The Asbury Park City Council convened on December 11, 2024, to discuss significant developments regarding the proposed redevelopment of the former church site and auxiliary building. The meeting focused on presenting modifications to the redevelopment plan based on previous feedback from the council and city professionals.

The primary agenda item was the redevelopment proposal, which includes the demolition of the church to create six single-family lots. The developers outlined several key changes made since the last presentation in February. Notably, the height of the proposed residential building has been reduced by approximately 15 feet, achieved by eliminating one floor of structured parking. This adjustment was made in response to financial considerations discussed with the city's financial professionals.

Another significant modification involved the removal of a planned theater space from the basement of the church, which was initially intended to accommodate 75 to 125 seats. This decision was influenced by concerns regarding parking and potential traffic peaks during theater events. The developers also increased the number of income-restricted units from 15 to 18, now representing 20% of the total units in the project.

The developers presented a new rendering of the project, which retains the historic church building while introducing a six-story residential structure with 90 units. The ground floor will feature 74 parking spaces, aligning with the parking requirements set forth in the adjacent Main Street redevelopment plan. The residential units will include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with some units designed as lofts with private terraces.

During the meeting, council members raised questions regarding parking arrangements, including the potential need for a variance due to the building's height and the specifics of the parking layout. The developers confirmed that the project would require a variance for height and clarified the parking configuration, which includes both standard and stacked spaces.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continued collaboration between the developers and the city as the project moves forward. The council expressed interest in ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with community needs and maintains the character of Asbury Park. Further discussions and technical reviews are anticipated as the project progresses through the planning stages.