The stream of cars, a few pickup trucks and a few motorcycles that created so much discussion at the October meeting of the Atlantic Highlands borough Council was a happy, celebratory, non-violent and neighborly event, in sharp contrast to the disunity and frustration shown during the meeting when those who had participated in the Charlie Kirk Memorial objected to the earlier previous actions of the governing body that led to their presence at the council meeting.

Former Councilman Brian Boms was one of the speakers at the ceremony at the Municipal Yacht Harbor that followed the stream of vehicles, many with flags waving, prayers written on the sides of vehicles, and old and young motorists in single and filled vehicles that came down First Avenue during September to honor Charlie Kirk.

In his remarks, Boms addressed the crowd, which in included hundreds of out-of-town visitors in addition to numerous local residents all who wanted to remember Kirk and his peaceful, loving way of educating young people.

Boms said:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, and fellow advocates for open dialogue, We gather here today to honor and celebrate the impactful work of Charlie Kirk, a beacon of courage and a champion of free speech.

Charlie dedicated his life to empowering young minds, encouraging them not to shy away from the difficult conversations that shape our understanding of one another.

In a world that often seems divided, Charlie taught us that our differences are not barriers, but gateways to deeper understanding. He discussed our varying perspectives, but that it’s essential. Through his advocacy, he has demonstrated that engaging in dialogue about our differences can lead to growth, empathy, and, ultimately, unity.

Charlie has inspired countless students to embrace their voices, to step into the arena of ideas with confidence and respect. He has instilled in them the belief that every opinion matters, and that by sharing our thoughts openly, we can foster a culture of mutual respect and learning.

He has encouraged students to challenge assumptions, to ask tough questions, and to listen with an open heart.

Today, as we remember Charlie’s contributions, let us also commit ourselves to the principles he championed. Let us honor his legacy by continuing to create spaces where dialogue flourishes—where we can speak honestly about our differences without fear of retribution or misunderstanding.

Let us strive to be the kind of leaders that Charlie encouraged us to be: those who stand firm in our beliefs while remaining open to the perspectives of others.

As we reflect on Charlie’s teachings, let us carry forward his message that it is through understanding and respect for our differences that we can build a brighter future. Together, we can ensure that Charlie’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those he inspired.

Thank you

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Gregory Forrest, leader and founder of the Garden State Deplorables, confirmed he has filed complaints against the Borough of Atlantic Highlands, charging violations of civil rights, bias, harassment and more following the treatment the group received in September when they conducted a meeting and get together to honor the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA,

Forrest filed complaints under six different state laws with the state Attorney General. The matter is expected to be referred to the Monmouth County Superior Court.

Forrest’s charges, which also include disturbing the peace and recklessly obstructing a public passageway, came about after several persons filed OPRA requests with the Atlantic Highlands Borough Clerk for e-mail and text messages among the Chief of Police, other officers and borough officials referencing anything about the September event.

The secured documents, which were provided by the borough clerk within four days of the request, show numerous communications among officials and police with comments and statements from Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, and Council members Eileen Cusack and Brian Dougherty. All prior to the September event.

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“We’re the only town who did not welcome them, that seems to be a problem,” said former Councilman Brian Boms at this week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, chiding the reaction of some members of the governing body to the procession of vehicles that came through the borough last month honoring the memory of Charlie Kirk.

There was also praise for the Atlantic Highlands Police Department and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office who were present when all the cars, pick-up trucks, motorcycles, and out-ot-town residents ended a row of vehicles that had begun traveling together in Toms River and went through towns in Ocean and Monmouth County before gathering for a finale at the Yacht Harbor.

Boms led a series of speakers at this week’s meeting who expressed considerable criticism, anger and questioning of Mayor Lori Hohenleitner for failing to see that the gathering of Garden State Deplorables and other followers of the late leader of Turning Point USA that sunny Sunday was not something to be feared, criticized, stalked or made to feel unwelcome.

The Garden State Deplorables is a group of citizens, some 5,0000 members strong, that was formed in 2021 with the goal of making New Jersey a place that is affordable and safe. Towards that goal, it promotes political candidates that advocate change to New Jersey’s property taxes, the highest in the country, it’s high crime, extreme utility costs, tolls and road conditions. It is so named based on Hilary Clinton’s statement several years ago that conservative voters are Deplorable.

Boms said the procession had gone through 32 towns and all were being good neighbors until arriving in this borough where some in the procession felt the Mayor was “stalking them” as they came into the harbor . They said she used vulgar language rather than greeting and welcoming them.

Hohenleitner accused Boms of not telling the truth and said, “I know what I did, and I have no regrets.”

Later, however, when presented with audio evidence that sounded like she did shout an obscenity at a motorist who said “Hello Laurie” to her, Hohenleitner recalled the incident and said it was the one thing she regretted, apologizing for the foul language.

A series of citizens spoke out during the public portion of the meeting, attended by approximately 50 people and 17 or more on ZOOM when it was operative. The screen was blank during several different portions of the meeting, making it impossible for those at home to see, hear, or participate in the total proceedings of the council meeting. At one point, the meeting was halted briefly while apparently successful attempts were made to restore ZOOM.

Many of the speakers pointed out the procession of vehicles was a peaceful parade honoring the late Kirk by a group that has had similar processions throughout Monmouth County for many years, with the Harbor generally the last stop in the long procession.

Speakers at this week’s meeting challenged those local residents who had addressed Council last month objecting to the procession, saying it was “a Proud Boys procession” from a group “associated with violence” or with a strong affiliation with vicious political feelings and racism.

