It is easy for them to vote against it as they don't live here - they can sleep peacefully at night in the summer and probably have their windows open...we, here, cannot....

I cannot believe the barrella led council has, once again, instituted a parking plan that will discourge people from visiting/staying in PPB this summer. With the aftermath of Sandy hanging over the heads of the Boardwalk businesses(and others in town) and the state wide perception that the "shore area" will not be ready for summer tourist season, re instituting the parking plan is a ludicrious. This council should be looking for ways to attract people to town, not drive them away. Put more cops in the area from 11pm-4am and you will get the same result as last year, not to mention additional revenue. Thank god the barrella reign of terror is almost over...............

A telling comment by Barrella -"Other than the politics of it, I don't know why anyone would vote against it".

So he's admitting that a majority of the people (as voted on in November) are against this plan but he's going against the will of the people.

A large number of Point Pleasant Beach residents voted to elect this Mayor and his merry band of puppets so deal with it and all his idiotic plans. There is no one to blame but yourselves.

The damage has already been done according to attorney Ron Gasiorowksi. Ever since Barrella bought the New York media down here, along with the parking plan implementation over the voters objections. And remember Jenkinsons last year reported their beach admissions were down, while Belmar's and other shore beaches were reporting increases...and now with what's left by Sandy; as commented on above, could just add more...

...so Councilman Corbally: the realty site www.zillow.com shows 28 homes for sale in D4, between Parkway & Broadway. How many buyers do you and others have looking to buy them?

http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Point-Pleasant-Beach-NJ-08742/fsba,fsbo_lt/house_type/61165_rid/40.097549,-74.03428,40.090212,-74.049085_rect/15_zm/0_mmm/

My family and I rent a house for a week in Point Pleasant each summer. All I can do is shake my head and again wonder why a town who derives tons of money from their much needed tourist business each summer.........continues to make things difficult on the very tourists who support their town's economy.

When I first rented many years ago, I rented on Minard with no parking and went through the "find a parking spot and stay there" dance. God forbid, if you move your car you might have to park a mile and a half away when you get back. When that frustration wore me down, I upgraded to renting on Forman.

So now, in addition to paying over $5,000 per week for my beach rental, I get to worry about where people in the house will park? where visitors will park? will the rental company provide stickers for us? how many? will visitors remember to display the stickers? will they visitors remember to give them back to me when they leave for home? We already hold the "did you put the beach tag back?" inquiry, now we get to do the same for the parking pass.

Good grief, Point Pleasant! How many ways will you deter summer renters until we choose another town?

In the many years I have rented the lovely beach house, the streets around the house are virtually empty at night. I haven't seen or heard rowdy bar patrons. Spending over $5000 for a week's stay is much harder to take when you have to grovel to be able to park your car in front of the house.

What'a that? The voters said no to the parking scam??? Oh those silly voters, they don't really know what's good for them. Don't worry, "your" elected officials will fix everything for you.

Tell me Mr. Barrella and council sheep, why do you need this after what happened 29 October 2012? For once, think about the town of PPB and what it is/was, a summer tourist destination and a year round home for some. Put more rent a cops in D4 and write tickets for those who mis behave after 12......

What I've learned from this, the bar closing debacle and the crying about the tourist crowds is that there is simply no pleasing the residents of Pt Pleasant Beach.

Keep in mind that many homes will be empty and dark this summer from Sandy, so a side benefit of the parking plan will be the fact that the marauders won't be laying waste to the empty homes. Good government, keeping the people safe. Again. Thanks to Mayor and Council.

Barrella said last summer's parking plan helped reduce noise, trash and disorderly conduct in the late night and early morning hours in District 4.

"Other than the politics of it, I don't know why anyone would vote against this, so I vote yes," he said.

SO FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND HERE THE MAYOR IS SAYING ITS OK for people to leave the bars and drive home,, this is how a town loses revenue

NIck, I respectfully disagree with you. I believe if you keep tourists off our residential streets in the early morning hours will prevent peace and quiet to homeowners and those families who happen to rent. It will also keep squatters at bay of empty houses especially if they can't find a room for the night.

Nick, I do have a heart for those who loss their home or needs to rebuild. But let's not forget they are the ones who chose to live closer to or on the Ocean. Everyone should know that there is some sort of risk in doing so. You don't mess with mother nature. You can't blame everyone else or expect everyone else who doesn't to pay for them. They chose to live that close and other chose not to.

Lenny, I understand your notion that people who choose to live near the water expose themselves to a risk of flooding. Consider, though, that there were many homes that had been in existence for generations that did not have flooding prior to Sandy. People who lived in those homes knew that they hadn't flooded in the past when they chose to live there. If you believe as you do about the risk of flooding, then you should also accept the notion that someone who has chosen to live closer to the boardwalk area made a choice to live in an area that has, historically, had tourists roaming the streets throughout the day and night. As much as these homeowners chose to live near the water, they also chose to live near our biggest tourist attractions. My opinion is that the parking plan is too much hassle for our current situation. The hours aren't the same as last year and many homeowners are still dealing with Sandy issues. For the 4 hours of this plan, we could just as easily rely on our police officers to patrol and issue tickets and save the money for new signs. I maintain that by eliminating foot traffic in the area, we are increasing the likelihood of burglaries. I don't think that burglars are necessarily drunken tourists. It is much easier to break into a vacant home when it is dark and there's no one there to see or hear you do it.

Nick writes "it's all about options for the visitor" and "Martell's business dropped off last year" and "accept the notion ...tourists roaming the streets." This folks, is the crux of the parking issue. There are those that support the BW enterprise at the expense of the people. And I have illustrated that by using their exact words. Thank God this governing body is looking out for the folks.

