Developer Presents Plan to Build New Condos in Beachfront North Area

By Christopher Sheldon

A developer has presented plans to build 11 condominium units between Marine Terrace and Ocean Avenue and is looking to the Long Branch Council to OK the project.

The site plan for the project would have to be approved by the Long Branch Council, because it is located in the Beachfront North redevelopment area. If the Long Branch Council approves the project, it would be sent to the Long Branch Planning Board for final review and approval.

Anthony Monzo, attorney for TBD Associates, explained that earlier this month, the Long Branch Planning Board ruled in favor of the developer, which will allow for the landlocked lot, Lot 7, which was initially designated as a beachfront recreational zone, to be merged with the second lot, Lot 4, to create a residential lot.

Promenade Beach Club, which is located to the south of the proposed development, had asked for a review of the zoning of the area and had some concerns about the project, according to Monzo.

"We've been working with them to address the concerns they've had over the design of the project," Monzo said. 

Monzo said one of the concession that was made was the reconfiguration of the balconies on the units closest to Ocean Avenue.

"Instead of facing north and south, they will face the ocean areas to eliminate any overview of the pool area at the beach club," Monzo said. "But we were unable to close the gap and reach a resolution of all issues."

TDB engineer Vince Orlando said four balconies on the southernmost buildings still face the beach club and that it is TDB's desire to keep them as they would allow the owners to have views of the ocean.

Orlando said someone with binocular or a telescope could view people at Promenade Beach Club, but said they would not be "visible with the naked eye." He said there is also a single-level building on the Promenade property that would block the view of the bathers.

Monzo said the project does not require any variances or waivers after TDB worked with City Planner Pratap Talwar.

Orlando said the only access to the site is through Marine Terrace.

He said the condos will be three floors with a garage on the first floor and balconies on the livable second and third floors. The maximum height of the condos in 40 feet.

City Attorney James Aaron said residents of the condominiums to the north of the proposed project have voiced concerns over the project.