Last November, there was a question on the ballot and you voted to say that you do not want any more multifamily condos or townhouses built in Keyport. Since the ballot question was of necessity nonbinding, the current administration has chosen to ignore public opinion and support several townhouse/ condo developments.
This November, you have the opportunity of electing two councilmen to represent you on this as well as the other matters. George Walling says that he will support the public opinion on this issue. Richard Hassmiller says that he will not oppose such measures. John Kovacs says that he will oppose the Bergen program but he has a history on the planning board of supporting multifamily complexes. John Ambrose is new to politics. He says he wants development.
If you really do not want more townhouses/ condos, ask the candidates when they come to your door to state their positions. Currently, one townhouse is nearing completion on First Street, all of Keyport has been declared in need of rehabilitation, 40-odd units have been pushed for the Galbraith factory on Manchester, and Keyport is trying to convince New Jersey to change the designation for the swampland along Matawan Creek from environmentally sensitive to an urban designation that would permit development of a 90 four-story condo or townhouse units.
The administration is also trying to find a developer for the Aeromarine property. All of this has to be considered by the council. Will the Keyport council support you? Try to elect those who will.
Jack Jeandron
Keyport