Highlands Borough Council is holding public hearings on three proposed ordinances and authorizing cost of living increase for some employees at tomorrows meeting (WEDNESDAY JULY 16) at Borough Hall.
The public hearings are to make changes in ordinances already in effect, with one making it more clear what is meant by litter when enforcing the borough codes on littering. A second describes in detail what wildlife are meant under the current wildlife feeding ordinance, identifying feral cats as part of the group that cannot be fed under municipal laws.
The third ordinance up for final approval restores for public use a reserved parking place for a handicapped person which is no longer needed.
The governing body also plans to introduce two new ordinances, one establishing higher qualifications and specifications for qualifications of inspectors and other employees, requiring state approval for inspectors , another establishing no parking zones on both sides of Waterwitch Avenue from Bay Ave to Shore Drive. Public hearings on these proposed codes will be held at the August 20 meeting of council.
Council is also expected to pass a resolution opposing the construction of the Williams Transco Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, for numerous reasons concerning its potential adverse effect on the borough, impacts which range from the ocean disposal of contaminated material which would harm the marine environment and the impact the pipeline would have on upstream environmental impacts that would directly harm Raritan Bay, to the overall negative impact the pipeline would have on the health of the Bayshore, coastal ecosystems, marine life, and all coastal communities.
Council will also go into executive session at the end of the meeting for litigation matters and the noise ordinance.
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She’s rather quiet and unassuming, certainly kind and self-effacing, but by no means bashful or lacking confidence. Louise Welch simply goes about her own personal dedication to doing good for others and making life a little better for those with whom she comes in contact.Columbiettes
It was 15 years ago when Louise was one of the driving forces in creating an auxiliary for the Vincent T. Lombardi Council of the Knights of Columbus in Middletown. Louise was installed as the first president of the Columbiettes Women’s Auxiliary and has been hard at work with the Auxiliary ever since.
The Middletown resident still remains active with the catholic women’s organization, is still leader, and the auxiliary now also serves as the auxiliary for the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus, active in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes parish in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
The Auxiliary now has 33 members, accepting four new members this month and always eager to welcome any female catholic over the age of 18 who would like to be part of the organization.
They are a busy group, the Columbiettes. In addition to running a variety of fund-raising events, the women assist the knights in their many activities, including the monthly Breakfasts offered at no cost to all and held during the summer months on the second Sunday of the month at St. Agnes Church hall after all the masses.
The women also collect hundreds of thousands of soda and beer can caps and bring them to the Ronald McDonald House for their drive in collecting and recycling the caps to sell and raise funds for all their charitable work. Collecting pull tabs and metal bottle caps makes it easy to recycle and helps the Ronald McDonald organization. Their services help provide services for families with seriously ill or injured children. The amount of funds raised after recycling is determined by the total weight of the tabs and current redemption value.
Since pull tabs are easy to remove and store, it is easier to handle large volumes of donations with much less storage space. Louise said their last donation literally filled a truckload of tabs to the Ronald McDonald house. The Columbiettes also collect school supplies and backpacks for distribution to youngsters in need, a project which is kept out throughout each of the five dioceses in the state. They also collect toiletries and needs for women and children in homeless shelters and Hope House.
Louise and all the Columbiettes members encourage women to join he organization and have made it a practice for members to allocate their own schedules and contributions. There are no specific requirements or amounts of time to spend, everyone participates at whatever level of commitment that makes her comfortable, and women have the opportunity to use their special skills and talents, including needlework or other hobbies which may assist others.
Louise, who is an officer and active in the South East Chapter of the Columbiettes as well as all her activity locally, said she continues to do it because ”I love helping, I love the people who are involved, and I love sharing the time with so many of my friends.”
Generosity, kindness and devotion to the Knights and their works runs deeply in the Welch family. Her husband and son are both Fourth Degree, the patriotic order of the Knights of Columbus, as well as active in the Fr. Donnelly council, where Tom is in the color guard and is faithful navigator of the 4th Degree Assembly.
Women interested in knowing more about the Columbiettes or join the auxiliary can contact Louise at 732-397-5601 or Ann Dimaira at 732-500-1785 or visit www.vtlcolumbiettes6552.com
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Ever have an e-mail conversation with Artificial Intelligence (AI)? If it’s Hyundai in Shrewsbury you’re talking to, it’s great fun, entertaining, but absolutely useless in getting you information.
