Long Branch Council Chooses Design For Pier/Ferry Project

Long Branch's pier/ferry project is inching along, and may still be years away from being built, but the council took a neccesary step for its construction during Tuesday night's council meeting. The Long Branch Council settled on a final design and opted for the "shaped" pier, which is a curved "L" shape . This also scheme forms an extension of Laird Street, with a stairway at the pier's end which will provide beach access, according to the Pier Charette Report.   Anthony J. Gonzalez Michael Faiella Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Anthony@JerseyShore102.com Mike@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com

Long Branch OKs funding mechanisms for pier reconstruction

Officials on Tuesday took steps to continue the restoration of the city’s historic waterfront , approving funding mechanisms to advance the pier reconstruction and to rehabilitate the boardwalk above the oft-referenced bluffs. Anthony J. Gonzalez Michael Faiella Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Anthony@JerseyShore102.com Mike@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com

When one conjures an image of Independence Day, they gravitate to thoughts of beautiful weather, hot dogs, family friends, bar-b-cues, and FIREWORKS. As the annual celebration of America, grilling, and pyrotechnics descends upon us one would be wise to celebrate in Monmouth County, NJ. Here in the quintessential shore community towns are gearing up for their salute to America, everyday this weekend one can sample something from the veritable smorgasboard of all things Americana. My first stop of the weekend will actually begin tomorrow night In Atlantic Highlands. The Atlantic Highlands Fireman's Fair is this week; running from Tuesday to Saturday. The highlights are Wednesday night's Fire Fighter night and Friday Nights Fireworks. All festivities are located at the Atlantic Highlands harbor found at the end of First Ave. KaBoom Fest in Red Bank will encompass the 1-3rd culminating is undoubtedly the finest fireworks spectacle in New Jersey. I love these fireworks, it gets crowded so get there early. I recommend taking the train in, parking gets to be an issue (price/availability/traffic). Contact the rivercenter for dining and shopping specials. Finally we have Oceanfest in Long Branch, this celebration of America and the Atlantic is celebrating its 21st year of existence. For those who prefer fireworks actually happening on the 4th, this is the place to go. I would stop in Sea Bright this evening and catch both the Long Branch and the Sea Bright Fireworks simultaneously. Sea Bright provides the musical stylings of the Tim McLoone Band, plus great beachfront restaurants and moderately better parking that the beach at Long Branch. Come on down the shore and celebrate your independence!

5 Must "To Do's" at the Jersey Shore During Spring

As we enjoy the first weeks of Spring, we cannot help think of what is to come...  Summer at the Jersey Shore!  Beach badges, no parking, shore house rentals booked solid, and "blinged" out people and cars cruising the shore.  Yes, I know, sounds very stereotypical of me but let's face it, when you live at the Jersey Shore year round, you come to know what to expect.  That is why, Spring is the best time to enjoy all that the shore has to offer!  Get out there and experience shore living before tourists do it for you!  There are 5 must-do things at the Jersey Shore that every local or prospective local should enjoy before the "gym, tanning, and laundry" types hit the beaches! 1. Walk the Boards: One of the better local treks is the North End-to-West End circuit in Long Branch.  As measured by the Atlantic Ocean promenade-boardwalk route, it’s just under four miles and Monmouth County runners and walkers have been making the trip for years.  And be sure to note the smart shops along stylish Pier Village — perfect for window shopping during your walk and purchasing the perfect trinket for your shore home when your walk is over! 2. See Monmouth Heights:  From the base of Maine to the tip of Florida (you can even go as far down as the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula), at 266 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook is the highest natural point on North America’s eastern seaboard.  And a clear day along the Jersey Shore is a fine time to visit.  The stunning coastal spot can be found in the 12-acre park in Atlantic Highlands.  The panoramic view, looking out over Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay, and toward the New York City skyline, is breathtaking. 3. Take a real boat ride:  This season take in a big league ball game and get a great water view to boot.  You also avoid long drives, tolls, and parking.  The kids will love it and adults get to enjoy the game more.  The Atlantic Highlands-based SeaStreak ferry service sells excursions to several New York Met and New York Yankee games.  Also consider the peaceful sunset cruises the line offers.  There’s NYC sightseeing tours, and weekend excursions to Martha’s Vineyard and the Mohegan Sun resort, too! 4. Spend a day at the Races: The historic Monmouth Park Racetrack is set for another great season. With the $1 million Haskell Invitational once again leading the way, Monmouth has announced its 2011 major summer stakes schedule, featuring 15 graded races. Opening day is Saturday, May 14. Other highlights on the stakes calendar include the $750,000 Grade 1 United Nations Stakes on July 2, the $250,000 Grade 2 Molly Pitcher Stakes on Aug. 28 and the $250,000 Grade 3 Iselin Stakes on Aug. 20.  In total, the announced stakes schedule includes 22 races worth nearly $5 million. 5. Get Hooked:  Sandy Hook's seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches are excellent for surf casting, swimming, and relaxing on the sand.  Nature lovers will revel in the 300 – plus species of migratory birds, as well as the pristine holly forest.

