Hello fellow Bradley Beach Residents-
As March winds down and we look towards April and the Spring and Summer of 2022, you can’t help but be excited! Although COVID 19 and its variants linger, we are back to a manageable “new normal”, which adds to the anticipation of good things to come!
I want to comment on the generous outpouring of the community for our third annual “Food Pantry Pick-up”. The weather proved ideal after all; and everyone involved contributed to the success. “Tons” of food and needed supplies are now supporting our efforts to provide food security to the people of Bradley Beach and adjoining towns. Thank you so much and thanks to the co-sponsors- the Bradley Beach Business Community Alliance!
Now, the next big topic- The LaReine Avenue Church that we purchased in early 2020. We received the design options and structural assessment from our Project Partners and have had a number of “Town Hall” meetings to communicate the 3 renderings they have provided. We now have some great options to consider; and our next step is to get the “composite” design that we would like to see costed out and re-drawn. We expect that we will receive this in May. In the meantime, we are considering preparing a comprehensive survey that we would provide to each household to expand the input and preferences our residents have. More to come on this.
We have continued to focus our attention on a large sinkhole emanating from the stormwater pipe coming from Sylvan Lake between Bradley Beach and Avon. We are focused right now on getting a comprehensive engineering analysis; and working with County and Federal officials to assess funding support. We ask you to stay away from this area, it is dangerous and the area can be unstable.
We are in the process of preparing the 2022 Municipal Budget. Anthony Mannino (CFO) and Kim Humphrey (BA) have worked with department heads and the Council and myself to develop a very fair and manageable budget. We are hoping to keep spending in check and reduce our municipal tax rate. Follow our progress on this via Council meetings.
We have made some improvements at the beachfront! Two new handicap ramps have been installed, the boardwalk portion of the Promenade has been replaced, new stairs at Cliff and Newark Avenue beaches; and new concrete slabs at most beach entrances. We are also following our Beach Access Plan and leveling and redepositing sand from the “winter displacement”. We are getting there!
Last, PLEASE participate in the blood drive The Mayors Wellness Campaign is sponsoring. You can sign up on our website at www.bradleybeachnj.gov/mayors-wellness-campaign. Date is Tuesday, April 12th from 12:00 – 6:00 PM at the Recreation Center. Supplies are critically low- so please help.
We are “pivoting” from March Madness to the Spring of 2022, and efforts will continue to prepare for a successful summer!
See you around town!
Best- Mayor Larry Fox
