April 15, 2023

NON-RESIDENT TAXPAYER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

APRIL 15, 2023

The meeting began at 10:05am.

The committee congratulated Mayor Kanitra on securing the GOP’s nomination to run for State Assembly.

Mayor Kanitra said that he feels the biggest problem going forward will be the offshore wind projects.

He said that he has 9 months to go and his intention is to fulfill the promises he made before becoming Mayor.  Some of the things he is working are:

– Renderings for Channel Drive

– Renderings for multiple buildings downtown

– He is working on a boutique hotel with stores on the first floor

– Water tower repair

– Renderings for the inlet

– Still in negotiations on the Coast Guard Station-the plan is to have a museum and meeting rooms.

– Channel Drive project

– Rehab route 35

– The Business Improvement District now has 501c status-Mayor is working on creating more open space for dining and add parklets

There will be a fundraiser at Jenks sponsored by PPB Cares on May 13^th to help homeless veterans.  It will be a concertfeaturing a DJ, band member David Bryan from Bon Jovi who will be jamming with Eddie Testa. The goal is to sponsor a different group each year.  Last year, the fundraiser was for Ukrainian refugees.

A new commercial is coming out encouraging people to live, work and play in PPB.  It will be shown on cable news and internet ads.  It was funded by grants and will show what our community is like with community event snipets.

The Mayor listed some of the future issues for the next Mayor:

– Wind

– Short term rentals

– Pop up parties

– Violations

– Strict enforcement of code and boro ordinances

– Trash

Other items discussed:

– Pedestrian Crossing signs at Crosswalks-The Mayor will check on signs

– Curbs are being replaced on Ocean Avenue and paving should be done by Memorial Day

– Maryland Avenue needs an officer on 35.

– This year PPB is hiring 90 officers.  There was a huge effort to have more officers.  Last year, there was around 60 which was not enough.

– Pop up parties are scheduled for Wildwood and Seaside.  We will sue to prevent this from happening.

– Beach access is always allowed.  You can’t sit on the beach after 7 but you can fish, walk and surf.  There should be access at the inlet pavilion and Jenks Pavilion and Maryland Avenue is open.

Seth said our next general meeting is August 19^th.  Forty percent of the attendees are voters.

The Fire and Police Chiefs are not sure if they are attending the meeting.  There will be more time for questions and less for speakers.  There will be tables for the Mayor and Arlene Testa at the end of the meeting for questions.

Seth asked what can we do as a committee to help the town? The Mayor said if you see something, let him know and send photos.

Permits are trending positively with less backlog on inspections.

May 18^th is the PPB Arts Gala

The meeting concluded at 11:38