Enrique Iglesias works with Long Branch Middle School group to turn song into anti-bullying anthem

  LONG BRANCH — Apparently, there’s one thing Enrique Iglesias hates more than copyright infringement: bullying. The pop star not only gave permission to a group of Long Branch Middle School students who sought to turn his summer hit “I Like It” into an anti-bullying anthem, but he also linked to “Bullying: We’ll Stop It” on his website, spawning a viral sensation that has garnered some 25,000 hits so far. “What really caught my attention is that it was very, very clever to get a pop song that people knew and turn the lyrics around to something so positive,” Iglesias told The Star-Ledger in a phone interview from his Miami home. “What the students at Long Branch Middle School did is so creative, brave, and I’m so happy for the students … I hope that it helped them, even if it’s just a little bit, and the kids out there that are bullies will learn and stop bullying.” The video also caught the attention of Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), who recently introduced anti-bullying and gang legislation. He invited the students to perform Sunday in honor of Black History Month at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset. “I was incredibly impressed with the students,” said Kellie Drakeford LeDet, Menendez’s chief of staff. “I love that they are taking initiative to spread the word on anti-bullying in a time when gangs are running rampant.” The video project grew out of a discussion spawned by the September suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi, whose roommate secretly taped his intimate encounter with another man.   Video of Long Branch Middle School performing ‘Bullying We’ll Stop It’ A group of 8th graders at Long Branch Middle School used the beat of the song ‘I Like It,’ by Enrique Iglesias to write their own song ‘Bullying We’ll Stop It’ to make their community more aware of bullying and the impact it can have on people. This is their music video, directed by Grant Brown. (Video courtesy of Long Branch Middle School Anti-Bullying Crew) Watch video “People are killing themselves over bullying,” said Jessica Rojas, one of the students involved in the project. “School to me is a place where I should feel safe. It should not be a place I’m afraid to be picked on and humiliated in front of my whole class.” Eighth grade teacher Jamie Sanders asked her class what they could do to prevent bullying at the school. Inspired by the 2008 YouTube video “Vote However You Like,” in which students at Atlanta’s Ron Clark Academy remixed rapper T.I’s “Whatever You Like,” the Long Branch students brainstormed lyrics and sought a chart-topping song to help spread their message. “I Like It” was the natural fit. In a middle segment of the “Glee”-like music video, a teenage girl roams the cafeteria at Long Branch Middle School searching for a group to share lunch with. Each table of kids denies the girl, until finally she sits to chew her sandwich alone. After school, the teen clutches a pillow on her bed to weep from the day’s anguish. The video continues over the catchy melody of Iglesias’ summer hit song, except the chorus goes, “Bullying, we’ll stop it/ it’s taking over our school/ Bullying, we’ll stop it/ you know it’s really not cool” as more than two dozen eighth graders dance in a V-shape toward the camera.   Long Branch students remix Enrique Iglesias song to help stop bullying    After the suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi last fall, a group of 8th graders at the Long Branch Middle School came together and wrote a song to make their community more aware of bullying and the impact that it can have. They used the beat of the song “I Like It,” by Enrique Iglesias and changed the lyrics to deliver their message. (2/10/2010) video by Andrew Mills Watch video Sanders and co-teacher Courtney Davis helped the students reach Iglesias’ management team for permission to re-use the song. “We’ve all been through bullying at some point or another,” Iglesias said. “Always in high school or middle school when you are trying to fit in, there is that someone that comes along and tries to bring you down.” (Iglesias, who performed in Atlantic City earlier this month, promised to invite the class to a future show.) The students spent three months filming the video, transforming classrooms into sets and turning one room into a recording studio with the help of Guy Daniels of City Lights Recording Studio. Eighth-grader Grant Brown teamed with teacher Kristen Catrambone to plan the storyboard, and Brown filmed the entire project himself, discovering the difficulties of shooting inside without professional lighting. Teachers Sanders and Davis say they cried after the first viewing. “We knew this would be big right away,” Sanders said. “The kids deserve all the credit here. They did it all. We sat back and watched in awe.” http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/enrique_iglesias_works_with_lo.html   Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Anthony@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com   -->