It all started when I began wondering why the EPS red light on the dash board came on every time I started the car….and never went off.
In the manual from when the vehicle was new in 2013, I learned that EPS means Electronic Power Steering. But all the manual said was that when light is on, it indicates a problem and power steering was not working correctly. That was the end of the information.
So I went on line and found the Hyundai EPS light staying on signified it was “crucial to have the system checked by a professional as soon as possible to prevent potential safety hazards.”
It explained the computer detected a fault in the system that used an electric motor to assist with steering, making it easier to turn the wheel. It gave a variety of potential causes, from a faulty sensor or software glitches to a battery or alternator issue. But it also suggested I check to see if it was recalled.
I did and it was.
So I called Hyundai, explained the situation, they checked, verified it was recalled, and made an appointment for me to bring the car to their garage in Shrewsbury a few weeks later. So much for immediate danger or concern.
That was my first experience with poor communications with Hyundai. Not knowing where the garage entrance was, I entered the showroom, where no fewer than four folks were sitting at desks, but none bothered to look up or see if I needed any assistance. Finally, one very nice gent not only greeted me but took me to the appointment Desk for the service department on the far side of the building and through another door. With no signs informing me of all this, I appreciated his help.
Once there, I was directed to go back and get my vehicle and drive it around for access to the service department.
After that, it was easy, quick, comfortable sitting waiting and enjoying their freshly prepared coffee the 90 minutes or so until they called to let me know the vehicle was ready. The EPS was apparently replaced, there was no cost and I could be on my way. After thanks and appreciation, I got in, started the car and voila! The EPS light on the dashboard was still on.
So I got back out, went back into service, explained the light was still on and was told that wasn’t part of the job. Don’t worry about it.
That worked until I remembered everything the Hyundai site had told me: “Be aware of safety implications: Driving with the EPS light on can make the steering heavier and harder to control, so exercise caution and seek professional help promptly. “
After a couple of weeks of this, I did think that heck, Hyundai should really have at least disconnected the little red light. How would I ever know if something was wrong again?
I decided to write the Service Manager to find out why the mechanic who replaced the EPS, if he really did, could not have disconnected the red light. But their website does not identify a branch manager or a service manager or anyone else by name. So I called the number on the website. Herein it got pretty amusing.
I did everything I was supposed to, I texted my name and my e-mail address and said I needed to know the service manager’s name and e-mail. Within seconds, I got a response: “Thanks for texting us, we will be with you shortly. In the meantime, please save our contact information….”
One minute later, I got another text, this from Jerry who thanked me for reaching out and assured me he would check with a manager about the service manager’s name and email and would make sure I got the info “as soon as possible.” And he thanked for letting him know about my experience. “ He also texted me that when I visit, ”our friendly team will greet you and help with everything.”
Well, since I felt AI would be smart enough to know the manager’s name and not tell me anything about an upcoming visit I had not mentioned, I texted back that “It hasn’t happened that way so far, so I’m not holding out much hope.”
Jerry wrote right back
“I hear you and I’m sorry it’s been frustrating. I’ll make sure your request gets to the right person so you can get the info you need. Thanks for your patience. I’ll be in touch as soon as I hear back.,”
Again, even AI doesn’t have any friends who know the service manager’s name. So I told my new AI friend Jerry : “It’s downright scary when it takes this long to find out the manager. That could be one of the problems.”
Undaunted, Jerry wrote back
” I get where you’re coming from. It should not be this hard to get a simple answer. I’ll keep following up and make sure you get the service manager’s info as soon as possible.” And again more thanks for keeping him informed.
That was 3:53 Friday afternoon. Haven’t heard another thing since and still don’t have the service manager’s name, contact information or anything else.
Guess even AI doesn’t work on weekends.
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St. Leo’s Elementary school graduate Madeline Dougherty credits all the writing students were encouraged to do at St. Leo’s with her winning the state award for 8th grade students in the Daughters of American Revolution essay contest earlier this year.
The daughter of Aaron and Jennifer Dougherty who lives in Lincroft, Madeline will be attending Trinity Hall High School in September but looks back with fondness on her 11 years at St. Leo’s. Starting there in pre-school, Madeline said she believes the faculty has always challenged her not only academically but also helped cultivate her relationship with God as well as “helping me find out more about myself.”
