I live on the ocean block of Cottage Place in Long Branch. My parents built this home in the 1950s. Throughout my entire lifetime, Ocean Avenue between Brighton Avenue and Bath Avenue has been closed to traffic.
Throughout the years, I have spent countless hours with my family enjoying walks, bicycle rides and other recreational activities on this road.
In the late 1960s, the road was painted green and my friends and I would ride our bikes back and forth along the “Green Road” for hours on end. It’s a memory I hold dear to my heart.
Over the past few weeks, Mayor Adam Schneider and the City Council have been advocating opening this road to traffic – a road that’s been traffic-free for close to 60 years.
I have an unobstructed view of Ocean Avenue from my home. Every day, I see walkers, joggers and bicyclists as well as people out with their dogs on Ocean Avenue.
During every season, people come from all over to enjoy time on the avenue. They bring their children and unload bicycles, scooters and Rollerblades. They are bringing their children to one of the only streets in the area that is free of traffic and safe for their children.
During every season, I see people pushing baby strollers, people in wheelchairs and people walking with the assistance of canes and walkers. They stay on the road because the boardwalk is bumpy and in such disrepair in many places.
Over the years, I’ve seen more people come to enjoy this linear paradise. The city wants to take this treasure away from us. To take it away would be an injustice to our community!
I am committed to keeping this jewel in our neighborhood!
Mary Jean Lepis
Long Branch