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Mayor John Pallone announced Thursday, July 8th that the City will be receiving a grant to improve and beautify the area on 3rd Avenue in the vicinity of the NJ Transit Train Station. In addition, NJ Transit has agreed to update the station itself. The whole project will cover beautification such as painting the NJ transit building, landscaping with new trees and flowers, parking lot repair, concrete patching, platform repairs, and lighting in the tunnel. The parking lot repair has started this week and the other work will continue during the Summer months.  "This improvement is long over due. We are very happy to be receiving this grant and believe it to be a welcomed enhancement for 3rd Avenue and the surrounding areas," Mayor Pallone stated. "Making improvements within our city has always been a goal of our administration. Even small changes like landscaping and flowers really makes a difference and we plan to continue to do projects like these and apply to grants to help cover the costs," Mayor Pallone said. Exact details of the improvements include: The grant includes improvements to pedestrian areas including sidewalks and intersections from Morris Ave  to Lowden Ct along 3rd Avenue, as well as landscaping upgrades  Renew landscaping at the station by removing dead trees and other vegetation, and planting  new disease resistant tree species, as well as flowers and attractive ornamental grasses Upgrade the station parking lot, patching and smoothing deteriorated areas, renewing the blacktop coating and restriping Replace lighting and fixtures in the station pedestrian tunnel with energy-conserving LED lights and fixtures, that will provide much better illumination while being environmentally friendly Painting of the station building and repair of deteriorating concrete on the station platform For more information about this project or other beautification efforts in the city, please call the Mayor's Office at 732-571-5640. ####

UPDATE 7/7/2020 11:10AM: Statement from Mayor Pallone Regarding Safety at Unprotected Beaches: Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Long Branch Ocean Rescue staff performed 8 rescues at our unprotected beaches from Takanassee to Park Ave. This unusually high number of rescues was of grave concern to our beach staff and administration. During this public health emergency, we constantly evaluate and make changes to day to day beach operations to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors as well as maintain compliance with the Governor’s Executive Orders. Our initial reaction was to limit parking in an effort to reduce congestion and demands for emergency response. In consultation with our Emergency Management Director and Ocean Rescue personnel, we have decided to reassign and add lifeguard staff to protect these beaches to eliminate the difficult response issues we had this past weekend. Based upon the reassignment of staff, we have determined that it is not necessary to eliminate any parking on adjacent streets. UPDATE 7/6/2020: Plaza Court No Parking Northside Temporary No Parking Southside Pullman Avenue (East of Ocean Avenue) No Parking Southside Temporary No Parking Northside Pullman Avenue (West of Ocean Avenue) No Parking Southside to Leslie Court Temporary No Parking Northside from Ocean to Elberon Avenue & Southside Leslie Court to Elberon Avenue. Park Avenue Temporary No Parking both sides from Ocean Avenue to Elberon Avenue Due to increasing crowds and increasing beach rescues, our beach rescue team needs better and quicker access to these roads. There has been an inability to get down these streets because of the parking overflow.

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

BEACH REPLENISHMENT UPDATE LONG BRANCH JUNE 2020 - The beach replenishment is expected to start with the pumping of sand on Sunday 6/14 or Monday 6/15.  - The work will start at Plaza Ct. on June 15th and continue south to Sycamore Ave. until June 26th. The dredge will return and pump north off Plaza Ct. on June 27th and will complete  the West End section of the project on July 3rd near Avery Ave. Weather delays could occur and extend the schedule.  - There will always be a 1000-ft area closed for construction. Where possible, there will be access along the western portion, near the bulkhead for the public to pass from one side of construction to the other. 