Like friends in the 5th, 6th and 7th grades, Madeline was selected by the Shrewsbury-Towne chapter of the DAR as the winning entry for her grade level in their local contest, then went on to win the regional competition enabling her to compete at the state level in the national contest. Madeline then went on to place second in the state competition.
Locally, six schools participated in the contest open to students in the fifth through eighth grades, each with different criteria for judging.
All of the students who participated deserve recognition and praise as well. said Anna Cook, chairman of the DAR contest for the Shrewsbury-Towne chapter. “Each can take pride in the depth of their entries and their ability to meet the rigid criteria for entering. The judges deciding the competition winners, in adherence to national rules, included one DAR member and two non-DAR members for a total of three judges. For this competition, Jon Clark and Lynn Leahy were the nonmembers of the DAR and joined DAR member Mary Jo Fabiano in reviewing each of the entries.
The DAR had called for essays on one of the four tea parties similar to the Boston Tea Party held in the colonies during the Revolutionary era, and Madeline chose to write about the event at Edenton, N.C. Students had to give their reasons for choosing the specific event they chose, had to research their topic, and their completed essays were judged on everything from accuracy and research to vocabulary and grammar under the rigid and regulated procedure set for the judges.
The rising freshman said she chose the events Edenton “because it was a peaceful act of resistance,” adding, “ I felt that was a more effective way to protest. “ The action also, made “a lasting impression on women’s capabilities to engage in political life,” she said.
For those reasons, it was a good idea for the women in Edenton to take the actions they did, she feels, “because it sparked a change and it gave women a chance to engage in politics.”
Even so, Madeline said, while it “would have been very interesting to be at the forefront of the American Revolution, “ she would not have liked to live in that era. “After learning about the hardships that people faced, such as the lack of freedom, I realize that I am very fortunate to have all that I have today,” she said.
While an honor student at St. Leo’s and facing the high academic standards at Trinity Hall, Madeline is still active in a variety of activities in her spare time, from basketball, soccer and softball as well as swimming during the summer, she also enjoys spending time with family and friends, along with her two dogs, Indy and Maverick. Her goals for the future, at this time, are to be a veterinarian “so I can help with all types of animals.”
Continuing study, achieving and maintaining high academic standards are traditions in the Dougherty family. Madeline’s sister Ella is a Junior at Villanova, and her brother, Cole, is a senior at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft.
The Shrewsbury Towne Chapter organized 1935 and merged with the already established Monmouth Chapter 2004. It took its name from Shrewsbury Towne, settled in 1664, so named because two trails converged, and business centered at this point. It was the crossroads, Four Corners, where the King’s Highway crossed the Burlington Trail, the Indian Trail now known as Sycamore Avenue, . It was lined with sycamores which shaded Washington’s worn and wounded men as they pursued the English in their retreat from Philadelphia to Sandy Hook. The chapter placed a commemorative plaque on one of the sycamores which is still visible.
Madeline’s essay on the Edenton Tea Party:
October 24,1774 In an effort to capture the pride I feel today, I decided to record my thoughts so that one day, I may reflect on these times.
For almost three decades the British empire has controlled our beloved colonies and has silenced both men and women. As men have begun to voice their objections, it is incumbent on women to do so also.
Not too long ago, in 1’773 the Sons of Liberty participated in a boycott called “The Boston Tea Party.” This event ruptured the quietness of the colonists and opened the gates to a resistance towards the British. Ultimately, the Sons of Liberty carried out their actions to protest against the unfair taxes the British imposed on the colonists.
Although the British seemed to be a wealthy and prosperous empire, the reason behind their taxation on the colonists was fairly clear. Approximately 10 years prior to this boycott, following the French and Indian War, the British were engulfed in debt. Consequently, to regain money, the British implemented various taxes on the i3 colonies. Clearly, Britain thought the actions of the Sons of Liberty were unjustifiable, however, the Boston Tea Party proved essential to ignite a sense of hope and rebellion to all near and far.
This event also illuminated the harsh reality that I must not stay silent and watch from the side. I have since desperately searched for a way to voice my opinion here in North Carolina and break through the barrier of unjust treatment not only for me, but for all women.
Tomorrow, I will join 50 women with similar ideas, a debut for female beliefs in politics. One of mom’s dearest friends, Penelope Baker, has organized the congregation and plans to send to Britain a resolution stating our discontent with their taxation. We will sign this statement agreeing to boycott British tea and other imported goods.
