By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The Asbury Park City Council is expected to approve an amendment to the city code prohibiting chain link and solid fencing on the front yards of properties.
City Planner Michelle Alonso said the change is being made to improve aesthetics in the city and due to the fact that there are fencing options now available that cost the same as chain link fences.
“There are now attractive open composite materials at comparable prices,” she said. Those with existing chain link fences will be grandfathered in, she said.
“They can keep them (chain link fences) until they remove it or it falls down,” Alonso said.
Alonso also proposed several changes to fees associated with major and minor site plans as well as use variances.
Funds held in escrow will be increased by up to four times as much as is now being required.
For example fees for major site plans will increase from $200 up to $800.
She sited the increase in professional fees for the increase as well, which at the current average of $100 per hour will only allow for two hours of professional time.
Alonso said she is proposing the changes now because the ordinance governing fees “has not been updated in decades.”
Alonso also said she included in the amendment a new chart outlining the fees.
Council also is expected to approve one 15-minute parking space on Second Avenue in front of Asbury Park Roastery for use by customers.
Council Member Joe Woerner said with more businesses moving into that area there is no place for customers to park. He said when meters are installed in the area the space will no longer be needed.
