Announcements

From of the Office of the Director of Public Safety:   The Long Branch Department of Public Safety wants to advise visitors to our community that there will be a zero-tolerance policy this Summer for not adhering to the following rules:  No alcohol, smoking of tobacco, vapes or marijuana. Coolers and bags are subject to search. No large gatherings. A special event permit is needed. Beachgoers must purchase a beach badge for admittance Please note that all parking ordinances will also be strictly enforced. Those who do not adhere to the parking rules, will be towed.  We hope our residents and visitors are enjoying the warmer weather and we look forward to the rest of the Summer. Director Saldida  

We would like to give you an update about the drainage and roadway improvement project on Long Branch Avenue that will alleviate existing flooding issues.  Throughout town there has been a lot of construction and road improvement projects and we want to assure you that Long Branch Avenue is part of these improvements.  Due to supply chain issues, materials needed for this project have been back ordered.  Our City Engineers anticipate that the project will start in early June.   We look forward to alleviating the flooding issues and completing the project with new curbing and sidewalks as needed and new resurfacing of the road from Broadway to Joline. Thank you.

LONG BRANCH - The City of Long Branch announced Monday that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County is starting a 5-week after-school program at the Adam Bucky James Center this month and will be free for Long Branch students. This is part of the partnership between the City of Long Branch and the Boys & Girls Club which will offer programs continuing into the fall.  The Boys & Girls Club is a non-profit youth development organization whose mission is to empower all young people­—especially those who need it the most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The Club offers programs such as character and leadership development, mentorship, tutoring, STEAM, homework help, career development, and sports and games. The programs are for children ages 5- 13 years old.  "I am thrilled that the Long Branch community will now have a Boys & Girls Club! My team and I will work tirelessly to provide high-quality after-school programs that will empower young people to thrive in life. Partnering with the City of Long Branch, particularly the recreation department, to make sure our kids have access to dynamic and innovative programs and experiences will not only benefit the kids, but it will also benefit the entire Long Branch community," Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Douglas Eagles said. "We are very excited that the Boys & Girls Club is coming to Long Branch to support our families and students. They have a successful model for the youth that is used locally and throughout the nation. Our goal has always been to add more programs and productive activities for our students and are happy the Boys & Girls Club found a home in Long Branch," Mayor Pallone said.  If families are interested in signing their children up, they can reach out to Destiny Smith at 732-775-7862 or email DESTINY@BGCMONMOUTH.ORG or visit www.bgcmonmouth.org/join/apply.  About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County:Since opening its doors in Asbury Park in 1938, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County has been empowering young people—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.  Through education, technology skill–building, nutritional and athletic programs, and the arts, the Club provides vital services to over 1100 Monmouth County children and their families every year with sites in Asbury Park, Red Bank, and Neptune. Learn more at www.bgcmonmouth.org.

To be eligible for LIHWAP assistance, applicants must be water/sewer bill holders who areresponsible for paying their water and sewer bills directly to the water/sewer provider. Also,applicants’ total gross household income must be at or below 60% of the state median Income($6,439 a month for a family of four). The LIHWAP frequently asked questions webpage, availableat https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/lihwapfaq has additional information aboutmaximum income limits and other items.Participants in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are automaticallyeligible for LIHWAP assistance so long as they are water/sewer bill holders.People can apply online through the DCAid application portal at https://njdcahousing.dynamics365portals.us/.../dcaid.../.Those without computer or internet access can call 1-800-510-3102 to be directed to one of thecommunity action agencies to assist them with starting, completing, and submitting an applicationonline.

LONG BRANCH - A new exhibit called "2 Terms & 8 Summers" embodies the time President U.S. Grant spent in Long Branch and the Gilded Age.  A nod to Grant's Birthday (200 years this month), this exhibit is collaborative effort from the Long Branch Historical Association, Long Branch Free Public Library, Long Branch Historical Museum Association, and the City of Long Branch. The exhibit runs from now until May 18th.  The exhibit is bursting with memoirs, artifacts, maps,  and memorabilia from the President Grant and the Gilded Age in Long Branch. Some pieces of authentic historical furniture that are display: President Grant's card table, a large ornate China cabinet, and handmade wooden chairs.  "The General Grant birthday exhibit is special because before, during, and after Grants 2 terms in the office of the President of the United States, he chose Long Branch for his place of peace and quiet, a place where he could relax from the cares of the Nation and be with family and friends.  President Grant was a down to earth guy who spoke to heads of States and Nations the same way he spoke to the local tradesmen and toll keepers. He was a man to look up to, which I have my entire life," LBHA President, Jim Foley said.  The opening reception is Wednesday April 27th from 6:30-9:00pm. This is free to the public and food and drinks will be served.  "When you walk through this exhibit, it is like being transported to a different era. Long Branch has such a rich history and this exhibit really embodies it," Mayor John Pallone said.   "The area that we live in has such historical significance and so many people of importance had roots in Long Branch. President Grant's time spent here was around the start of this city becoming a destination resort area for other presidents and celebrities. This exhibit can allow people to see what life was like in the late 1800s, and can help people understand more about a figure who shaped our community, as well as American history, " LBAC coordinator Christine Sullivan.   Regular visiting hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9am-4pm.  The Long Branch Arts and Cultural Center is located at 577 Broadway, Long Branch 07740.