Emotions of concern have overwhelmed me, for protesting the British policies and the British Tea Act of 1773 may have consequences and bring harsher treatment, but we must be courageous. At least we are using words rather than violence, for violence shall only tarnish our reputation and diminish our chances of having other peaceful protests.
As I prepare for the day ahead, I must remember that I am participating in this protest not only to honor my mother, who fought vigorously to make her opinion known, but to also to take a stand and forge a path for future generations of women. I will never forget the priceless lessons mother had taught me: work hard for our goals and never give up when a challenge is presented. I believe that if she was still alive, she would praise my efforts, notwithstanding the outcome, and would appreciate my desire to make a difference in the very tense world in which we live.
Let the road to independence commence.
October 25,1774 “‘We are signing our names to a document, not hiding ourselves behind costumes like the men in Boston did at their tea party. The British will know who we are.
” I could not believe it. These words were those of dear Penelope Bayer who showed the value of a true leader today. Every woman I know that attended this event showed bravery and determination, both of which were originally concealed behind our obedient behavior,
As for me specifically, I was able to express feelings of relief and happiness that I had suppressed for years. I can proudly say that I signed my name to the resolution and courageously stepped out of the shadows and into political life.
Elizabeth King, one of the signers, graciously offered her home in Edenton, North Carolina, as our meeting place for the Edenton Ladies’ Patriotic Guild, where we discussed our dissent with the British acts. We all agreed to stop drinking tea and to boycott British goods. As women, we play an important role in this boycott because we control the goods that are consumed in the household. The resolution clearly expressed our displeasure with the continued taxation, and each woman rendered their signature.
While the Boston Tea Party struck a similar tone, our tea party was different: it was The Edenton Tea Party.
October 30 ,1774
I would have never predicted that the Edenton Tea Party would become so well known Our story has been published in newspapers and our protest has been talked about throughout the colonies. While the British were not pleased, our movement stunned many and there are now talks of similar protests. Our boycott has highlighted the dire need for independence. I am proud to say that I contributed and helped others voice their opinion against the absurd taxes.
The mission to move closer to independence was a success. I will never second guess my decision to sign that resolution. I hope I made my mother proud these past few days because I feel so much pride in myself knowing that I am helping to contribute to a better life for all. With great pleasure, I conclude this journal entry and hope that when I read it again, we are prospering without British rule.
For those that read my journal in years to come after my passing, they encounter the courage of the Edenton women.
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Heart More than 330 friends and relatives remembered the many talents and thoughtfulness of Carl Tinker West at a private celebration of his life Thursday at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands.
West, also known for his Purple building on Bay Avenue in Highlands, died May 26.
Known for his diverse talents which ranged from music manager to electrical engineer, physicist and surf board designer, as well as his “tinkering’ into numerous other fields that attracted his interest, West was honored at the Celebration this week by a number of his friends who presented a short program highlighting their affection for their friend.
The program was led by Pat Guadagno, a pioneer in Jersey Shore music whose music has appeared in numerous films and won him an award for the Song of the Year at the Garden State Film Festival. Guadagno’s music has underscored episodes of the Emmy Award-winning Showtime series Californication and appeared in numerous Films, last year winning Song of the Year award at the Garden State Film Festival .
Also speaking during the ceremony, which kept the audience spellbound and silent , were Rick Barry, Tracy Dell, Lynn Herold and Eileen Chapman, director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives expected to be open next spring on the campus of Monmouth University. West was the leading force in promoting Springsteen’s musical career.
But it was Vini Lopez, also known as Mag Dog, who ended this week’s formal program honoring West, which also included cocktails and dinner, by asking everyone to “close your eyes, for a few minutes and think.”
Lopez was the drummer in the original E Street Band and has been friends with West since the 1960s when West managed and mentored the Steel Mill band as well. A native of Neptune, Lopez also played drums with several other Jersey Shore bands, during and after his time with the E Street Band. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the E Street Band.
One of the pioneers of the historic Jersey Shore music scene, Lopez is known for his ‘rousing performances’ and ‘distinctive musical interpretations.’ Recognized in trade journals for his almost supernatural and mistake-free technique, he has become a true folk legend in both culture and style.