You will not believe the price reductions at Views @ Beachfront North

I have a client that asked me to research beach front homes in Long Branch and I actually had to redo my search because I could not believe my eyes!  Would you believe that 5 bedroom, single family homes in The Views at Beachfront North started between 1.1million – 1.5 million and can now be purchased for princes ranges from $675,000-$999,000!  Some properties by K. Hovnanian have seen price increases, but a number of properties have been drastically reduced. “The Views at Beachfront North is a collection of 17 shore-inspired residences and 3 spacious townhomes ranging in size from 1962 to 4131 square feet. These architecturally distinct homes offer up to 3 levels of private porches and expansive decks that allow you to enjoy sundrenched summer days and evening ocean breezes. You’ll enjoy Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park right next door, and stroll down the boardwalk to Long Branch’s Pier Village for boutiques, specialty shops and fine dining at the Avenue and Sirena Ristorante. In addition, you’ll enjoy amenities like horse racing at Monmouth Park, golfing at the many courses in the area, and antique shopping at Red Bank’s The Galleria. New York travelers will discover an easy drive down the Garden State Parkway. And New Jersey Transit’s Long Branch Train Station is within walking distance, not to mention the ferry service in Atlantic Highlands.” If you would like more information on specific units, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I live and work in the tri-cities of the Jersey Shore.  I see the redevelopment going on firsthand, and love sharing the area with newcomers! “Featuring 17 inspiring single-family homes and 3 exclusive townhomes, The Views at Beachfront North are built with the ultimate dedication to luxury and quality.  The spacious homes are architecturally distinctive inside and out.  Private porches and expansive decks enhance your enjoyment of oceanfront views.  A grand foyer provides a refined welcome home, and high ceilings offer a sense of airy grace.  Polished hardwood floors and rich crown mouldings add elegance and a touch of urban luxury.  The kitchen is well-appointed, with deep hardwood cabinetry, granite countertops, tumbled marble backsplashes and a full suite of GE Monogram stainless steel appliances.  Stunning tile-clad master baths provide a tranquil haven.  ” – K. Hovnanian Homes Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Anthony@JerseyShore102.com http://www.JerseyShore102.com -->

JUST SOLD - Beautiful Townhome has a new owner!

Congrats to the new owners of 55 Gansett Court in Long Branch, NJ.  In the complex of Gansett Court, this “well maintained townhome embodies stylish living with it’s beautifully flowing floor plan. The impressive two story foyer opens to the formal dr & spacious lr with wood floors and corner fpl. The luxurious upgraded kitchen is a model in efficiency featuring glazed maple cabinets, granite countertops, new granite flooring and stainless appliances while the vaulted ceiling of the master br suite compliments it’s dimensions & provides an accent to the morning deck & master bath.” This home was listed for $310,000 and my clients purchased it for $291,000!  55 Gansett Court, Long Branch   Anthony J. Gonzalez     Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 anthony@aagrealestate.com http://www.aagrealestate.com  

Magnificient Ocean Views from this Amazing Rental

MAGNIFICIENT OCEAN VIEWS FROM THIS RENTAL Overview Maps Photos Features Description $3,200 Residential Rental Main Features 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Partial Bathroom Interior: 2008 sqft Location 384 OCEAN AVE 3-C LONG BRANCH, NJ 07740 USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 anthony@aagrealestate.com http://www.aagrealestate.com Listed by: COURTESY OF Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth Our recent listings MAGNIFICIENT OCEAN VIEWS FROM THIS RENTAL Desirable 500 Model in the best location in Society Hill Fabulous 4,700 sq ft Home Beautifully landscaped Bi-Level Beautifully kept home built in 2000 Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby rentals

Long Branch Pier has 2 Designs to Pick From... what do you think?

