Neptune City Seeks Clarification On Redevelopment Ruling
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Officials in Neptune City are continuing redevelopment efforts in the borough with financial help from two state agencies.
According to Mayor Thomas Arnone the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the Department of Community Affairs have provided financial support to perform preliminary assessment activities, site investigation and remediation to address environmental issues.
Judge Lawrence M. Lawson ruled against the borough earlier this month in a lawsuit filed by Park Steel and Iron Co., essentially stating that the area encompassed by the Steiner Avenue Redevelopment Zone, was not an area in need of redevelopment.
Arnone said residents support the continuation of redevelopment efforts.
This area of Steiner Avenue remains a health and safety concern for the surrounding community, he said, adding that excessive police presence is required in the area on a daily basis.
In addition, he said the borough is seeking clarification and reconsideration from Judge Lawson, regarding the East Coast Ice Company property located in the area.
The PRC Group, the company hired to develop the area, is on board to move forward with the project.
In conjunction with the borough, our company perceived that there is a true need to redevelop this sector of Steiner Avenue and continues to support the mayor and council with their efforts to move the project forward, said Robert M. Kaye, CEO.
During Mondays council meeting Arnone thanked residents who have both voiced support or wrote letters to newspapers urging the project to continue.
Also at the meeting council accepted the resignation of Wayne Kepler as code enforcement officer, effective August 31.
We were very fortunate, Arnone said. Wayne has taken the position to a higher level he was strict but very fair to residents, who were given every opportunity to comply.
Arnone said an ad hoc committee would be formed to find a replacement for Kepler.
Councilman Larry Cross also reminded council that Kepler served on the boroughs fire department since 1970 and as chief one year.
The mayor also read a proclamation honoring Mary Ellen Woolley, who turned 100 July 30.
Woolley has been a resident of the borough since 1934. She was celebrated Sunday at the United Memorial Methodist Church where she has been a member since 1939.
The mayor said Woolley continues to be an active member of the churchs womens organization.
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