The BERKELEY Times Vol. 31 - No. 5
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 6
Community News Pages 9-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 20
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MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Neighbors May Take Townhouse Plan To Court
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Neighbors of a planned development of 17 townhouses near the border of Ocean Gate are hoping the court will hear their voices in fighting this construction project. The property is described as 2.3 acres fronting on Ocean Gate Turnpike, though it is commonly referred to as the Louis Avenue development. There will be two, three-story townhouse buildings – one with 11 units, the Photos by other with six. Chris Lundy The developer will (Above) This woods build an 1,800 square on Louis Avenue foot recreation area. has been slated for There are 30 parking townhouses. (Right) spaces, including two Neighbors brought accessible spaces for signs to the Planthose with disabili- ning Board meeting. ties. There is language about curbing and sidewalks up and against this development. Patrick Varga, the Planning Board’s attorney, asked the board until the “wetlands buffer line” where the development ends. Two infiltration not to respond to questions from the public during this time. Joanne Hannemann, who lives on Ocean Gate Drive, said basins will assist stormwater management. A gravel emergency access route “I’ve been trying to get on the record for two and a half years.” Every time she wanted to speak to the Planning will come from Ocean Gate Turnpike. A group of residents spoke out at the Board about the project, she was told it wasn’t the right time (Court - See Page 4) most recent Planning Board meeting
Bulk Pick-Up Clarified
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY - After getting a lot of calls about the new process, township officials are publicizing the new bulk pick-up rules. Bulk is now picked up by request at any time of the year; there are no days set aside for bulk. “All it takes is a phone call,” Mayor John Bacchione said. Residents can call Public Works at 732-349-4616. A staff member will schedule your bulk pick-up on the day after your next trash pick-up. “Do not put bulk out at the curb and expect it to be picked up immediately after you call.” APPROVED bulk items include mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped), non-treated lumber, furniture, and other items that don’t fit in your trash can. ITEMS NOT APPROVED FOR PICK UP: construction material, pressure treated lumber, sheds, fencing, trash bags, masonry material, hazardous waste (Bulk Pick-Up - See Page 12)
July 26, 2025
Health Cuts Impact Local Resident By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – A local 96-year-old expressed great concern that cuts to a state social program has seriously impacted her sense of independence. Edith Gbur is legally deaf-blind. She has a support service provider that helps her continue to age comfortably at home. At the end of February, she noticed that the New Jersey Support Service Providers program was being reduced. Personally, this means that her 16 hours of care a week was cut to 9 hours a week. “It left me in despair. Living in my home is important for my self-sufficiency,” she said. “This is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.” Gbur had been active in grassroots organizations for a number of years, so she came out to a Berkeley Township Council meeting to ask her governing body to pass a resolution asking for the funding to be returned. According to the American Association of the Deaf-Blind, a support service provider can be any person, volunteer or professional, trained to act as a link between persons who are deaf-blind and their environment. They typically work with a single individual, and act as a guide and communication facilitator. She also sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy asking him to restore full funding. “I respectfully urge you to restore its funding (Health Cuts - See Page 4)
With Camps Shut Down, New Plan Forms To Help Homeless
By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - For more than two decades, Minister Steve Brigham has been a tireless activist for people experiencing homelessness, known as the man behind the encampments that dotted the woods of Monmouth and Ocean counties. But this summer, the longtime advocate has pivoted his approach exchanging tents and generators for weed whackers and riding mowers. The official launch of Just Beautiful Lawn Care on July 21 marked a bold shift in Brigham’s mission. Instead of setting up makeshift communities in the
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(Help Homeless - See Page 5)
Photo courtesy of Minister Steve Brigham Minister Steve Brigham (center) and the inaugural crew of “Just Beautiful Lawn Care” pose with their equipment.
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