Proposed Incentive Plan in Ocean Would Decrease Property Taxes
By DON STINE Ocean Township residents may get a little property tax relief by shopping at local businesses under an innovative plan being put together by township officials. Called “Own Ocean,” the program calls for participating residents to get a rebate on their property taxes if they shop at a township-based business. “It is a property tax rewards program that tries to put money back in the taxpayer’s pocket,” Mayor Christopher Siciliano said. Siciliano said the program is still being organized and is expected to be launched sometime later this year. “It may take about nine months but it…
Garofalo Named Deputy Mayor in Ocean
By DON STINE Ocean Township’s new Deputy Mayor William Garofalo said last week that taxpayers can expect no increase in the municipal budget this year. “We have weathered the (budget) storm and cost-saving measures we put in place are paying off. I am confident we will have a flat tax this year,” he said. “I think the tides have turned and I am happy and confident that we are going forward,” he said. Mayor Christopher Siciliano has previously stated that a flat tax rate is one of the main goals under his administration. Ocean Township’s current municipal tax rate…
Sunset Avenue Bridge to Close for Repairs
Motorists better rethink their driving patterns if they are heading into Asbury Park via Sunset Avenue for about the next two years. The Sunset Avenue Bridge, which crosses Deal Lake between the Wanamassa section of Ocean Township and Asbury Park, will be closed beginning Wednesday, January 28 for an estimated 454 days under a $9 million to $10 million Department of Transportation funded project to replace the bridge. The projected date for the bridge to reopen is May 27, 2016 County officials, along with representatives from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and the New Jersey Department of Transportation,…
$16,000 in Prizes Offered by Ocean Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a year-long contest called “Got 30!” One lucky GOTCC member, and one non-member, will each win a “Grow Your Business” Grand Prize at the contest’s culmination in January 2016. The two grand prizes have a combined total of more than $16,000. Having partnered with many local media outlets and other businesses that provide an array of products and services targeted at business growth, the GOTCC Grand Prizes will include radio, newspaper and tabloid advertising; printing; social media, Website and IT services and more. All things that…
Ocean Schedules Hearing on Talmudic Academy
A proposal to create a residential Talmudic Academy on Logan Road in the Wanamassa section of Ocean Township will have a special hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tues., Feb. 24. Board Secretary Maryanne Wilensky said the applicant, Yeshiva Gedolah Na’os Yaakov, Inc., based in Lakewood, has paid the additional $2,500 fee to pay for the special meeting. The meeting will be held at the Ocean Township High School, 550 W. Park Avenue, at 7 p.m. The entire three-hour meeting will be dedicated to this single application and a vote by the board might be expected. An…
Ocean Parents File Lawsuit Over Student Survey
By DON STINE Several Ocean Township parents have filed a lawsuit against the local school district for what they say is illegally administering a survey to sixth, ninth and twelfth-grade students that ask detailed questions about their sexual behavior and attitudes, mental and psychological problems, and other personal questions without parental consent. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, Jan. 6, with state Commissioner of Education David Hespe against the Ocean Township Board of Education. Petitioners in the law suit include Michelle Green, Jack Green IV, Danielle Sintic, Lexa Skowrenski and Christana Kmecz – all with children in the school…
Ocean Chamber Hosting Installation Luncheon
The Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce’s is planning their annual Awards and Installation Luncheon, to be held on Thurs., Jan. 15 at The English Manor on One English Lane in Wanamassa. “The networking luncheon allows us to honor individuals and businesses whom we feel have benefitted the community in some important way,” stated GOTCC Executive Director Kim Horn Blanda. “It also provides a forum for us to install our new officers, Trustees and award scholarships to deserving high school seniors,” she added. The 2015 honorees are: Community Service – Monmouth Medical Center, not the least of which is…
Yeshiva Plan Raises Concerns in Ocean
By DON STINE An overflow crowd of concerned Ocean Township residents packed a hearing last week over a proposal to create a Talmudic Academy on Logan Road, which would house 96 college-age students, on Logan Road. Yeshiva Gedolah Na’os Yaakov, Inc., based in Lakewood, is seeking approval from the Board of Adjustment to use a former elementary school, at 1515 Logan Rd. in the Wanamassa section, to house the academy. The proposed Talmudic Academy is not a permitted use in the zone and five out of the seven zoning board members, or two thirds, must vote in favor for…
Ocean Will Swear In New Councilman
By ELLEN CARROLL Rich Long, who has been a member of the Ocean Township Board of Education since October 2010, is scheduled to be sworn in as a Township Councilman in January. Long will fill the seat left vacant with the retirement of Mayor Bill Larkin. Currently, Chris Siciliano is serving as acting mayor. In an interview this week Long said he is looking forward to serving the township as a member of the Township Council. “In the political world, when it comes to Ocean Township, it doesn’t matter if I’m a Republican, a Democrat, a Libertarian or a…
New Firefighters
New Wanamassa Fire Company firefighters are (from left) Andy Floros, Nick Colalilo and John Berbilis. They will attend the training class at the Monmouth County Fire Academy in the Spring. “We are very fortunate to have these three men in the Company,” said Fire Chief Michael Evans “I commend them on their willingness to get involved and help their community.” For more information on becoming a volunteer call 732-775-9784 ext 400 or visit the company web site at www.wanamassafirecompany.com.