Lopez, one of the found members of the E Street Band, is known for his distinctive musical presentations,
Calling on the guests at West’s celebration of life, he asked hem to recall West as he sang Warren Zevon’s famed “Keep Me in Your Heart for Awhile.”
Zevon, a rock singer and song writer from Chicago who is also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, wrote the song referring to himself in the months between when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma until his death nine months later. The most popular musical guest on the former David Letterman late night show, Zevon introduced the song on that program and gave Letterman his guitar as a remembrance in what was then his last appearance on the program.
This week, in referring to Tinker West, Lopez sang the song calling on the guests to remember “When you get up in the mornin’ and see the crazy sun, Keep me in your heart for a while,” and “Sometimes when you’re don’ simple things around the house, Maybe you’ll think of me and smile” and “Hold me in your thoughts, Take me to your dreams, touch me as I fall into view, when the winter comes, keep the fires lit and I will be right next to you, “ ending with “Keep me in your heart for awhile,” all verses from Zevon’s song.
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End Barring a last minute miracle, or more successful negotiations, owners of the longest operating lease at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor, The Shore Casino, face eviction proceedings in Superior Court August 1, closing a business that has been the scene of weddings, funeral repasts, proms , PBA events and community involvement for more than half a century.
Yacht Harbor attorney William McGuinn reported at this week’s meeting of the Harbor Commission that the Commission has filed for eviction because of the lessee’s failure to pay rent for the past five months, totaling $110,309.
McGuinn said the Casino tenant could still pay the full amount to cancel the August 1 court appearance prior to that date; otherwise, or if representatives of the tenant do not appear for the court proceeding, the Yacht Harbor would take possession of the facility.
Following the August 1 court appearance, the Yacht Harbor has to wait four days before it can take possession and have the tenant removed by sheriff’s officers. McGuinn said. That means the Shore Casino, a piece of history and a landmark in Atlantic Highlands, could be gone to history by August 4.
Kathleen Strebb Sweeney
Casino owner Kathleen Strebb Sweeney has faced a series of catastrophic events and actions in the past years. Like all restaurants and catering halls in New Jersey, the Casino was banned from operating at its routine capacity when the Governor shut down businesses during the Covid epidemic.
Bernard J. Sweeney Sr.
Casino owner Bernard Sweeney, Strebb-Sweeny’s husband who built the Casino and was the main operator with his wife died February 12, 2022 ; the following year, Jay Strebb, Strebb-Sweeny’s son, Jay, who took up general management of the operation when Sweeney died, died 14 months later at his home on Ocean Boulevard, April 22, 2023. Since then, the octogenarian Strebb Sweeney has been operating the facility on her own.
Jay Strebb
Both John Marinan, who is representing Streb-Sweeney, the principal named on the Shore Casino lease, and McGuinn, the attorney for the Harbor Commission, as well as Harbor Commission Chairman Tom Wall declined to respond for a request for comment since the matter is currently under litigation. Mayor Lori Hohenleitner also declined to comment on the advice of the borough attorney.
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner
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Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon will head up a ribbon cutting ceremony for Gem’s Restaurant July 17, at 5 p.m. but it will be more a celebration of a successful opening than an introduction of the new business.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
The popular bagel eatery in the former Katz Confectionery on Bay Avenue has been open a few months now, and thanks to the hard working crew it’s been well received, happily in the borough.
Donna, that affable owner who never seems to quit working or laughing or keeping customers happy, has been putting off the ribbon cutting because she wants to wait until she’s sure all her employees can be there for the photo taking and celebrating. It’s easy to see why.
Donna employs about 15 folks to do all the work from making those great bagel sandwiches and pastries to serving folks who love having those tables so they can enjoy camaraderie and breakfast or lunch with friends. Most of them have worked someplace else before, but there are some who are brand new to the work force of any business and they do a super job!
Nice to see so many young people working jobs, be they full or part time, but nicer yet to see how polite, courteous, and patient these particular folks are. They don’t seem to lose patience in spite of crowds waiting patiently in line at their very busiest times. And they even deliver meals to those sitting at the tables.
What’s best though, is how clean they all keep everything. This is a crew that doesn’t sit still, whether it’s checking to be sure the coffee urns are full, the varieties of creams and milks for coffee are plentiful and chilled, or every table is scrubbed clean between folks either just sitting and waiting for a take-out order or having a meal. And the take-out bagels are so well wrapped they’re plenty hot and taste fresh from the oven or grill when you get them home.
