Friday, March 29, 2013
Borough sent out request for proposal for cameras in early March
West Long Branch is continuing its push to add red light cameras to some of the borough's most dangerous intersections. The borough issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the cameras earlier this month and will likely award a contract at its April 3 council meeting. A red light camera is a traffic enforcement camera that captures an image of a vehicle which has entered an intersection against a red traffic light. By automatically photographing vehicles that run red lights, the camera produces evidence that assists police departments in their enforcement of traffic laws. Sgt. Brian Kramer of the West Long Branch Police Traffic Safety Bureau said the borough was approached about being a town that could use the red light cameras about four …
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Average borough home value lowered
The West Long Branch property revaluation has been completed, and the value of the average borough home has been lowered as a result. Reality Appraisal Company (RAC) of New York was hired by the borough to revalue all properties in the borough last year and finished the process earlier this month. Representatives from RAC inspected homes to see if any changes were made since the last property revaluation was performed in 2000. The revaluation has resulted in a 17 percent reduction in the total assessed value of all West Long Branch homes; a drop of $230 million, borough Chief Financial Officer Gail Watkins said today. The average price of a borough home was $472,000 in 2012. After the revaluation, the average borough home is valued at $383…
Average homeowner will pay additional $89 in taxes
The West Long Branch Council introduced the 2013 budget on Wednesday night and a tax increase for residents is expected. The 2013 budget totals $10,203,966, a $17,416 increase from last year. The proposed municipal tax rate is 0.669, a 14 and a half cent increase over 2012. For the average borough home valued at $383,000, the tax increase would be an additional $89 for the year or about $7 monthly. Borough Chief Financial Officer Gail Watkins said the recently completed borough revaluation has skewed the tax rate numbers somewhat this year, and that the increase is actually smaller than it has been in past years. Watkins said the borough was very close to state mandated 2 percent levy cap. The budget will will be up for adoption at a …
Friday, February 1, 2013
Borough administrator retired at end of last year
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Friday, February 1
West Long Branch is searching for a replacement for its borough administrator, John J. Kennedy, who resigned in December. The borough council accepted Kennedy's letter of resignation at its Dec. 19 meeting. The borough posted the following announcement on its web site this week: Seeking organized professional with five years experience in business/local government and at least two years experience in municipal finance. Candidate will oversee daily operations of the Borough and manage all aspects of its financial operation. Candidate must demonstrate good project management skills with effective follow up/follow through. Knowledge of Edmunds is preferred. Bachelor’s degree and CMFO certification are required. Must be willing to obtain QPA…
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Broken utility pole on Locust Avenue stabilized
A pole that was broken by high winds earlier today on Locust Avenue in West Long Branch has been stabilized. The West Long Branch Police reported earlier that the pole caused the road to be closed between Maryland Avenue and Parker Road. As of 2:15 p.m., the road has been reopened. Police say the replacement of the pole will be done at an a later date. Just over 100 people were without power in West Long Branch earlier today, but there are no reported outages as of 2:45 p.m., according to Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L). Police say the Betty McElmon Elementary School and Frank Antonides School did not suffer any loss of power. JCP&L also is reporting that less than five Eatontown residents are now without power. This morning, 574 …
Monday, January 14, 2013
Fines, increased inspections required for big box retailer
The Kmart store at Route 36 and Monmouth Road in West Long Branch is not among the more than a dozen stores in the chain caught selling expired over-the-counter drugs and baby formula, according to court documents. In all, 257 separate items were offered for sale or were sold well beyond their expiration dates at 19 of the discount retailer's 36 New Jersey locations. Some items were several months to more than two years beyond their expiration dates, according to a lawsuit brought by the state Attorney General's Office. Outlets in Wall Township and Hazlet were the only stores affected in Monmouth County. In Wall, eight expired items were sold or offered. The Hazlet location sold one expired item. In Ocean County, stores in Brick and Toms …
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Building was also home to borough construction department
The former home of the West Long Branch Police Department is set to be demolished. The West Long Branch Borough Council approved the demolition of the building at 95 Poplar Avenue this month, and the work is expected to begin next year. The library and community center located in the same complex will remain, but the rooms that housed the borough's police and construction departments will be demolished. West Long Branch Clerk Lori Cole said the borough is still waiting for a proposal from the architect who conducted a feasibility study on what should be done with the building. The council was weighing three options earlier this year for the building's future; complete demolition, partial demolition and rehabilitation of remaining …
Friday, October 19, 2012
Council introduces ordinance that would allow use of cameras in borough
The West Long Branch Council is taking the necessary to steps to install red light cameras throughout the borough. The council introduced an ordinance on Wednesday night that would would allow it to put the project out for bid while other specifics, including the location of the cameras, will be determined later. A red light camera is a traffic enforcement camera that captures an image of a vehicle which has entered an intersection against a red traffic light. By automatically photographing vehicles that run red lights, the camera produces evidence that assists police departments in their enforcement of traffic laws. West Long Branch Clerk Lori Cole said the borough would still have to go out a request for proposal (RFP) for a vendor to …
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Restaurant will be located in Consumer Centre Shopping Center on Route 36
The West Long Branch Planning Board has approved a new hibachi and buffet restaurant for the Consumer Centre Shopping Center on Route 36 in the borough. The board granted the waiver of a site plan and the required variances for Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet, a chain restaurant that already has locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Architect Frank Mileto said the building is roughly 14,000 square feet and will house 300 seats. The building is located between FYE and what is now Halloween Spirit. He said the building is short about 53 spaces from what is required by the borough's parking ordinance, but asked for a variance because he does not expect the lot to ever be over capacity. "There is parking throughout …
Friday, October 5, 2012
Sales will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout borough
If you are looking to clean out your basement or attic, Saturday is the time to do it in West Long Branch. The West Long Branch Recreation and Environmental Commissions will be hosting the town-wide garage sale in the borough from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A permit is needed, but no fee will be charged to any resident who wishes to participate. Residents can get their permit at West Long Branch Borough Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For other residents who are looking to get rid of some unwanted items and do not want to have a garage sale, the borough is also hosting a recycling event from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the West Long Branch Community Center. All electronics, excluding circuit boards, are acceptable, recyclable items that can be …
ramon rodriguez
11:32 am on Sunday, March 31, 2013
We are more populated per square mile,so the numbers tend to look higher for NJ.The Moneycams tend to cause more rear end collisions.find the study for that.Nobody is going to drive thru an amber light signal causing the drivers to stop prematurely and a posible rear end collision.The Moneycams are placed only to generate money illegally from motorists,that's the reason no points are issued to … more ›