Summer 2025

After a cold and wet spring, we jumped straight into a hot and steamy summer! There were many great events that took place this spring, starting off with the Netflix groundbreaking ceremony at the former Fort Monmouth Army Base. Under cloudy skies that didn’t damper the excitement, I was honored to be a part of the historic moment together with many government officials, private investors, and true visionaries who believed Fort Monmouth could be redeveloped and become an economic driver for the local municipalities, Monmouth County, and the state of New Jersey.  Collectively, in less than a decade, this group transformed a closed military facility into an active residential and commercial development that breathes social and economic life into Monmouth County. The Netflix groundbreaking was the capstone of what has already been an amazing success story and the result of outstanding collective efforts all around. I am proud Netflix chose to locate to the former Fort Monmouth. An old saying in the film industry is “All roads lead to Hollywood.” Well, the new saying is “All roads lead to Eatontown and Oceanport, New Jersey.”

 The annual Oceanport Memorial Day parade, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, happened under beautiful blue skies and Oceanport streets were lined with old and young alike donning red, white, and blue. This year’s Grand Marshal was Frederick W.B. Elsen who enlisted in the Navy in 1942 at the age of 17. Mr. Elsen was an electrician’s mate, second class, aboard the USS Crosley, a high-speed destroyer escort. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa where the Crosley came to the aid of nearby ships that had been struck by Japanese kamikaze planes. Mr. Elsen, who turned 100 last year, is the father of former Borough Administrator/Clerk Kim Jungfer. The parade was enjoyed by all participants and onlookers, who were proud to honor those who gave their life for their country.

 On Flag Day, June 14th, I had the honor and privilege of dedicating the flagpole at Blackberry Bay Park to Ward V. Coles, Jr. This flagpole was erected by Oceanport’s own Ward V. Coles, Jr., in memory of his son, Ward, who had passed away. Ward V. Coles, Jr. was a proud US Air Force Veteran of the Korean War who was bothered that there was no flag at Blackberry Bay Park to remind Oceanport residents and visitors of the wonderful town and country where they live.  After seeing a damaged pole that JCP&L was disposing, he had the ingenuity to use that as the flagpole and with the help of his friends and neighbors, Kenny Carroll who welded the pole, Steve Chioffi who helped with the digging, Marty McCann and the Oceanport Police Department who donated flags, and Mike Tober who donated plantings for the base of the pole – Ward’s idea became a reality and the flag pole was erected. Ward’s daughter, Beatrix, fondly remembers her father’s project and asks him if they could mention his name at a town meeting. Ward’s response was “No, I don’t need that. Sometimes, you just do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.” June 2025 was the 10th anniversary of Ward’s death and the “right thing to do” was to acknowledge Ward’s patriotism and love of country and Oceanport.

 Summer brings racing to Oceanport’s beloved Monmouth Park! This beautiful venue is a fantastic place to spend a summer day watching the races and taking part in the special events sponsored by Monmouth Park. Just a reminder to all Oceanport Borough residents that our exclusive Borough box is ready and waiting for you – seats up to 6 and located a few rows back on the finish line for unbeatable views of the action! With brand-new restaurants and delicious food vendors on site, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out, a fun hang with friends, or a festive celebration during special events and festivals. Ready to reserve your spot? Just call the Clerk’s Office at (732) 222-8221, ext. 1005 to see if your date is available, they’ll handle the rest! Then simply head to Will Call on the day of your visit, give your name, and you’re in! The box is available for all race dates except for the 2025 Haskell Invitational which takes place on Saturday, July 19th. 

 My last Mayor’s Message included information about the Ordinance adopted to designate many of the “cut-through” streets in Oceanport as “targeted enforcement zones”, meaning when you are pulled over in a targeted enforcement zone for any moving violation a court appearance is required. This resulted in more than 100 individuals appearing in court over the first 3 to 4 weeks of enforcing the Ordinance and I believe it will certainly contribute to deterring speeding in Oceanport.

 And speaking of Ordinances, the Borough adopted an Ordinance in response to a NJ law mandating towns to establish a tree removal and replacement program. A tree removal permit is now required for the removal of most trees on your property and most trees that are removed will need to be replaced. Trees play an important role in our community by preventing run-off and erosion, improving air quality, reducing flooding, supporting wildlife, and providing shade.  Trees also increase property values. Please think twice about removing a tree. If you must cut, please visit the Borough’s website at oceanportboro.com for more information.

 Our Community Garden has been a tremendous success with only a few plots remaining. The garden would not have been possible without the help of many individuals. Pat Joyce from Shoreview Landscaping was a life saver, donating his labor and equipment to install the irrigation, grading, and spreading of the topsoil. Michael Dailey with Monarch Excavation supplied all the topsoil for the garden. The support of the Oceanport Governing Body for the purchase of fencing, mulch, irrigation, and wood for the planters. Ellyn Kahle and the Community Garden volunteers for their hard work and passion to put the garden back together. I spend a lot of time at Borough Hall and it’s great to watch all the hard work the plot owners put into their crops. Soon they will be reaping the fruits of their labor and enjoying their produce at their kitchen tables.

 The 2025 municipal budget has passed, and Oceanport is in a very healthy position, which has not been an accident. We have developed creative ways of thinking about projects, encouraged a more collaborative budget process, been open in terms of what our goals and expectations are of each department, and have been consistent in our approach. Our recent capital projects in some ways have included grant money – this is one example of excellent communication across the various stakeholder groups within the Borough. We have identified projects that are consistent with the longer-term vision we have. We determine the estimated cost of the project and then determine how best to fund it. In each case, we have waited to execute until we can utilize all available resources – limiting the impact to the taxpayer while creating additional value. Examples include recent road programs, lighting at Maria Gatta Park, improvements at Trinity Park, tidal check valves, the new parking lot at the Old Wharf house, and the soon-to-be constructed all-inclusive playground at Blackberry Bay Park.

 We have not taken out any additional debt for the 2nd consecutive year. The debt we do have is at a very attractive interest rate. We have kept spending in check but have not sacrificed improving the town – instead we have been creative with how we source and use money. We have used sports wagering funds for a portion of the Maria Gatta Park improvements, in addition to Open Space Grants from Monmouth County. Local Recreation Improvement Grants have contributed to the improvements at Trinity and Blackberry Bay Park. The American Rescue Act contributed to the purchase of emergency equipment and tidal check valves. The interest on surplus contributed to the road program and our capital budget projects.

 Over the past five years, the average assessed values have increased in aggregate $681 million (+48.5%); the municipal budget has increased $1.1 million (+16.6%) – it’s important to note inflation has averaged 4.8% per year over the same five-year period. The result has been a decrease of 10.1 cents/$100 assessed value (-20.8%). Despite a dramatic rise in assessed valuation of properties in Oceanport and inflationary pressures, we have maintained an efficient operating budget, have not over-extended via additional debt, and ultimately have continued to lower the tax rate.

Going forward, we are continuously looking for ways to improve - expanding shared services, partnering with the county on special projects, and providing a place where business is encouraged to prosper.

Wishing you all a safe, enjoyable, and happy summer! Looking forward to seeing all of you at the Summer’s End Festival.