Highlands has some terrific businesses and their eateries are so diverse they appeal to everyone, regardless of appetite or taste. Everyone certainly missed the Girls’ Café when Cathy and Vera retired, but the new Highlands Café has been an incredibly delicious addition as well. Of course no one can beat the array of fine places to have dinner, both on the waterfront or on the avenue. add to that the unique market on Waterwitch Avenue and it’s safe to say Highlands is a great place for food eaten either out or at home!
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Both for the donation to the Parish which will help in the maintenance and beautification of the parish grounds as well as the contribution it enabled the parish make to the history of the arts within the borough, Father Jarlath Quinn said this week he was pleased the film industry selected and used the former Mother Teresa School for the recent filming of a prequel to Friday the 13th
The pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes parish said there has been considerable interest in recent months from various production companies in leasing both this school and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Highlands for film shoots.
The agreement for this production was signed last month and preparation for filming for two days was scheduled. The production company spent seven days preparing for the filming and restoring the property to its former condition once they completed their work here. That the production company was not only pleasant to work with but also highly professional was exhibited in many ways, the pastor said, including “they even swept and mopped the floors when they were finished!”
Robert Mantell
Father Jarlath pointed out the 21st century professional arts activity on the church property brought to mind that the St. Agnes Thrift Shop, also on the property, was once the home of Robert Mantell, the famed Scots stage actor educated in Ireland who appeared in a number of silent films in the early 20th century. Mantell brought numerous actors and actresses to his home in the summer and presented programs here. He established himself as a success particularly in Shakespearean works. He died in Atlantic Highlands in 1928 at the age of 74.
Michael Carson Lennox
The director of this production, Michael Carson Lennox, is from Northern Ireland , well known in the industry for his cinematography, and filmmaking. His first film,Rip and the Preacher was shown at the Californian Cinequest Film Festival, the LA Shorts Fest and many other film festivals around the world when it was introduced in 2008.
Since then,, he has been recognized as a Master of Arts at the National Film and Television School, and won awards at the Locarno Film Festival in 2012 and also nominated for the European Film Award. He has been recognized at numerous international festivals throughout Europe.
Lennox also directed all three series of the Channel 4 television sitcom Derry Girls.
Last week’s filming at Mother Teresa was for the tv series, Crystal Lake, produced by the highly successful production company, “A24” and is the prequel to the moneymaking franchise, Friday the 13th. The series, with Linda Cardellini, will air on the Peacock streaming service once completed with its filming at several different locations throughout New Jersey.
The production at Mother Teresa brought more than 300 crew and cast members to the borough, also bringing additional revenue to other businesses within the borough.
Father Jarlath said the funds realized by the parish from the production company will be used to replace the roof on Mother Teresa School as well as for further beautification of the grounds at both churches in the parish.
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Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon is hopping mad over traffic and needs your help .
For the 23 years she has called Highlands her home, she has watched and gotten annoyed and concerned about the traffic along route 36, waiting to get into Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook.
As a councilwoman for several years, she and other members of council complained about the growing traffic and the problems it was causing in Highlands…..motorists couldn’t get across the highway to attend church on Sundays because of rude beach going drivers who blocked the intersection at Miller Street; Bay Avenue traffic increased as shore bound motorists thought they could “beat the crowd” on the highway and go through town and up under the bridge to access Route 36 closer to Sandy Hook.
It would be different if those motorists stopped at one of the stores along the way, the Mayor said, either to pick up a newspaper, or breakfast, or something to take to the beach for lunch, or even a tank of gas in preparation for their homeward bound trip in the afternoon. But there wasn’t even that. Beach bound motorists simply came through Bay Avenue, as well as Shore Drive, sure they knew a “short cut” and could beat the other shore bound folks.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
In more recent years, as Mayor, and with Police Chief Rob Burton, Broullon met with park officials and made several suggestions. Why not put a gate at the beach parking lots on Sandy Hook for which the park charges? That way, traffic might be delayed inside the park, rather than on the highway waiting in line for the access on the Sea Bright side of the Captain Joseph Azzolina Bridge.
Why not charge beach goers on the way out of the park rather than in? That way, the traffic would certainly be eased in the morning as thousands were clamoring for their spot on the beach. Why not have Easy Pass for seasonal visitors to at least rush them through? Why not have a separate gate for easy pass visitors?