Attention Long Branch Business Community: In anticipation of Governor Murphy allowing the further re-opening of restaurants and retail businesses with restrictions and/or modifications, we have created temporary permits to allow restaurants and retail businesses to open with expanded usage modifications. Again, this is all contingent upon Governor Murphy lifting some restrictions currently in place. By allowing restaurants and retail to view and fill out these permits in advance, we look to provide our business community more time to prepare for this next phase. Below is a more detailed explanation RESTAURANTS: As part of an effort to support the local economy, the City of Long Branch has determined that some local restaurants may be able to temporarily establish outdoor seating for their establishments with the issuance of a temporary use permit. These permits may allow restaurants, on a case-by-case, limited basis, to expand the areas available for outdoor seating. The temporary use permit for outdoor dining is only for restaurants with an active mercantile license from the City of Long Branch. If the restaurant currently has approved outdoor dining the temporary use permit is only necessary if the restaurant wishes to temporarily expand their approved outdoor dining space. RETAIL: The City is also issuing temporary use permits for outdoor retail sales for businesses with an active mercantile license from the City of Long Branch. This is to allow for the outdoor display and sale of merchandise. The temporary use permit is only valid during normal business hours. Restaurants and businesses interested in applying for a temporary use permit can find the corresponding application below. Completed applications should be sent to the City Clerk kschmelz@longbranch.org. There is no fee for a temporary use permit for qualifying restaurants and businesses. *Temporary use permits shall be restricted to normally permitted current zoning activity and shall be related to the principal commercial activities in operation on the subject property. Temporary use permits shall not be issued to occupy unimproved properties or areas identified as open space, preserve, drainage or detention areas, or landscape buffers. Safe ingress and egress shall be provided to the site, including emergency access measures at all times. If the applicant does not own the area, a letter from the property owner granting permission to utilize the subject area identified within the temporary use permit, during the requested time period, shall be provided by the applicant. All restaurants and businesses receiving the temporary use permit must comply with the requirements of social distancing and other regulations in accordance with applicable Executive Orders issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. - Temporary Dining Permit.pdf  - Temporary Outdoor Retail Sales Permit.pdf

Food Pantries/ Kitchens        Lutheran Church of the Reformation   992 Broadway, West Long Branch 07764   732-229-9180  Tuesday 7pm-8pm   Saturday 830am-10am      St. Vincent DePaul Society at Holy Trinity Church, Christ the King Parish   385 Division St., Long Branch 07740   732-222-3216  Wednesday 11am-1pm       St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church   6 West End Court, Long Branch 07740   732-222-8080  3rd Saturday 12:30pm-4:30pm       St. Luke’s Methodist Church Food Pantry   535 Broadway, Long Branch 07740   732-222-1341  Every other Friday 3pm-5pm    **Community Dinner from 4-5pm every Tuesday     First Baptist Church   499 N. Bath Ave., Long Branch 07740   732-229-1453   2nd Thursday & Fourth Thursday 12pm-4pm       Second Baptist Church   93 Liberty Street, Long Branch 07740   732-229-2035  **Meals at Noon       St. Brigid’s Food Pantry at St. James Episcopal Church   300 Broadway, Long Branch 07740   732-222-1411  Monday & Wednesday 11am-2pm       ** = meals

Introducing Long Branch Community Connect!  longbranch.org/communityconnect!  A collection of Long Branch Businesses that have created new ways to keep you active, positive & connected during the coronavirus crisis. The page focuses on local online services and positive virtual programs to keep you connected during this challenging time. Examples of these may include, but are not limited to virtual story time, yoga, music, song, resources, dance, art programs, book clubs, exercise, therapeutic, educational, healthy diet, support groups, etc.  If your Long Branch business is offering these or similar online programs, please fill out the short form at: longbranch.org/communityconnectsignup to be added to this page! All Long Branch Businesses that offer online services or specials specific to the current crisis are welcome to request to be listed.  Restaurant owners please sign up for our Local To Go page at: longbranch.org/LongBranchLocalToGo

Introducing Long Branch Local To Go! www.longbranch.org/LocalToGo For a list of Long Branch Restaurants offering delivery and/or take-out services during the Coronavirus crisis visit: www.longbranch.org/LocalToGo! Please help to support these local restaurants that have remained open to serve our community! TO BE ADDED TO OUR PAGE VISIT: https://bit.ly/LBTakeOut  

Attention Long Branch residents: Beginning Monday March 16, 2020, Long Branch offices will be CLOSED to the public to protect residents and employees and to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus. However, our staff will be available to assist you by phone or email. Please check our website at longbranch.org to find phone numbers, emails, and forms. You can also contact the department you are looking for by calling 732-222-7000. We will be updating our website constantly with modifications to any services. Thank you for understanding. Please also sign up for Long Branch Alerts at longbranch.org/alerts to receive the most up to date texts, calls, and emails. Administration - 732-571-5645 - administration@longbranch.org  Building - 732-571-5690 -  building@longbranch.org  City Clerk - 732-571-5686 -  cityclerk@longbranch.org  Finance - 732-571-5688 - finance@longbranch.org  Fire Bureau - 732-571-5651 firebureau@longbranch.org  Health - 732-571-5665 - health@longbranch.org  Library - 732-222-3900 - longbranchpubliclibrary@gmail.com Personnel - 732-571-5662 - personnel@longbranch.org  Planning/Zoning - 732-571-5647 - planningandzoning@longbranch.org  Public Works - 732-571-6520 - dpw@longbranch.org  Purchasing - 732-571-5656 - purchasing@longbranch.org  Recreation - 732-571-6545 - recreation@longbranch.org  Senior Center - 732-571-6542 - senior@longbranch.org  Tax Assessor - 732-571-5658 - taxassessor@longbranch.org  Tax Collector - 732-571-5657 - taxcollector@longbranch.org  UEZ - 732-923-2040 - uez@longbranch.org 

