Asbury Park City Councilwoman Eileen Chapman said the city is activating a Sunset Lake Commission. The commission will address the status of Sunset Lake, and create action plans for the improvement and beautification of one of the city’s major bodies of water.
Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office and must be submitted Mon., July 11. They can be emailed to cindy.dye@cityofasburypark.
“There’s a lot to do for Sunset Lake, and a lot of issues to address, so we want to begin to take action now before we reach the hottest days of the summer,” Chapman said. “We’re inviting everyone who’s interested in the state of the lake to step up to the plate, and work together to start making a change.”
From its formation as a city, Asbury Park was shaped by its lakes, with the borders drawn naturally by Deal Lake to the North and Wesley Lake to the South. In more recent years the Wesley Lake and Deal Lake Commissions have been dedicated to keeping these lakes safe, functional, and enjoyable. The Sunset Lake Commission will function in a similar way, tending to the park which is situated on or close to several of Asbury Park’s main thoroughfares.
“Sunset Lake touches Main Street, Grand Avenue, and Sunset Avenue, all significant and active roads in town. This is the only lake that Asbury Park owns fully, and I think it’s important that we give it our attention too, and take care of it as another important part of the landscape of Asbury Park,” Chapman said.
Chapman is a member of the Wesley Lake Commission and was a trustee with the Friends of Deal Lake. Drawing on that experience she will be reaching out to Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute and other experts and incorporate the models of other Asbury committees, who have already added greatly to state of Wesley Lake and Deal Lake.
“The only requirement for membership on this committee is that you’re ready to get involved, and ready to get your hands dirty,” Chapman said.
