By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The chair of the Asbury Park Housing Authority went to the City Council meeting last week to report during the public portion that a contract for the demolition of Boston Way Village had just been signed by both parties, the housing authority and Alpert/Metro Homes.
Chair Greg Hopson’s delight was obvious as he told the mayor and council that the contract had been signed. Negotiations have been ongoing since last fall.
This week Hopson said the demolition is scheduled to take place within 60 days.
Vice-Chairman Frank Syphax said the authority’s attorney Lester Taylor, “got us practically everything we wanted.”
Executive Director of the House Authority Tyrone Garrett said, “As a result of the special meeting, the board approved a resolution giving the development team of Alpert/Metro ‘site control’ of Boston Way. The board will continue to be responsible for the maintenance and management for the site, thereby avoiding the need to lay off staff. Additionally the APHA will control section 3 hiring for the project.”
Plans for the site include the construction of 104 affordable townhouses.
In other business at the meeting several residents expressed concerns about the renewal of liquor licenses in the city, especially Johnny Mac House of Spirits on Main Street and Porta on Kingsley Avenue.
Borough Attorney Frederick Raffetto said both licenses had several new restrictions imposed on them, while the former restrictions will remain.
New regulations call for assigning three off duty city police officers on Friday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day until 3 a.m. and during the winter months from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Other added regulations include supplying camera footage through the use of Go Pro cameras, hiring only certified bartenders and installing barriers on site to prevent jay walking.
The bar owners are responsible for paying the police officers.
Raffetto made it clear that although liquor licenses are granted for a one year term, if any of the regulations are violated the bar owners could be penalized.
The renewal of the liquor license for the Asbury Hotel was tabled.
