Ocean, New Jersey Development News
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Twp Council Meeting 7 9 2026
Published: Jul 9, 2026
Ocean Township Council Advances Traffic, Parking, Redevelopment, and Zoning Ordinances
The council introduced several ordinances related to traffic control and parking. Ordinance 2548 authorizes a stop intersection at Cedar Street. Ordinance 2550 authorizes a stop intersection at Lincoln Drive and Colonial Avenue. Ordinance 2551 prohibits parking along portions of Dwight Drive. Ordinance 2552 deletes the prohibition of parking along portions of O Avenue. Ordinance 2554 adopts a redevelopment plan for Orchard Plaza at 1610 Highway 35. Public hearings for these ordinances are scheduled for August 13th. Additionally, Ordinance 2549, amending Chapter 21 of the land development ordinance concerning zoning provisions, was approved. During public comment on Ordinance 2549, residents raised concerns about reducing impervious coverage limits and the town's land development policies contributing to flooding. Resident Alex Hayes Oakst questioned the timing of the first reading of Ordinance 2554 (Orchard Plaza) before the planning board review and suggested moving meetings to 5:00 p.m. could reduce public attendance. Another resident, Ruby Azarak, reported ongoing sewer and flooding issues on Maplewood Avenue following street repaving, with no resolution after 4.5 months. Emily Hidea questioned why 90% impervious coverage was ever permitted and raised concerns about the transparency of the Land Use Board appointment process.
Ocean Township Honors Long-Serving Shade Tree Commissioner and Discusses Environmental Initiatives
The meeting included a segment honoring Jack Karns for his over 10 years of dedicated service on the Shade Tree Commission and his involvement with the Environmental Commission. A proclamation was read, highlighting his commitment to preserving and enhancing the community's trees and natural landscape, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging public appreciation of urban forestry. Karns himself spoke briefly, emphasizing the importance of continuing the work of the commission and encouraging new people to get involved. The discussion also touched upon the ongoing efforts to address flooding and storm water management issues within the township, with council members and the Mayor acknowledging the severity of recent events and reiterating commitments to improving infrastructure and implementing stricter rules for new developments.
Ocean Township Council Considers C4 Zoning Updates for Seaview Shopping Center
The council discussed proposed amendments to the C4 zoning ordinance, focusing on cleaning up inconsistencies and adding potential uses for the shopping center. Isaac Mastery, the owner of the shopping center, explained the need for updated zoning to attract new tenants following bankruptcies and competition from nearby developments. Several specific uses were discussed, including medical offices, car washes, banks with drive-thrus, auto service centers (like Tesla), and warehouse/distribution, among others. The council also addressed concerns about data centers and sustainable energy, with some members expressing caution due to a lack of clear tenant proposals or understanding of the technology. The ordinance aims to make permitted uses more uniform across the C4 zone to ensure the long-term vitality of the shopping center and its economic contribution through taxes and jobs. Specific proposed uses that generated discussion included battery storage and auto service/sales, with the council expressing a need for more clarity and potentially forgoing these uses if not well-defined.
Dispute Over Land Use Board Appointment Process Dominates Ocean Township Council Meeting
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a contentious discussion regarding the appointment process for the new unified Land Use Board. Councilwoman Telerico raised concerns about the lack of transparency and a potentially unilateral appointment process by the Mayor, arguing for a more collaborative and documented selection method involving the full council. She cited the importance of public confidence, independence of the board, and the need to represent diverse community perspectives. The Mayor defended his approach, stating that state law allows for mayoral appointments in a council-manager form of government and that the drafted ordinance was presented to the council. The Township Attorney clarified that state law offers options for appointment authority (mayor or council) in this government structure. The discussion involved accusations and counter-accusations regarding communication, adherence to Sunshine Laws, and submission of candidate names. Ultimately, the council moved forward with appointing members, though the underlying debate about the process highlighted governance concerns.
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The Ocean News archive
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