Although the funding has not been secured and the permits are not in place, Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said he is excited about the different options the city has for the planned pier and ferry terminal. In an interview following a wide-ranging presentation on the pier at the Oct. 25 City Council workshop meeting, Schneider was enthusiastic about the possibilities for the project. “It was a lot of things that were possible with the pier that have yet to be decided,” he said. “You watch last night, and the possibilities are exciting.” The meeting, which featured a presentation by lead designers McLaren Engineering and public participation, included a bevy of topics ranging from the pier design to using green energy to the different amenities that may be in the final plan.  The City Council was presented with three different design options for the pier: a traditional design, a shaped design, and a pod and pathway design. The cost of the pier and ferry terminal is not expected to be revealed for a few weeks, but previous estimates for the entire project put it at $91 million. McLaren President Malcolm McLaren described the three designs.  “The conventional scheme is the base design,” he said, “the simplest scheme that allows the ferry terminal to work and provides all the programs that the city wants. “Then we have the shape scheme, which has a little bit of style to it,” he added. “The one that people seem to like the most is the pod and pathways scheme. It is a unique shape, and we’ve had a lot of public support.” The pier project is divided into three components: The core pier, which will be the main structure, will cost approximately $36.3 million. Plans call for the pier to extend 900 feet from the boardwalk into the Atlantic Ocean. The high-speed ferry terminal and docking facility, slated to cost $20.2 million, would provide a direct route from the Long Branch region to lower Manhattan at a travel time of 40 minutes. The pier would contain a docking system as well as the ticketing and waiting areas required for the ferry operation. The final component is the amenity uses, at an estimated cost of $32.5 million, which include retail, restaurants, event space, a public winter garden, outdoor amphitheater, entertainment space, fishing area and a children’s play area. Schneider said securing funding would be an issue, and deciding on a design that fits with the oceanfront development is another important decision. “The bigger issues here are going to be the decision as to what we want to build,” he said, “how we blend it in. Now those, to me, are the most interesting and tougher issues — to get the design, look, feel and the uses on the pier right. “The other, more technical issues, they’ll work out,” he added. One issue that has not been resolved is the various permits required from different government agencies for the project to go forward, and that may end up being a hurdle. Schneider said he is confident the city would obtain the necessary permits, but doesn’t think it will be easy. “I’m confident we will get it, but permitting is always a headache,” he said. One of the sticking points that he said could end up delaying the project another year is the requirement that the city have a tidewater lease for the land the pier will be built over, which is considered state property. Also discussed at the meeting was a possible shortage of parking, but Schneider doesn’t think the solutions would include building a structured parking lot and using existing parking. “You are going to have a ferry that will bring in 350 cars. Right now, that area could absorb in the existing parking probably 200 cars,” he added. Schneider also said Pier Village III will add more parking spaces, and the city may look at building an off-site parking lot. McLaren predicted that the pier could be 100 percent energysustainable, using wind, solar and thermal energy. He also said some of the problems that have plagued past piers in Long Branch will not be an issue with the new one. “Given the history of the pier, the pier has to be designed to withstand hurricanes and fires,” he said. “We took that into our engineering designs.” Schneider said he expects the fishing pier to be a big use for the pier. “I think if you are going to knock on doors in town and ask people who really remember the old pier, they are going to tell you ‘fishing,’ ” he said. “The most important thing with fishing is it’s free, it goes on most of the year, and it is almost purely local.” Schneider said a benefit in having a pier and ferry is that it would create jobs. “Looking at jobs it’s the number-one issue in this country,” he said. “There are construction jobs, there are permanent jobs, there is the ability of travel and transportation to get people back and forth to their jobs.” He predicted the impact the ferry and pier would have on tourism in the city. “I don’t want to call it a tourist destination, but an attraction that will bring people to Long Branch,” he said. “I envision someone in New York saying, ‘We can get on this ferry, book a hotel room and be in Long Branch for a three-day weekend.’ ” According to Schneider, making the city a transportation hub is a key reason to move forward with the pier. “Part of the issue is we have to figure out what we want on the pier and how much we want to spend,” he said. “It has the ability to move a couple thousand people a day from the city and back. “Being a transportation hub is of huge importance.” During the public portion of the meeting, concerns were raised about the tax impact, water pollution, beach erosion, traffic, and the ability of the ferry to attract enough passengers. McLaren dispelled the notion of pollution and erosion, and Schneider said that property taxes would not go up because of the pier. McLaren described what would happen next. “The next step is we will finish up the cost estimation, which we will finish in a couple of weeks, and that will allow the council and mayor to direct us to a particular design scheme,” he said. A fire destroyed the Long Branch pier in 1987, and since that time the city has acquired redevelopment rights and plans to rebuild the pier and other amenities. BY KENNY WALTER Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Email: anthony@aagrealestate.com  Website: Clark, NJ real estate               

New Long Branch Hotel – “Bungalow Hotel”

