By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The search for a developer for the Steiner Avenue re-development project in Neptune City has been narrowed down to two, but the Borough Council is still negotiating with both companies before making a final decision.
Mayor Thomas Arnone said the council plans to make a decision soon after the new year.
I will be meeting with them this week in preliminary discussions and hope to have a decision in 30 to 45 days. We are very close to having a developer, Arnone said.
PRC Group from West Long Branch and Maxwell Developers are the choices and both have included Mount Laurel housing in their plans the mayor said at Mondays meeting.
Arnone also said he met with the owner of the Shop n Bag Shopping Center and believes there is progress in plans to renovate the area.
Something positive is happening there, Arnone said.
The shopping center has been mostly unoccupied for over five years.
Arnone also complimented the owner of the Foodtown in the borough, crediting him for renovations to the post office located in the center.
Its a nice little face lift in Neptune City, the mayor said.
Council also discussed extending leaf collection in town, which is due to end Dec. 14.
Arnone asked Councilman Larry Cross to discuss the matter with public works.
Leaves are falling later than usual this year and are expected to continue falling possibly into late December.
Leaves came down awfully late this year, Ive gotten four phone calls, Arnone said.
Fire Chief Brian McGrath reported call figures to council in a presentation about Fire Department activities over the past year.
Council recently started a program of having all department heads in the borough make a brief presentation to council.
McGrath said fire fighters logged over 2000 volunteer man hours and responded to over 136 calls.
The chief also encouraged residents to make a call to the fire department, even if they are in doubt about its necessity.
Dont ever say, should I callem? and not call in. Wed rather be there and know you are safe, McGrath said.
McGrath said the fire cadet program is underway with a group of 14 to 18 year olds meeting every Sunday.
We teach them about fire fighting and when they are 18 they can join the fire department, the chief said.
McGrath said his department will be joining with Avon, Bradley Beach and Shark River Hills departments for a special training session about how to respond to an emergency at the senior center.
Assistant Chief Harry Turetzkin said the department used funds from the borough to update fire fighters equipment and complete the locker room.
It costs $2500 for gear for each firefighter.
Everything we bought this year brought us up to date, he said.
Councilwoman Susan Mitchell commented that she believes drug awareness programs are working.
She said when she picked her daughter up at a club recently she noticed many young people waiting in line for family or taxis to pick them up.
There were about 100 kids waiting for rides. They know not to drink and drive. Its working, teaching them to be responsible even if its one less accident potentially happening, Mitchell said.
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