By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI and DON STINE
Asbury Park Mayor John Moor didn’t hesitate for one minute to set his top priority for the new year: “It’s the same in Asbury Park as in every city, country and worldwide – less guns on the street, there are way too many guns, there is way too much violence.”
Moor cited Sunday’s shooting death of city resident Jamar Small, 24, who was shot on Summerfield Avenue along with another MAN who remains hospitalized.
“It should be every mayor’s priority,” he said.
“It’s a shame any time of year, but especially right before the holidays,” he added.
Moor also said he wants to work with the state, the county and the school system to create jobs for city residents.
“I want a fully working workforce development program,” he said.
Mayor Moor also said he wants to work with officials on continued development throughout the entire city.
“Redevelopment has to be citywide,” he said mentioning several Springwood Avenue projects that he wants to see started in the new year.
“If the Springwood Avenue projects don’t get off the ground in 2016, we’ll be looking for new developers,” he said.
In Bradley Beach, Mayor Gary Engelstad said Main Street is first on his mind.
“Continue the great progress we are making on Main Street. We are down to less than a handful of vacancies,” he said.
Englestad praised the work business owners have done to improve downtown.
“Small business entrepreneurs are doing their part, the borough needs to continue doing our part with beautification, code enforcement, special events and partnership with the state to ensure safe pedestrian traffic,” he said.
Engelstad also cited keeping citizens safe and noted the work of the borough’s “unequaled” police department in that effort. Other goals include keeping the borough’s beaches “the cleanest, safest and most accessible in the area” and expanding cooperation and planning with surrounding towns.
The mayor said hi number one priority will be spending residents tax dollars wisely.
“Especially in a year where we will be up against the challenges of a number of well deserved employee retirements and the financial ramifications that accompany them while maintaining the high caliber service that our residents deserve,” he said.
Interlaken Mayor Michael Nohilly said his New Year’s Resolution for the borough is to set goals that everyone is committed to achieving.
“My resolution is to maintain the spirit of working productively with the entire team to keep everyone engaged and motivated to get things done. History has shown that this can happen, but only when we are open to considering every view equally. And coming to decisions after everyone has equal input, both residents and council members,” he said.
Ocean Township Mayor Christopher Siciliano said his resolution is to enhance community events.
“We hope to have a lot good things coming- a lot of new additions. And good will towards all men,” he said.
Loch Arbour Mayor Paul Fernicola’s New Year’s Resolution comes as no surprise.
“Obtaining tax relief for the residents of Loch Arbour,” he said.
Loch Arbour property owners saw their annual school tax rise by $1.3 million, or to $1.6 million, about five years ago after the state Legislature enacted the School Funding Reform Act.
The village’s school tax bill, now based on property valuation, has risen to about $2 million annually and had increased village residents taxes by about $15,000 a year on the average home.
In Neptune City Mayor Robert Brown said the borough is looking forward to its next revelopment project for the area between Steiner Avenue and Memorial Drive and Fifth Avenue. New construction in the new year also includes a new office building on Route 35 and W. Sylvania Avenue by TFH. The footings have already been installed.
In addition, Brown said, A.J. Produce is renovating its entire building which will feature offices as well as some storage and retail space. Foley’s Liquors is also putting an addition onto its building.
“We wil continue to do our best to keep our taxes as stable as possible while still providing quality services to our residents,” Brown said. “And we will be doing more road projects, including curbs and sidewalks with grant money. We will also continue working with our businesses to revitalize their facilities.”
Deal Mayor Morris Ades said his New Year’s Resolution is to keep Deal a great place to live.
“I want to run the borough in the best way possible and to make our residents comfortable,” he said.
Neptune Deputy Mayor Kevin McMillan, who will become Mayor in 2016, said his New Year’s resolution is to reach out to residents and listen to their needs.
“I’m going to do a township-wide tour, I want to continue to have positive engagement with residents and businesses through community outreach and want everybody to feel that their voices are being heard,” he said.
And, to that end, McMillan said he will begin a township-wide tour to do so.
Allenhurst Mayor David J. McLaughlin said his resolution is to revitalize Main Street and improve borough parks.
“I would like to see more stores on Main Street and clean the area up. Also improve our parks with new playground equipment and landscaping,” he said.