Here’s the Situation: Snooki should crash at this Jersey hotel.   The Jersey Shore’s got a bad rap these days. In the first season of MTV’s hit reality television show “ Jersey Shore ,” eight housemates share a summer rental in Seaside Heights. In the third season, the cast returns to Seaside Heights after a summer in Miami Beach. Now this doesn’t scream modern beachfront pad? It’s the exterior of a gorgeous hotel on the Jersey Shore. Photo: New World Group While the show portrays a party culture, locals know a different Jersey Shore. This Jersey Shore is quiet and relaxed, the kind of place where you can stroll along the boardwalk with shaved ice in a cone or hole up in a coastal rental for the week. Bungalow Hotel , opened in the summer of 2009 by Robert and Cortney Novogratz (the husband and wife team behind SixxDesign from Bravo’s “9 by Design” ), represents everything TV’s “Jersey Shore” is not. The 24-room property is located in Long Branch, just steps from the sand and the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s so classy I doubt you’ll see Snooki roaming the halls. (But you never know… she is making $30,000 an episode these days.) Inside, a fresh, white palette is accented by 50 pieces of original art, including surfing photography. Lighting came from Moss in New York City, where the couple’s interior design firm is based. In the cafe in the lobby, bartenders mix and pour signature cocktails. (And bonus: Check out Cake Bake and Roll for amazing ice cream!) Kicking back with friends and playing a game of backgammon, billiards or chess is encouraged. The day’s surf report is written on a chalkboard in the lobby. Each room has an eclectic mix of accessories, like this one! Photo: New World Group All of the hotel rooms are extremely large, much larger than the typical hotel room. There are kitchenettes and fireplaces in all of the rooms and a vase of fresh flowers, which make rooms feel homey. The decor is clean-lined and comfortable with lots of designer touches like a chair in animal-print fabric or black-on-black lamp and shade combos on each side of the bed. The owners had a lot of fun curating funky accessories for each hotel room. Photo: New World Group There are a lot of little surprises throughout the hotel, items that will make you pause and do a double take. The vase of black branches (above) is one example. (Is it art or nature?) A ridged, wood side table (also above) tricks the eye; doesn’t it look like cork? And we love how the room’s other pieces come together — an area rug emblazoned with Sixx Design’s logo is paired with a cherry-red couch, a plush featuring an American Red Cross symbol and a modern-style fireplace built into a wall of horizontal white planks like those in a beach cottage. Very different from most hotel bars, the one at Bungalow Hotel folds in a lot of nautical influence with slick furnishings like you might find in a SoHo or Tribeca lounge. Photo: New World Group Borrowing from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, there is decorative driftwood and woodwork on some of the walls and built-in seating in the lobby bar. When matched with oversized ottomans/cocktail tables made from light-colored wood, the image is even more like that of a seaside bar. (Can somebody bring us a tropical drink, please?) Bungalow Hotel’s indoor/outdoor bar is suited for year-round imbibing. Photo: New World Group Because any waterfront setting has unpredictable weather that can shift within minutes, the bar has both indoor and outdoor seating. Simply pick up your drink and change your seat in pursuit of either sun rays or a bit of indoor heat. (The bartenders will take care of lowering that garage door behind you, don’t you worry.) Mimicking the blue ocean on a clear, sunny day, a calming shade of blue was chosen for the sofas outside. Check out the bar stools! And the disco balls glittering above the bar! We love this place! Information provided by Design Drool: The Real Jersey Shore Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Email: anthony@aagrealestate.com Website: Clark, NJ real estate            

Great Short-Term Rental in Long Branch

This is the ONLY AVAILABLE 3-br short-term rental in The Grand Resorts of Long Branch! This end-unit rental boosts 2000+ sq ft, 2 full baths, HARDWOOD FLOORS and many more updates! There is tons of  SUNSHINE with walls of WINDOWS!  PRIVATE BALCONY & entrance, reserved GARAGE parking, and clubhouse with fitness room, computer room, library area, billiard room, and great room with full kitchen! Located steps to the boardwalk and PIER VILLAGE, Monmouth Medical Center, University, racetrack, and all major NEW YORK transportation including the high-speed ferry! 33-115 Cooper Avenue, Long Branch, NJ Monthly rent: $2,800 Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Email: anthony@aagrealestate.com Website: Clark, NJ real estate            

Another successful home purchase!

