Opposition to reopening Ocean Avenue continues Some on council say they're undecided on city's plans BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer Residents continue to press the Long Branch City Council to drop plans to reopen portions of Ocean Avenue to traffic so the roadway can be preserved as recreational space. At last week's council meeting, one resident presented an alternate plan that would keep the roadway as a recreational area while improving beach access. Dennis Sherman, Ocean Avenue, discussed his proposal at a contentious July 10 meeting that was ended by council President Michael DeStefano after two hours. Sherman's plan calls for increasing beach access by using existing roadways that intersect Ocean Avenue, rather than opening the oceanfront portions of the roadway that are now closed to traffic. "People have collected more than 5,000 signatures on petitions, all opposed to opening [Ocean Avenue] to traffic," said Sherman at the meeting. "I urge you to consider so many people concerned about the quality of life if it opens." The city is proposing a controversial plan to open portions of Ocean Avenue to low-speed traffic. The sections of roadway are currently designated as open space under the state Green Acres program. The plan is opposed by residents who say they use the closed portions of the roadway as recreational space. The city is asking the state to remove the designation and proposes, instead, to substitute several parcels of land as Green Acres. According to city Planner Pratap Talwar, the plan will provide better access to the beach and create beach drop-off points and parking. City officials maintain there are currently no plans for the roadway and the city is discussing options at this time. Sherman's plan calls for increasing beach access by converting the existing roadways that intersect Ocean Avenue into turn-around streets for beach drop-off points. The plan includes creating a path along the boardwalk from Brighton to Seaview avenues for runners, bicyclists, walkers, baby carriages, dog walkers and wheelchairs. The plan also calls for adding pedestrian walkways across Ocean Boulevard to gain better and safer access to the oceanfront as well as improving the boardwalk, railings and bathrooms along the oceanfront. "Counting conservatively," Sherman said, "over 2,000 parking spaces, paid and free, already exist along the boardwalk from Brighton Avenue to Seaview Avenue. More parking is not needed." He added that parking spaces for people with disabilities should be created along the existing open streets that intersect Ocean Avenue. "In all cases of change to be made, safety, the quality of life for all people, reducing noise and traffic exhaust pollution should be the priorities," Sherman said. City Attorney James Aaron asked that Sherman send a copy of the proposed recommendations to him and said he would forward them to Talwar and Mayor Adam Schneider for consideration. Council previously voted 4 to 0 at the May 8 municipal meeting to support an application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to reopen sections of Ocean Avenue. For more than 20 years, 3.10 acres of Ocean Avenue have been listed as Green Acres and have acted as a recreational area along the oceanfront. In exchange, the city plans to donate 6.19 acres of city-owned "green" parcels to be listed as Green Acres. Councilman Brian Unger was absent from the May meeting but said in a later press release that he does not support the city's proposal at this time. The city's proposal calls for reopening Ocean Avenue from Brighton Avenue to West End, from Howland to South Bath avenues, and from Madison Avenue to Ocean Terrace. The city's proposal also calls for swapping approximately 4 acres of property at the Great Lawn in Pier Village and approximately 2 acres of the walking and bicycle path on the east side of Ocean Boulevard. Those opposed to the city's proposal say the closed roadway is used as a recreational area for residents to walk, run and bike, and for children to play along the oceanfront. In addition to Sherman, several other residents were present at the crowded council meeting to protest the city's plan, including Rose Marie Buono of Cottage Place, who said opening the roadway would only create an abundance of traffic. "It has been stated that the traffic on this road would be light," she said. "Wrong. You will be forcing us to ride on the very road we want for recreation," Buono said. "Stop your plan and start a new plan. A plan that restores the green acres we have." Ocean Boulevard resident Elaine Shah read a letter in support of keeping the roadway open, written by 8-year-old Naila Dzenana at the meeting. "Since we live in apartments, it's really hard to find a safe place to play and have fun," Shah read from the letter. "I'm really sad that cars will be allowed to go on that street because if that happens then I don't know where my sisters and I will ride our bikes and have lots of fun safely." Paul Dworin, of Ocean Avenue, asked the council if anyone has told council they support the proposal. After council members failed to reply, Dworin said, "I understand that you have to make decisions that are unpopular … but you also have to listen to the people. "Until you have a majority of people who say 'We want Ocean Avenue open to traffic,' I suggest you listen to the people who don't want to open Ocean Avenue." At a June 12 workshop meeting, City Planner Pratap Talwar gave a presentation on proposed plans for the roadway and options the city is exploring in the event the state Green Acres office approves the application for the land swap. City Business Administrator Howard H. Woolley said the city will put plans on its Web site soon. At the meeting, Councilman Michael DeStefano said he would like to see more details about the proposed open roadway before saying whether or not he would support the plan. Councilman David Brown said, "I am only in favor of moving forward to see what Long Branch can do." Resident Bill McLaughlin, Ocean Avenue, addressed Councilwoman Mary Jane Celli. "I think you believe there shouldn't be cars on the road," he said. "You are right," replied Celli. "I voted only to give the city permission to give the proposal to Green Acres. I did not say I was going to vote yes or no. I am listening to the people. Please believe me."