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.  

Click here to go to the Long Branch Health Department Page regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)

City of Long Branch Commercial Vehicle Parking Permit Program The City has passed an ordinance requiring that those who want to park a commercial vehicle on any city street between 8pm and 7am must first obtain a Commercial Vehicle Parking Permit. The vehicle registration and applicant’s driver license must bear the same address within the City of Long Branch. The number of permitted commercial vehicles to be parked on the street is limited to one per residence or Postal Address. Permits for commercial vehicles to be parked on the street will be issued by the Police Department’s Traffic Unit. The charge will be $25 per permit per year (not pro rated). The fee is based on the cost to the city of operating the program. As of January 1, 2020, Long Branch will give commercial vehicle owners 60 days to comply, and then summonses will be issued. To apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.thepermitportal.com/IPS From the ordinance 325-3 L (2), “No commercial vehicle, trailer, truck, van, taxi, bus, (school or otherwise), tow truck, limousine, recreational vehicle or vehicle, trailer, truck, van, taxi, bus (school or otherwise, tow truck, limousine, recreational vehicle with lettering or design showing the name and/or contact information of a commercial service thereon (a “prohibited vehicle”) may park on streets within the City between the hours of 8:00pm and 7:00am, seven (7) days a week, without a permit issued in accordance with this ordinance. “Commercial Vehicle” is defined as any commercial vehicle either by the State of New Jersey or the state in which the vehicle is registered.“

SHOP LONG BRANCH A program designed to encourage residents to support local businesses. Individuals who sign up for a SHOP LONG BRANCH card will receive discounts at participating businesses. Discounts will be applied directly to the individuals property taxes or provided in the form of a year-end check for non-residents or those who rent. Businesses that have signed up thus far: Bacon Beach Grille (49 Atlantic Avenue) BBQ & Salad Shack (138 Myrtle Avenue) Bella's Pizza (425 Liberty Street) Bell Liquors (706 Broadway) Butcher's Block Restaurant (235 West Avenue) BR Help Center (489 Broadway, 2nd Floor) Caputo's Italian Pastry Shoppe (444 Ocean Blvd North) Cortez Cigar (23 2nd Avenue) Dancing Through Life (132 West End Avenue) Finer Details (187 Westwood Avenue) Interworld Highway (205 Westwood Avenue) Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (103 Brighton Avenue) Lapidus Décor (182 Broadway) Leonard P. Kiczek, Esquire (226 Broadway) Natural Healthcare (10 West End Court) Norah's Irie Jamaican Restaurant (530 Springdale Avenue) Sands Dry Cleaners (444 Ocean Boulevard North) Shelly's Jewels (605 2nd Avenue) Sip's Ace Paint & Hardware (700 Joline Avenue) The Link News (176 Broadway) The Peddler (150 Ocean Boulevard North) V & S Auto Brokers (517 Broadway)    And More To Come! Shop Long Branch cards are available to all residents and city visitors at various municipality locations including: · Long Branch Public Library - Main (328 Broadway) · Long Branch Public Library - Elberon (168 Lincoln Ave) · City Hall - Information Desk (344 Broadway) · Community Development Office (228 Broadway, 2nd Fl) · Senior Citizens Center (85 2nd Ave) · Recreation Department (231 Wilber Ray Ave) · Chamber of Commerce (228 Broadway, ground level) · BR Help Center (489 Broadway) · Finer Detail (187 Westwood Ave) Each participating business will have a window cling identifying itself as a member of the program. If you are a local business and would like to learn more about the program, or to sign up for the program, please contact Roberto Ferragina of Long Branch's Office of Community & Economic Development rferragina@longbranch.org  / 732.923.2041