My client recently closed on their new home in West Long Branch, NJ. They successfully purchased 9 Thompson Street. This rare 2-family home has brand new siding and laundry areas in both. Unit #1 has 2 bedrooms, living room, and kitchen. Unit #2 has 1 bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Each feature full baths. This home can be used as a starter home, a Mother/Daughter, or lived in with tenants. There is so much potential with 9 Thompson that I am sure the new owners will continue to be happy with their purchase. Asking Price $255,000 Sale Price $241,000 9 Thompson Street, West Long Branch Anthony J. Gonzalez Better Homes Realty (908) 565-0457 Email: anthony@aagrealestate.com Website: Clark, NJ real estate            

Long Branch Beaches Produce Record Revenues

For the second straight summer, Long Branch beaches generated record figures in revenues, with estimates close to $1.3 million. That success has come at a cost, as the meeting was called to approve $50,000 in emergency appropriations for the beach operation. “That increased revenue came at a cost — that because of rough surfs and huge amounts of crowds they had to put [on] additional staffing, and that put a burden on the salaries for the beach operation,” said Long Branch Director of Finance Ronald Mehlhorn Sr. “This is purely ticket attendants and lifeguards.” Mehlhorn said that last year the revenues from the beaches came in just below $1 million and the city did not have to seek emergency appropriations last summer. Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley Jr. explained that the money would be used for total salaries that went over budget. “It’s not that there are more employees, but normally we have a week or 10 days of rain and we didn’t have that this year,” he said. “They go home and we don’t pay them. “We’d pay half the lifeguards and none of the ticket takers because you keep at least two lifeguards on,” he added. Woolley also said that rough surf has forced the city to keep lifeguards on later in the evening. “This year we didn’t get any rain plus [because of] the rough surf conditions, we kept them late,” he said. “If you notice, all the problems [in neighboring municipalities] have occurred later at night. We have some people patrolling on until 7 p.m.” Jennings credited a good stretch of weather and people rediscovering Long Branch as major reasons for the increased beach traffic. Woolley said that one reason for the increased revenues is a larger population coming via the train station. “We have a lot of people coming down from the train this year as well,” he said. “They increased rates and they dropped services and still you get your beach passes included in your train fare. “So we get the beach fare from [NJ] Transit and I think we might be double what we were on that,” he added. “Why drive, why get in that bumper-to-bumper [traffic] on the parkway? “Even if it’s $20 round trip, take the train. Morris Avenue on a Saturday or Sunday, you need a crossing guard down there.” Jennings also noted the diversity he has seen on the beach. “There are so many different languages around Pier Village and the beachfront,” he said. “People are just coming from everywhere. “I’m not just talking about Spanish, I’m talking about Western European, Ukrainian, Russian, you name it,” he added. “We also have a large amount of Staten Islanders coming down.” One resident was concerned that the resolution might lead to other changes on the beach. “I hope this resolution isn’t used as a vehicle to rescind beach access for free for kids 17 and under over the coming winter,” Vincent LePore said. “I firmly believe the kids should be on the beach for free, and I also believe that any taxpayer in this city should have access for their entire family to the beaches for free.” Jennings said the city has no intention of rescinding the ordinance allowing children 17 and under free beach access. Jennings also said that the city was prepared to handle any weather related to Hurricane Earl, which was expected to impact the Jersey coastline last weekend. “I’ll leave that up to my beach manager [Dan George],” Jennings said. “He knows what to look for and what to do as far as moving equipment, as far as moving bodies. “I’m going to be meeting with him tomorrow [Sept. 2] to work out our strategies.” Even though the revenues came in higher than last year, Mehlhorn has said previously that state regulations don’t allow the municipality to turn much of a profit from beach fees. “You are not allowed to make a profit overall, over a couple of years,” he said earlier this year. “At some point you might be able to make a little bit more than what you spend, but it’s averaged out over a couple of years. “If you are making a profit, you would have to adjust the fees,” he added. “You’re not allowed to make a profit off the beach: it has to break even or a loss.” Jennings estimated that salaries from the beach cost the city around $370,000. Some of the other beach expenses come from the police and public works. Jennings also said that rough waters have forced the lifeguards to make more rescues than in years past. Long Branch has 15 beaches: Seaview Avenue, Great Lawn, Madison Avenue, Laird Street, Chelsea Avenue, Melrose Terrace, Morris Avenue, Pavilion Avenue, North Bath Avenue, South Bath Avenue, Matilda Terrace, Cottage Place, West End, Brighton Avenue and New Court. A daily beach badge in Long Branch is $5; the seasonal badge is $35. The beach season for Long Branch is from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Information provided by KENNY WALTER of the Atlanticville