City Will Apply For Grant To Help Fund New Park

The city took the first step in securing funding for a new park on Atlantic Avenue during Tuesday night's council meeting.

Long Branch Zoning Officer Michele Bernich and Green Committee member Chris Benosky presented plans for the first phase of the project, called Troutman's Greenway. It would be built on the north side of Atlantic Avenue near the bridge that crossed Troutman's Creek.

Bernich said the Green Committee is looking for grants from Green Acres, Open Space and FEMA to help fund the first phase of the project, which will cost $336,700.

The council passed a resolution that will allow Mayor Adam Schneider to apply for a grant from the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Program. The grant would cover 75 percent of the project up to $250,000. The matching 25 percent can come from any non-county funding source, and the city has said it would provide the balance of the funding necessary to complete the project, according to the resolution.

Bernich said the grant application must be sent to the county by Sept. 21, and City Administrator Howard Woolley said the committee should hear back from the county in 60 to 90 days.

For the first phase of the project to begin, Bernich said the bulkhead would need to be restored first.

"We're looking at other funding to help repair the bulkhead," Bernich said.

Benosky explained that one of the main features of the park would be the restoration of a creek that used to run through the area. Rain gardens, shade trees, natural grasses, fishing access and a walking trail that connects Shrewsbury Drive to Atlantic Avenue would all be parts of the project.

The second phase of the project would be on the south side of the bridge and would include community gardens, shade trees and a walking trail that connects Atlantic Avenue to Avenel Way.

Bernich said the plans for the second phase of the project are not final, and that the committee is focusing on Troutman's Greenway.