June 23, 2023 Newsletter

June 23, 2023

Greetings Bradley Beach-

SUMMER took a detour this week. Prospects look to improve by early next week and the July 4^th long weekend looks promising right now. Fingers crossed!

My updates on the Infrastructure projects will continue; but shift to other projects.

New Infrastructure project: The Biase Center roof replacement

The Carmen A. Biase Center at our municipal complex has had a roof leak for some time. We brought in an architect and the recommendation was for total replacement.

We will start the work the week of June 26^th. The roof will in fact be completely replaced. Following that, a mold remediation effort for the building interior will take place. This was necessary and long overdue!

We can then move the Community Development (Zoning/ Code, etc.) and Meals on Wheels back into the building.

Another infrastructure project on the horizon:

Lake Terrace Park Improvements: Monmouth County Open Space Grant!

Here are some of the planned changes/ upgrades to this important park-

6' Chain Link Fence Gates replaced
Leyland Cypress trees along back border
New surface Course Walkway
Small Sensory Dome Play Structure
Two Belt Swings plus one Expression Swing
Decorative 6' Bench
New Brick Pavers Replace the 8-foot fencing (back border)
Fiber safety mulch
One Zero-G Swing Chair
Decorative Picnic Table

Lake Terrace Park looking west- add’l play structure, border trees on the south side, new swings

The park view from the east. New border trees to the right.

Lake Terrace west entrance

Playground Dedicated to Pete

We are in the process of finalizing both the plan and funding (our portion of the M.C. Open Space grant obligation) for this project. As we get the plan and timing finalized, we’ll let you know!

On to other news:

BRADLEY BEACH GRADUATES 29 and INDUCTS 3 to the BBES HALL of FAME !!

The 2023 Eighth grade class held their graduation ceremony and great celebration last Thursday. Principal and Superintendent Michael Heidelberg hosted a wonderful program of short talks, videos, music, awards and presentations. Congratulations and good luck this summer and in your high school endeavors!

Program cover for the Graduation Festivities

Our 2023 Graduates

Board of Ed. Chair Elizabeth Franks addresses graduates and audience

Sgt. Josephine Celauro awards D.A.R.E. recipient

Adilene Hernandez Villegas and Kayleigh Cook provide the welcome address

Our Graduates ( and a few of the school musicians bottom right) stand for recognition

During the evenings program, the 2023 BBES Hall of Fame honorees were announced and recognized. Two recipients are current and long-time Borough contributors.

The second class of the Bradley Beach Elementary School Hall of Fame inductees. Left- our Head Lifeguard (50+ years’ service) Dick Johnson; and right- Chief Leonard Guida (40+ years’ service) to Bradley Beach- CONGRATULATIONS!!

The 130^th Anniversary of Bradley Beach – A few additional thanks and points:

In the last newsletter I recognized the participation by our community (over 400 people) at this wonderful event on our Promenade on June 10^th. I said the event was a reflection of the spirit, unity, and fellowship that defines Bradley beach. I am so grateful for the leadership of our 25 volunteers, who spent 1500 + hours pulling off this BIG success. I’d like to build on this for a moment and talk about how we can all support our community.

In addition and as importantly, the restaurants and food-related businesses in our town had an extraordinary role in this event. They gave their time, their resources, their various delicacies, and most of all- their heart- to create an unforgettable event. Eighteen restaurants, 6 food or beverage related businesses, and 3 other businesses participated- and gave “above and beyond what was asked”- remarkable generosity that helps define Bradley Beach. A lot to think about there!

Rosa (Back-in-Time) and server

Chelsey- Bradley Brew Project

I’d like to spend a minute talking about what also has become a defining characteristic of our community. This characteristic brings visitors here, brings out our residents, and is viewed outside our town as one of the things that makes Bradley Beach such a cool town. So what is it ?- R E S T U R A N T R O W! From the south side (Vic’s) to the north side (Scratch Kitchen, Uva, La Fogata Ideal), and every block in between, we have 25 of the most delicious. interesting, diverse, “good vibe” establishments in Monmouth County, if not the state of New Jersey. This should be valued by each of us. It helps define our town and helps drive our local economy. More to come on this important topic. But look what NJ Monthly is saying about us!

A few other quick topics I’ll touch on but talk about more next week after the June 28^th Council meeting; but will note a few points below:

2023 Budget Adoption-

The adoption hearing is next Wednesday. We amended the budget upward at the last Council meeting, being less aggressive with our use of the anticipated surplus; and about $95k of estimated increases in Utilities, salaries/wages, and legal fees.

Our “all in” increase (municipal, library, county, school costs ) is an increase of 6.3%.

In 2021 and 2022, the increases were 1% and 2% respectively, so this is a more significant increase. We are averaging less than a 5% increase for these 3 years. This doesn’t minimize the current increase. We’ll have to take a hard look at minimizing the 2024 increase through critical assessments of our costs and revenue opportunities that are possible.

I’ll go into our “go forward” plans in the coming weeks. I can say, contrary to some social media banter that I have heard, that we are in sound financial shape. Our reserves are stable; and we have good ideas on keeping Bradley Beach affordable.

319 LaReine Avenue Church property:

We are continuing steps to dispose of this property. We are having a discussion next week about the possible use of the parsonage lot next to the church for our affordable housing obligations. A “request for proposal” for the demolition of the church is being completed. This would include any salvage of artifacts in the building. We’ll keep you apprised.

We will continue to focus on Service and Progress as a Municipal Team.

That’s all for now!

We have a lot to be thankful for here in Bradley Beach, and much to celebrate.

Thank you- and see you around town!

Mayor Larry Fox