FROM ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD
27 October 2005
FREEHOLD, NJ – Four separate projects from around Monmouth County received awards last week at the 52nd Monmouth County Planning Board Awards Dinner.
The dinner, attended by about 350 people, was held Oct. 19 at the Garden Manor in Aberdeen. Awards were given to highlight “projects that serve as examples of exemplary planning,” Planning Board Chairman Joseph Rettagliata said.
This year, two Merit Awards and two Honorable Mention Awards were presented:
The first Merit Award was presented to Asbury Park for its Plan Endorsement and Designation as an Urban Center by the State of New Jersey. This is an excellent comprehensive plan to address the redevelopment of the downtown, waterfront and the nearby residential areas. By receiving this designation, the city is now eligible to receive priority funding for state grants and loans, technical assistance from state agencies and permit streamlining procedures that will greatly assist the city in achieving its planning and redevelopment goals.
The second Merit Award was given to Monmouth University for its Library Restoration Project. This project restored a historically significant landmark to its original splendor. For the past 10 years, the restoration project became top priority for the administrative branch of the university. An award-winning historic preservation and architectural firm was hired for expert guidance to restore the building. This project included comprehensive repairs to the original mansion’s exterior and interior.
An Honorable Mention Award was given to the West Lake Avenue component of the Gateways to Neptune: Strategic Revitalization Plan for strong public and private participation to address the redevelopment of this area into a mixed-use neighborhood center. Freeholder William C. Barham presented this award and praised Neptune Township for their innovative revitalization efforts.
The second Honorable Mention Award went to Keyport for the Visioning component of the Waterfront Redevelopment Study that included a communitywide process that involved strong public participation to address the redevelopment of the downtown, waterfront and nearby residential areas.
Freeholder Thomas J. Powers offered the opening remarks for this event and stated that, “the exceptional planning initiatives undertaken by the municipalities and the county all contribute to Monmouth County’s outstanding quality of life today as well as for future generations.”