January 17 & 24, 2014

Long Branch Mayor, Adam Schneider

Long Branch Rotary Club welcomes Mayor Schneider

On Friday, January 17^th, the Mayor of the City of Long Branch, the honorable Adam Schneider took time out of his busy schedule to speak to the Rotary Club of Long Branch members and their guests on a wide range of issues.

“What I can talk to you about today are the following four topics:”, said Mayor Schneider. “Broadway, the boardwalk, the pier and the bridge. “

“Broadway” refers to the ongoing redevelopment plans of the Broadway Arts Center, located on Lower Broadway here in the city.

The financial problems and foreclosure proceedings for former Broadway Arts Center developer Broadway Arts Center LLC have halted the project, but a group called Diversified Realty Advisors have purchased the note from them.

Mayor Schneider indicated that if Diversified Realty Advisors does foreclose on the property, the city could sign a redevelopment agreement with the group.

"They haven't foreclosed on the property," Schneider said. "So its not in their ownership as of yet."

The Broadway Arts Center includes almost 200 properties, several vacant lots and 72 acres of the Broadway Corridor and encompasses area east of Liberty Street to Long Branch Avenue. The plan to develop the area included adding 70 new shops and restaurants, 500 residences and the performing arts theatres.

“The Boardwalk” refers to the plans to rebuild the boardwalk and the bluff south of Pier Village.

Although FEMA recently awarded the city with $14.5 million to rebuild the Hurricane Sandy-damaged bluff and boardwalk, the construction would not likely begin until after the summer.

"My guess is there is no way the bluff can be designed, engineered, bid and built before Memorial Day," Schneider said. "I don't want a construction site on the oceanfront during the summer."

The city built temporary beach access points last year and those helped the city bring in just short of $1.6 million in beach badge revenue in 2013. Schneider said having those in place for another summer should not deter people from coming to Long Branch's beaches.

"We had a banner summer," Schneider said. "And we're going to have a beach that's twice as big this summer."

He was referring to the Army Corps of Engineers sand replenishment project, which began in November and should be completed this spring.

“The Pier” refers to the pier/ferry project in the area around Pier Village. Recently the city reviewed three design proposals for the project. The pier would have restaurants, entertainment venues, retail stores, amusements, and a ferry service to Manhattan.

“The Bridge” refers to the saga of the Fort Lee lane closures allegedly authored by NJ Governor Chris Christie. “I have no idea if he knew or not, “ said Schneider, “I just know that I’ve never been pressured by him for anything myself. That’s the Governor’s issue to sort out. “ One can sympathize with the Mayor, particularly with a Pier, a Boardwalk and a Broadway to keep him occupied.

Join The Rotary Club of Long Branch for Breakfast with Joe Tordella

Joe Tordella is a U.S. diplomat specializing in public diplomacy, which is how the United States fosters deeper relationships with people and civil society groups around the world. Working in U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, Joe helps design communication strategies and programs that connect people around the world with each other and with the United States in ways that help advance U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Don't miss this truly unique opportunity to hear how foreign policy in the Middle East and in Russia is developed and implemented and how Joe develops relationships with Rotary and other civic organizations around the world.

Breakfast will be $25 and the RSVP deadline is February 22nd. Tickets can be purchased online at www.rclb.bigcartel.com

Vino Vinyasa Fundraiser

You’ve heard of Hot Yoga? How about combining Yoga and Wine? Amy’s Yogabilities (http://amysyogabilities.com) intends to do just that and do it for a good cause with their VINO VINYASA event at the Wine Loft in Pier Village on Wednesday, January 29^th at 5:30pm.  Participants will have the opportunity to “Wine and Unwind” for an evening of downward dogs and upward sips. $35 admission includes 1 hour yoga class, 2 glasses of wine & donation to The Africa Yoga Project! For more information, visit Amy’s website.

Pres. Mika thanks guest speaker Kristy Dougherty of Sickles Market

They Have So Much Stuff, it’s Sickles!

On Friday, January 24^th, the Club heard a presentation from Kristy Dougherty of Sickles Market in Rumson. Since 1908, Sickles Market, a four generation family owned specialty food and gift store, has been a favorite destination for the best produce, plants, gourmet foods, garden accessories and gifts at the Jersey Shore.

Now, according to Ms. Daugherty, the market offers tours to area points of interest. The next tour, the Longwood Gardens Orchid Extravaganza, will be held on Friday, February 28^th. Tickets are $149 per person and include a Sickles’ gourmet food tasting. For more information email Kristy at kdougherty@sicklesmarket.com