Local group works with city to fix Ocean Ave. Save Ocean Avenue asks for improvements to boardwalk & roadway LONG BRANCH - The Save Ocean Avenue Committee is working with city officials to make improvements along Ocean Avenue. The committee, which comprises homeowners and condo associations in the city, has been meeting with city officials since August to advocate for changes to Ocean Avenue, especially the portions of the roadway that are protected by Green Acres. The committee presented eight recommendations to the city that they would like to see completed to improve OceanAvenue, according to a press release from Save Ocean Avenue. "The group recognizes that a complete renovation of the boardwalk is not in the budget at this time," the release states. "The committee's hope is that these eight requests will be realized byMemorial Day weekend of this year." The recommendations include repairing boards and railings along the boardwalk, fixing roadway, curbs and concrete and providing better bathroom facilities at Cottage Place. The group also proposes changing the traffic pattern on Ocean Avenue from South Bath Avenue to Pier Village to a one-way northbound roadway to provide space for a designated pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists on the east side of Ocean Avenue. Other suggestions include signage for the pathway, as well as signage for the Green Acres recreation areas. "The committee expressed concerns about pedestrians trying to cross Ocean Boulevard," according to the release. "[The committee] would like to see safety measures taken, like a reduced speed limit and pedestrian right-of-way signs." The recommendations were presented to Long Branch Business Administrator Howard H. Woolley and the city planner, Pratap Talwar, at a meeting on Feb. 19. "Woolley assured the group that a supply of boards has been delivered and that workers will soon begin replacing a stretch of boardwalk by Morris Avenue and a stretch by the West End concession stand," according to the release. "The railings are in the process of being repaired." The Department of Public Works will patch the roadway and repair the curbs and concrete where possible, according to the release, which also states that the comfort station at Cottage Place was razed onMarch 10 and two portable handicap access bathroom units with sinks will be hooked up at the site. "Outdoor shower unit options are being investigated at this time for all beaches," according to the release. "As an added bonus, bike racks may be installed at all beach entrances as well." Mayor Adam Schneider and city officials are in favor of the recommendation for changing the traffic pattern on Ocean Avenue to a one-way northbound from South Bath Avenue to Pier Village, the committee states in the release. "The Save Ocean Ave. Committee is pleased with the responses it received regarding the eight recommendations," according to the release. "The group is anxious to see the plans materialize." The committee plans to chronicle the changes along Ocean Avenue and post before and after photos on www.saveoceanave. com. The committee was formed in the summer after the city introduced a measure to open portions of Ocean Avenue to vehicular traffic. Some 3.10 acres of roadway on Ocean Avenue has been closed to traffic and used as recreational purposes by the community for the past two decades.