Activist arrested at fort reuse meeting Wants veterans, environment, homeless in the plans BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      Environmental and peace activist Tom Mahedy was arrested last week after persistent questioning of members of the panel charged with charting the future of Fort Monmouth once it ceases operation as a military base. More ... CHRIS KELLY staff      Patricia Bosko, 5, Belmar, decorates a pumpkin during the third annual Ocean Township Fall Festival held Sept. 30 at Joe Palaia Park. More ... Motion filed to force city to move on condemnation Attny. asks court to order city to move or dismiss action BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      A motion to compel the city of Long Branch to move forward with the condemnation of a home in one of the city's beachfront redevelopment zones was filed in state Superior Court Tuesday. More ... Free to read: Banned Books Week a reminder Libraries tell patrons attempts still made to remove books from shelves BY SARAH CHOI Correspondent      When it comes to reading, there are as many different opinions about the contents of a book as there are readers. What one person thinks is perfectly acceptable for the shelf of a public library, another considers inappropriate. More ... NAACP seeks dialogue on gang presence in city Prosecutor will meet with community leaders to discuss gangs Oct. 11 BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH - The president of the Greater Long Branch NAACP said last week there is a gang presence in the city and called on local and county officials to address the violence in the city's neighborhoods. More ... Eatontown council approves rent control Tenants cheer as council sets yearly rent hike ceiling BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      EATONTOWN - For $1,600 a month, you might be able to rent a three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan ... or Eatontown. More ... Save Sandy Hook seeks to continue suit Developer secures financing for first phase of project BY LIZ SHEEHAN Correspondent      Save Sandy Hook (SSH) is scrambling to find an attorney to continue its fight to block commercial development on Sandy Hook. More ... Unger calls for eminent domain moratorium      LONG BRANCH - Council candidate Brian Unger held a press conference on the steps of city hall last Tuesday at which he called for a moratorium on the city's use of eminent domain for redevelopment. More ... Biddle's focus on housing, jobs in Long Branch Council candidate says eminent domain should be last resort BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH - During her initial two months on the governing body, Councilwoman Jackeline Biddle said she has heard the same concern over and over again from residents: affordable housing. More ... City denies request for debate at City Hall Community group seeks alternate venue for council candidates debate BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH -- A community-based organization is seeking a venue to hold a debate among candidates for City Council in the upcoming November municipal election. More ... Connector roads ease traffic in Eatontown BY SUE MORGAN Staff Writer      EATONTOWN - Former Mayor Joseph Frankel said it hasn't yet sunk in that his one-time colleagues in borough hall have named a new thoroughfare in his honor. More ...      Clockwise from top right, Alona Sunger (r-l), 7, Ariel Sunger, 12, and Michelle Clark, 12, Ocean Township, watch as Bubbles (Lin Magner) puts the finishing touches on a balloon hat at the third annual Ocean Township Fall Festival held Sept. 30 at Joe Palaia Park. An antique car show was among the at... More ... Welcome mat out at Shore's 'green' houses Open house event Oct. 7 will showcase sustainable features BY KATHY HALL Correspondent      Jersey Shore home and business owners who use renewable energy sources will open their doors to the public as part of a Green Buildings Open House on Saturday, Oct. 7. More ... Monmouth, Ocean councils of Girl Scouts will merge      Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts of Ocean County have announced that they will be joining forces to form one Girl Scout council serving approximately 18,000 girls throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. More ... Three youths charged in assault on city man BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer      LONG BRANCH -- Members of a group of juvenile males ranging in age from 13 to 16 years old are facing charges for allegedly robbing a Long Branch man last week. More ... Three arrests at day spa on prostitution charges      OCEAN TOWNSHIP - For the second time within a one-week period, township police arrested individuals on charges of engaging in prostitution at a day spa located in the township. More ...