In spite of his contract extending through 2027, Atlantic Highlands Borough Administrator Robert Ferragina spent his last day today, December 10 in the borough and will now pursue “an exciting new opportunity in the public sector that offers continued growth and challenge.”Good
Although Ferragina did not indicate what his new position is, or when he will start, he added he will always value the relationships built in Atlantic Highlands. He also expressed his “ gratitude to residents, staff, and the Governing Body for the opportunity to serve.”
The Long Branch native, who lives with his family in West Long Branch, was hired by former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein when former Administrator Adam Hubeny retired from the post. He has served more than four years, each marked with significant infrastructure improvements, financial initiatives, and increased public engagement, for the Borough, leaving a lasting impression on the community he served.
Asked to cite some of the major changes, improvements or challenges he has faced during the past four years, Ferragina highlighted numerous activities undertaken successfully by each of the borough’s departments under his supervision. In addition to major improvements to roads and municipal operations, streets were paved, parking lots were restriped, and LED lighting was installed at locations throughout the Borough and Harbor. Decorative lights were added to the historic Stone Bridge, the Upper Prospect Wall replacement was completed, and a state-of-the-art sign board, not yet lighted, was installed at Borough Hall, complementing the refurbished Harbor sign board. An auxiliary flagpole was also added at Borough Hall.
Some of the upgrades at the harbor included the installation of a backup generator and a boat lift, along with repainting of all buildings and the gazebo. A new gazebo was added at Railroad and Center Avenues, portions of Borough Hall and Sea Streak parking lots were repaved, and park and playground enhancements were completed using grant funding. This support came in part through the Borough’s investment in a grant-writing firm, which helped secure numerous awards.
In the Public Works Department, Ferragina noted critical equipment upgrades took place when outdated vehicles were sold at auction and replaced, not only for Public Works but for the water, police, and harbor departments as well. The DPW Yard received physical improvements including fresh paint, LED lighting, and enhanced workspace conditions for mechanics.
Technology and security advancements included Borough software upgrades from MSI to Edmunds, enhanced cybersecurity, new key fob systems, and upgraded security cameras. Collaboration with local utilities resulted in the replacement of leaning poles and the long-overdue removal of double poles throughout the Borough.
Ferragina worked closely with Atlantic Highlands Local PBA 242, calling the officers “arguably the finest officers in the state.,” He also worked with the Fire Department, council liaisons, and the CMFO to secure bonding for a new fire apparatus. His office also launched new employee support benefits, including annual health and wellness programs funded through grants, and portable supplemental life insurance for municipal workers.
Looking back, the administrator recalled the time early in his tenure when he responded to resident Josh Leinsdorf’s concerns about pedestrian safety at the Foodtown Plaza on First Avenue. Working with private property management, the Borough achieved the installation of new ADA-compliant sidewalks, improving access for seniors at Portland Pointe earlier this year. He also collaborated with former Parking Committee member Mark Fisher and the Police Department to create additional parking spaces throughout town. When he arrived, three collective bargaining agreements were unresolved; he worked with union representatives to complete all three.
During winter power outages, Ferragina spearheaded the initiative to use the Senior Center as a warming station, ensuring residents had a safe place to gather in frigid weather.
Getting to know local residents, particularly multi-generational families including the Rests, Hawleys, Whiteheads, and Fligors, was among the most meaningful experiences for this administrator. He is also proud he helped facilitate public discussion of major community topics.
A major long-term undertaking was securing more than $2 million in federal appropriations for Harbor bulkhead repairs, achieved in collaboration with Congressman Frank Pallone’s office. Work is anticipated to begin within the next two years.
Ferragina also partnered closely with County Commissioners and various county departments to maintain and improve county-owned assets including First Avenue, the Henry Hudson Trail, and Ocean Boulevard. He often highlighted Atlantic Highlands’ unique geography—home to the highest coastal elevation on the eastern seaboard outside of Maine and the largest municipal harbor on the East Coast.
Calling his departure “bittersweet,” Ferragina praised Borough staff, former and current elected officials, and colleagues who, he said, became close friends over the years. He expressed gratitude for the support of former Mayor Gluckstein and former Administrator Hubeny, who continued to serve as mentors during his tenure.
As far as advice for whoever will be assuming his position after this week, Ferragina emphasized that the role of Administrator requires more listening than speaking. He encouraged his successor to “truly value the hard work and longevity of the Borough’s dedicated employees,” noting that those two principles “have served me well.”
Ferragina earned a degree in history with a minor in Political Science from Keene State College, where he serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He holds a Master of Arts in History from Monmouth University and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During his career, he has also earned executive certifications in Nonprofit Fund Development from the University of Notre Dame, Public Sector Leadership from Cornell University, Negotiation Strategies from Yale School of Management, Leadership Development from U Penn’s Wharton School, Government Services from Rutgers University and Land Use Law and Planning from the Association of NJ Planning & Zoning Boards of Adjustment.
There is no doubt, that while Atlantic Highlands will always hold memories, experiences, education, and both hard work and pleasure, Ferragina will continue to remain active in community service, local boards, and civic organizations.
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