
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Mayor Stephen Schueler said what many in New Jersey have been thinking and saying for years: It’s time to change the way communities in New Jersey fund their schools.
During the public portion of Tuesday’s meeting, James McPherson, who frequently attends council meetings, asked about the recent defeat of the school budget and inquired how spending will be trimmed.
Schueler said a public meeting will be scheduled with school board members to review the budget and make decisions about cuts.
“We have to be educated about their budget,” said the mayor. “We will have a public hearing. ....and be brought up to speed.”
The mayor used the opportunity to air his views on a much debated topic property tax relief.
“Funding of schools through local property tax is just antiquated,” he said, “it’s pushing people out of their homes. There needs to be regionalization and tax relief, this system doesn’t work.”
A date for the meeting with school officials has not yet been established, but the mayor expressed confidence that the two bodies will find success.
“We have some talented people over there and I’m sure they have some good ideas,” he said.
In other news council amended its zoning ordinance governing prohibited uses of certain businesses in the borough.
Businesses which will not be allowed in any part of town are tattoo and body piercing parlors and check cashing establishments, other than those affiliated with banks. Adult bookstores are also prohibited, but the section of the ordinance governing the bookstores was changed to read “establishments offering adult entertainment.”
The public hearing on the ordinance is May 9.
Also at the meeting council agreed to submit an application for state aid next year to pave Fletcher Lake from Brinley Avenue to Third Avenue. Borough Engineer Philip Kavanaugh said the deadline for applications requesting state aid is June 30.
Kavanaugh said that this is the last area of the borough in need of paving.
Also at the meeting council introduced an ordinance governing sidewalks and driveways in the borough. The new ordinance calls for all sidewalks and driveways to be made of concrete.
Regarding sidewalks it stipulates that there can be no depression in the part of the sidewalk included in a driveway. Kavanaugh said this is to ensure that the walkway will be handicapped accessible and those in wheelchairs will not be hindered by dips in the sidewalk.
The ordinance also states that driveways, with common access to adjoining properties can not be continuous.
Also at the meeting two muralists presented a model of the mural they will be painting on the inside wall of the recreation center.
Local artists Dawn Von Suskil and Danielle Acerra chose the muted colors for the mural, as well as for the walls and flooring at the center. The mural represents all factions of Bradley Beach life, including friendship, community, sports, the beach and nightlife.
Von Suskil said although they incorporated many concepts in the drawing they made sure it was not too distracting, but at the same time was appealing to children.
The mural is 75 feet long and will take almost three weeks to complete at a cost of $5,500.
The artists have completed other murals in the area including Giamano’s Restaurant and Osaka on Main Street.
In other recreation center news Schueler reported that they are planning to install a radio line to the center along with a camera so police can watch the area more closely.
The mayor said there have been reports of people playing soccer into the tennis nets and skateboarding in restricted areas.
With the new equipment police will be able to witness the activity and ask perpetrators to refrain over the loudspeaker before sending a squad car over.
The recreation center also has new director, Joelle Pavolic, who was introduced at the meeting. Pavolic said she has been busy clearing the center and starting anew. She has been preparing the summer program and implementing new sports programs.
“We want to keep them busy and not watching television,” she said.
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