At that meeting, in response to questions of why the police aided the procession, Hohenleitner noted the group has been here before, she has seen them and motorcycle rides weekly, although noting this year’s procession was the largest, she has seen.

She said while the police were not notified in advance, when they learned the profession was coming, they  were prepared “to be sure there was no escalation” noting the annual food tasting was also taking place and the police needed to keep the procession moving. She indicated the procession had the right to go through the borough without any special permits or advance notices.

However, in spite of the mayor indicating the police did not receive advance notice of the gathering, successful OPRA requests for audio and e-mail messages obtained within a week after the meeting showed several communications not only between the Chief and Gregory Forest, the leader of the Deplorables, as well as with the mayor, Councilman Brian Dougherty and others that clearly indicated many in borough offices, including the police department had at least four days’ notice of the group coming down First Avenue to the Harbor and being assured they were within the law to do so.

But at this week’s meeting, Hohenleitner countered charges she was stalking people, making them feel unwanted and wanting them out of the borough, with details of her own day’s activities and the fact she was out of town until 2 p.m. and drives through the harbor daily, as she does through other parts of the borough.

Speakers further questioned why the gate to one section of the harbor’s parking area was kept locked, some saying Councilman Brian Dougherty had asked a harbor employee the night previous if it the gazebo lot could be kept locked until Sunday.

While he at first denied doing anything more than asking about the locked lot, Boms quoted from a text from Dougherty sent Saturday night to the police chief asking “ Would there be any reason why we shouldn’t keep the gazebo lot locked in the harbor tomorrow until our visitors depart? If they can’t park, maybe they won’t stick around,” the text message said. The response was a recommendation he call the harbor master for a response saying, “not sure what’s on the plans for that lot.”

Another Saturday evening text to the Mayor from Dougherty read “There’s a no parking sign on the gate to the gazebo parking lot that says no parking starting Monday. Can we keep that gate locked tomorrow so they don’t have anywhere to park?” indicating Hohenleitner was also aware the procession was coming through the next day. She responded to the councilman “you can ask the chief.” Persons writing another text Boms had at the meeting were not identified but said “I spoke with Security, and they were going to double check that it was kept locked. With a thumbs up sign of approval for a message that said, “they’re not supposed to open it tomorrow at all.”

While Hohenleitner contended differences several times with some of the speakers at the council meeting, borough attorney Marguerite Schaefer spoke quietly with her at least three times, seemingly recommending she simply accept comments, saying at one point “you won’t win this one.” Schaefer also admonished the audience saying the public portion was a time for asking questions and making comments, not having conversations.

It as former councilman Steve Boracchia who had been at odds with Hohenleitner earlier in the public portion when she told him he had a blog about her, who asked if council and the public could get the matter closed and all learn to live with each other’s differences. Spatola added “Let’s all take it down.” Michael Ciano, added “we are having a lot of back and forth, but we can all do a better job of listening.”

It was made known that October 14 would be Charlie Kirk’s birthday and hopefully the borough would grant a permit expeditiously should any person or group want to have a gathering to honor his memory similar to a recent ceremony Middletown Township held at Croydon Hall.

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neighbors There’s something about an Atlantic Highlands Planning Board meeting that seems to bring out, or at least highlight, the best of people.

Whether it’s the very professional, yet very inviting way Chairman John McGolddrick runs the meeting, or the provocative but necessary questions each of the planning board members asks when hearing an application that could be the reason.

Or it could be the fact that each of the planners is up to speed on each application before them, regardless of how complex it may seem. Each also asks a lot of questions, not simply rubber stamping something without really knowing all it involves.

Or maybe it’s the people who attend those planning board meetings. They are there for one specific purpose, for the most part, namely an application that affects them personally. They, too, ask a lot of questions, but do it with knowledge and respect. When they object, they do it courteously , spelling out their specific reasons.

This month’s meeting was a perfect example. The applicant for a variance on Third Avenue has been there three times; he submitted his original application, and a courteous and well versed attorney and other professionals to represent him, listened to the people’s questions and objections, and made changes.

At a previous meeting, neighbors suggested more changes, his team of professionals got together and made them. And this week, presenting yet another revised plan, he tried again, a plan obviously submitted strictly because of listening to the neighbors. And when it was over, not only did the applicant thank the planning board for their consideration and attention, but so did the neighbors. In fact, they all thanked each other and the plan as approved is okay with the neighbors.

The application was approved, and the neighbors are still friends and will continue to be good neighbors.

On another application, for variances for a property on Center Avenue that needs a variance for anything it does to change the property, simply because it is non conforming with the present code as it is, one neighbor pleaded for the board to make a decision.

She pointed out these neighbors had already been to four meetings for this application and delaying a decision again meant more hardship for neighbors. She explained they all like each other, they are truly neighbors, and it is painful to have to come back and repeat their objections to a plan that while they like their neighbor, they do not believe fits in with the norm of that friendly neighborhood.

That neighbor, still wanting her application to be approved, asked for more time to think about the latest criticisms of the latest modifications, presumably to give herself time to think about whether she wants to continue to try to make changes that would fit in with the neighborhood or call it quits and keep the neighborhood looking as it does.

Clearly, she wants her variance, considering the amount of time, money and professional expertise she has expended . Yet she wants to pore over, once again, with a possible eye to change, her neighbor’s concerns.

The planning board, rather than force her to make a decision that night, gave her until the December meeting to see what she wants to do. Good for her, frustrating for residents who want to remain good neighbors. And generous for the planning board members who apparently feel it can be decided given a fourth meeting and another two months time.

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