Point Pleasant Beach Looks At 'Parklet' Plans To Help Downtown

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Point Pleasant Beach is looking at a "parklet" plan to create more temporary outdoor space in the downtown.

The parklet, which would be for Arnold and Bay avenues, is typically a sidewalk extension that provides space and and other outlets for businesses that want to use the street.

Unfortunately, Mayor Paul Kanitra said, Arnold and Bay avenues are both county roads and the ability to allow this rests in the hands of the county administrator, county engineer and freeholders.

"We have offered to jump through whatever hoops are necessary to make this happen and we hope they will allow us to be able to help our businesses that so desperately need it," Kanitra said.

As the town continues to deal with the coronavirus crisis, Kanitra said officials recognize that this is "a difficult time this is for our business community."

"Members of the council and our town committees have been pitching in and mulching and weeding downtown," he said. "We’re in the process of working on a pop-up program to spur commerce and foot traffic when things open up."

Additionally, he said, the Arts Committee has plans for some live music and additional installations downtown.

"We will not sit idly by," he said. "This administration is committed to doing what’s necessary to help get our businesses back on their feet."