The Asbury Park City Council meeting on December 11, 2024, highlighted significant discussions surrounding the adaptive reuse of a former church building into an arts and culture center, raising concerns about community engagement and the preservation of local heritage.

During the meeting, community member Mike Sedano commended the council for their initiative but urged them to consult the city’s adopted arts and culture plan before proceeding. He emphasized that the plan, developed over a year with extensive public input, outlines the specific needs for arts spaces in Asbury Park. Sedano questioned whether the council had considered successful examples of similar projects in other cities, suggesting that collaboration with the Asbury Park Arts Council would be beneficial in shaping the project.

In response, a council member acknowledged the ongoing design process and expressed a willingness to engage with the arts community as the project evolves. They noted that the conceptual design aims to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for various uses as discussions progress.

Another resident, Tom DeCenow, raised concerns about the potential demolition of the church, suggesting that the developer's threats may not be credible. He urged the council to verify the terms of the purchase agreement, which he claimed included a clause preventing the church's demolition. DeCenow warned that concessions made to the developer could negatively impact taxpayers, particularly regarding school taxes, height, density, and parking issues.

The mayor responded by referencing previous legal discussions surrounding the church's status, indicating that the church had previously agreed to a subdivision application that could lead to its demolition. This exchange underscored the tension between development interests and community preservation efforts.

As the meeting concluded, the council faced the challenge of balancing development with community needs and historical preservation. The discussions highlighted the importance of transparency and collaboration with local stakeholders as the city moves forward with plans for the church building. The council's next steps will likely involve further dialogue with the arts community and careful consideration of the developer's proposals to ensure that the project aligns with the city's cultural vision and community interests.