Appointments are available to meet with them in City Hall on the   first Wednesday of each month.Call the Clerk’s Office at 732-571-5686 by noon on the prior Monday to schedule your meeting. Appointments will be in 30-minute increments.

SEASONAL RATESAdult resident - $90 per personResident 5-13 yrs - $75 per personResident 62 & older - $75 per personResident Family of 4 - $290*Extra Family Member - $50 per personAll Non-Residents - $150 per personNon-Resident Family of 4 - $400Passes can be purchased through Community Passhttps://register.capturepoint.com/cityoflongbranchor in person at LB Recreation231 Wilbur Ray Ave.

Long Branch- Mayor John Pallone announced that Long Branch received the second highest amount, totaling $503,000 from a $3.8 million state Transit Village program. Grants were awarded to 14 municipalities in 9 counties. The Long Branch grant will support street, sidewalk, and landscape improvements on Westwood Ave. and West Ave. north of the Long Branch train station. The improvements mirror those completed on Third Ave. south of the railroad station in the last two years.“This is one of the many grants from both the state and federal government that the city has now received to upgrade infrastructure and services in the vicinity of the railroad station and elsewhere in the city.” Pallone said.“The Long Branch railroad station has been resurfaced and repainted with improved lighting. A tunnel is planned to tie the two sections of the train station together that are currently separated by train tracks. The buses that stop on Third Ave will be brought into the train station parking lot with a new bus platform and waiting area for passengers during inclement weather.” Pallone continued.The Mayor also explained that Monmouth Medical Center has agreed to donate buildings and land diagonally across from the train station on Third Ave. for a new Health and Technology Center as well as a new Municipal Court.“Long Branch has already received $2 million from the state and expects another $2 million from the federal government for the Health and Technology Center. Our Health Department will move there from City Hall. Our vaccine and testing programs will relocate there as well. The tech component will allow our residents to be trained on the latest in computer technology.” Pallone concluded. ###

The NWS in Mount Holly has issued a weather forecast which calls for temperatures to fall within the prescribed Code Blue Alert thresholds. As such, pursuant to the law, the current Code Blue Alert for Monmouth County is effective from 6:00pm on March 27th, until 9:00 am on March 30th. Due to Covid-19, the City of Long Branch has changed our CODE BLUE protocols to ensure the safety of all of our residents, volunteers, and employees.What to expect this year:Step 1: Find out if a CODE BLUE alert has been used by calling 732-222-1000 or checking the electronic signs around town. It will also be listed on our city website (www.longbranch.org), social media, and our email blast.Step 2: Call 732-222-1000 and give your location where you would like to be picked up.Step 3: A taxi cab will pick you up and bring you to a Monmouth County CODE BLUE approved hotel for the night(s). Return transportation will also be provided by a taxi cab.Things to Know:• There is no cost• This is all funded and organized through the county and city• The city will be coordinating all transportation• There cannot be any warming centers this year due to COVID 19• Questions? Call 732-222-1000

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Long Branch Announces Reduced Tax Rateand Improvements for 2021As a collaborative effort from both the Mayor and City Council, the city announced a lower tax rate by almost 5 cents per $100 assessment, which continues the trend of a decreased rate from the past two years.Over 70 percent of homeowners will see either a reduction in the actual property taxes they pay or will not have an increase this year. The city's tax rate decreased by about 5 cents and the school and county also contributed to an overall tax rate decrease of 9 cents per $100 assessment.While the city will have a lower tax rate this year, Long Branch will maintain and add to the municipal services without increasing taxes. The services include keeping neighborhoods safe, park and landscape improvements, a nationally recognized municipal library, and a health department that spearheaded Covid 19 vaccinations and testing. The city will be increasing the initiative for cleaner streets and adding more recreation and senior programs.The Community Pool, as well as the Arts and Cultural Center, are fully opened and operating. Projects for 2021 include road paving and improvements, better drainage, and a new beachfront public safety pavilion.The value of city properties including homes and businesses continues to go up. Long Branch is becoming an even more desirable location for new residents to move to.

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CITY OF LONG BRANCH NOTICE As per city Ordinance 247-4 “Permits for Special Events” no events or gatherings can be held on municipal property (parks or beaches) without submission of a Special Event Application or a Wedding Application. Fees and insurance applies to all submissions. No alcohol or generators are allowed on municipal property either. For more information contact Danna Kawut at dkawut@longbranch.org or refer to: https://www.longbranch.org/departments/ProgramsEvents/programsevents

Long Branch has a new and improved system for keeping in touch with our residents.  We are calling it Alert Long Branch and the service is being provided by smart911.com. Click the link above to sign up.  We plan to use Alert Long Branch for more than just emergency alerts, in the near future we will use it for community notifications.