Asbury Park Planners May Consider New 80-Unit Project

ASBURY PARK, NJ - City officials have gotten their first look at a new proposed mixed-use residential/retail project that could herald in an affordable housing model for the city.

Michele Alonso, Asbury Park director of Planning and Redevelopment, recently gave officials their first look at the 80-unit project proposed for the corner of First Avenue and Langford Street. The street address is 1001 First Ave. The area already is designated as an area in need of rehabilitation.

“This is a precursor for when - or if - we adopt a citywide affordable housing plan via ordinance for inclusionary housing,” she said at a recent meeting, referring to the term for affordable housing within new projects.

The unit, with retail and a small number of residential units on the ground floor, includes a provision for 20 percent affordable housing units or 16 units, Alonso said. Four residential units are proposed on the ground floor; two facing First Avenue and two facing Second Avenue. The retail would be on Langford and Second Avenue and Langford on First.

"I like it" said Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton.

Mayor John B. Moor said the project is a significant step in the city's ultimate goal to make affordable housing more accessible to those who live and work in the city.
“It’s nice to have a project come forward to the city without us requesting an affordable housing component,” he said. "Are they applying for a PILOT?" or payment in lieu of taxes which is a common component of many redevelopment projects and often set the local residents who pay taxes on edge.

"They are eligible for that," Alonso replied. But she said they did not indicate they would seek such a payment arrangement.

"Good," Moor said.

If the City Council signs off on the project, it would go to the Planning Board for review before returning to the council for final approval.

A semi enclosed flex space would accommodate parking at the rear of the building along Langford Street where there also is a proposed green space which would accommodate overflow parking, if needed, Alonso said..

The parcel, which sits in the city’s primary residential zone, is owned by Asbury Holdings LLC and developer Mark Adjmi.

A view of the old casino in Asbury Park. Photograph by Mel Evans/Associated Press.