All of her suggestions, and all her pleas have come to no avail.
This year, it appears to be getting even worse. For the first time, the park is not accepting cash at the entry. Whether it has been advertised to alert beach goers they have to carry a credit card along with their bathing suits and beach umbrellas is not clear; what is clear is that dealing with credit cards, waiting while the driver fishes it out, awaiting signatures, all takes time and adds to cars with motorists and families waiting to get into those Sandy Hook beaches sitting in cars along Router 36 in Highlands and into Middletown.
“What happens if someone in Highlands needs to get to the hospital?” the Mayor asked? What happens if an ambulance can’t get through a bunch of cars waiting in line bumper to bumper? Are we going to wait for someone to die before we resolve a very serious problem? I don’t think we can wait any longer. We’ve tried everything.”
The Mayor said it was even suggested that the federal government provide an emergency boat equipped with emergency supplies to dock in Highlands in case anyone needs a lifesaving trip to the hospital. . “The Feds are not going to give us a dime for n EMS boat and staff, then when some terrible thing happens, they will offer prayers?????” she asked . “We need something first, she said.
And the Mayor isn’t about to wait any longer. Now she’s asking everyone in Highlands, everyone along the shore impacted by the traffic situation on sunny summer days, to get involved.
She is asking everyone to email the National Park Service and let the park service know the dilemma they are causing. “If they won’t listen to one voice, however loud I may be, maybe they will listen to thousands,”“ she said.
“I’m sure my frustration shows in my posts, but I don’t know what else to do,” Broullon said. “ We’ve had many meetings with Fed/State/County and NPS and nothing changes. Senator Declan O’Scanlon did call me and said he would try to help.” But that hasn’t happened yet either.
“It really should not be this hard, “ the feisty and determined mayor said.. “but they listen and do nothing. It’s very disheartening.”
Defending her anger and frustration with officials not paying attention to resolving an obvious serious situation before it results in deaths or serious injuries, the Mayor said “ I will go bananas on all of them because the clearly do not care about quality of life nor the well being of everyone in Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach or Middletown. They even started charging 10am to 6pm when it used to be 10am to 4pm. They take people’s money and give ZERO back. You bet I’m hopping mad!”
Unbe-weed-able! More than 50 local residents were on hand to celebrate the opening and ribbon cutting for The Honorable Plant, the marijuana dispensary which opened at the site of the former Food Basket, later a pizzeria, on Bay Avenue recently.
Mayor Carolyn Broullon cut the ribbon with dispensary owner Beth Stavola and other principals of the dispensary, the first on its kind in the borough. By current borough ordinances, this is also the only dispensary which will be permitted in the borough, as the ordinance establishing it as a use and established the parameters on which it could be opened, limited the borough to a single dispensary.
While regulations governing the operation of cannabis businesses are set in state law, boroughs have the option of establishing the type of cannabis business it would allow and the number.
In contrast to Highlands limiting the business to a single dispensary, Atlantic Highlands ordinance would allow for two dispensaries and one manufactured business within stipulated portions of that borough. Since that ordinance was only approved recently, there are currently no applications for any type of cannabis business before the borough council in Atlantic Highlands.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
In welcoming the business to Highlands, Mayor Broullon thanked Stavola for the time and effort she has taken to ensure both state and local laws are being met, and the property will continue to be maintained as it is now. Th building was completely renovated to adhere to all state regulations covering locks, entries, cameras and lighting. Among other things, the dispensary offers sufficient parking as well as handicapped parking for customers .
Food trucks, music, giveaways and outdoor fun were all part of the opening celebration. While the celebratory activities were in the parking lot and surrounding area of the shop, business continued as usual within the dispensary.
The Honorable Plant has a number of activities and cooperatives planned for the incoming months, and all are available for viewing on the business page at Honorableplant.com
One of the announcements made recently is The Honorable Plant is a sponsor of the 2025 Smodcastle Film Festival at First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, celebrating bold voices, creative storytelling, and community on the Jersey Shore from August 7 through August 10, The event supports independent cinema and local artists shaping the future of film.
Also planned are special sale days at the dispensary, participation in Highlands Pride at Huddy Park this month, and a Judge Kits Launch in September for persons who want to try their knowledge of cannabis products, cultivators and processors who are invited to submit products for the competition for a Best in Grass Award to be determined in October.
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