Mr. Happy, if you're going to pull quotes from my posts, then you should at least portray the full sentiment of my posts. I am specifically referring to my quote about the "tourists roaming the streets." I don't support the BW enterprise at the expense of the people. You know, from exchanging posts with me in the past, that I believe that we should've relied on the police to enforce rather than impose the parking plan. I know that you support the parking plan. What I like is consistency, and here's where I get really confused by people like you, who like the parking plan. You and many other parking plan proponents felt that last year's plan worked. So tell me...why did they change it? I understand maybe shortening the end time to 4 am, so that the fisherman weren't affected, but why change the start time? That was part of the deal with Jenkinson's, wasn't it? So, who is it that is supporting the BW enterprise at the expense of the people? Isn't it the guy who made that deal with the BW businesses to move the start time back from midnight to 12:30? This parking plan is designed to drive people who like to drink out of PPB. I can tolerate them, but obviously many cannot. Accept that the goal is to get drinkers out of PPB, that the plan is effective, and pay Martells for the damage you've caused to its business as a result of pursuing this goal. That would be responsible government, although I would prefer to keep that money in my own pocket.

On the good foot, Jenkisons is going to be ready for buisness, they have their pre Easter ticket sale for tuesday, and will be open for Easter......
People will come....(can you believe people will spend 5 grand for a week in PP Beach?)......I don't get it.....

The genie is out of the bottle Nick... "it's all about options for the visitor." Can't put that one back in the bottle.

Nick, why don't you just shut up already...
The parking plan works for the residents as well as the bar crowd. You forget to mention they can park for free in the muni lot.

The change to 1230 was a request by Jenks to accommodate families staying a bit longer. Part of the compromise and it does not affect the residents. Today's Ocean Star reports the Chief of Police stating the parking plan "was successful" with a reduction in quality of life issues. OK, spin that one Nick.

Ok Happy, the Chief will say just about anything Barrella wants him to say, Barrella just gave him a Captain that wasn't needed ( that's right over 2 years without one, so I guess it wasn't that important a job ) who's doing the same work he did as a Lt. but is now getting paid more (now higher OT rate and he knows how to get the OT ) . That same person campaigned the fear and destruction of PPB was coming soon ( and I don't mean SANDY ) which Barrella and his cronies sold to the public. Barrella gave him another cop to hire ( bye the way what's going on with that? why wasn't he hired yet?) . The PD has this Gordon guy so snowed he'll fall for anything they say to him .And the DEAL with Jenks , Barrella made, has anyone seen it ??? For the People you say ? didn't the people vote down the parking plan, didn't they Barrella's cronies pervert the vote to say Ooooo Dist 4 voted for it so that's why were putting one there. If that the case then Dist 3 voted NO but Barrella's putting one there anyway ,so much for the people. Cortes says he took a poll and it was 3 to 1 against it ,so much for the people . Like Out of the beach 4now says ..Barrellas reign of terror will be over soon unless the dopes fall for his nonsense again

Mr. Happy, People see things totally different then others. Some agree with the parking and others don't. Chief reports success on parking plan that others might not in the Ocean Star. Big Deal..I also read a letter In the Ocean Star written by a councilmen's wife. She portrays how great and successful the schools are and how great everyone is and does for her the student. She must be getting special treatment because I know plenty that is very unhappy with what has been allowed to go on. I was just out in town and quiet a bit were complaining what a joke the school is. Just keep on pretending what is really happening and going on in this little town. People are in their own little world of denial. I know plenty that would disagree with her opinion on what she feels is going on. This town is so full of fluff it makes me gag.

@ Mr. Happy, I know plenty of kids who attend or attended point beach at one time realized the exact opposite of what this councilmen wife claims. What they have learned is, it is ok to cheat on tests without any punishments, Lying is ok, drinking is overlooked without any punishments, how lazy and relax the staff is, don't have to play like a team, individual players on team sports,everything handed to them based on who they are from both coaches and teachers. Why would kids have to work hard when everything is handed to them that they really don't deserve? Maybe she is getting special treatment in HS like the big bad world out there. So she is fine with her kids getting special treatment and who cares about all the rest who clearly is not.

Mr. Happy, My point is... just because someone claims success in their opinion in the paper means nothing to most. We all know the b.s. support letters that are not even close to the truth for their own agendas to continue to receive special treatment. It's called Brown nosing.... Don't believe everything you read.

A Resident- it's not true that Jenkinson didn't lose money last year. Their beach revenue was less, while other shore towns nearby had greater beach traffic. As for other revenue: Martell's attorney raised the point that if Martell's revenue was down, then other BW businesses... had to have been affected as well. It's understandable why those other businesses will not publicly acknowledge those facts, for fear of inflaming the situation even more. Now Jenkinson has embarked on rebuilding the broadwalk, to get people back on the beach and have access to other recreation and amusements.

Spooner, the fact is that family's coming to the shore for the day would rather go to a beach without all the extras that PPB has to offer, meaning they do not want to spend the extra money for the rides, games, etc. They want to take the kids to the beach and that's it... The Beach...........

Spooner, do you really think they are claiming all those beach passes they sell.
All the games that are played.
Paid for with CASH................

Hi Nick-As we await your take on the Chief of police endorsing the parking plan, also include your thoughts on the attorney for Jenks agreeing the plan was a success. They are right there in the minutes from the December council meeting. I'm sure Spooner McMurphy can access them for all to see. Thanks!

Mr. Happy, from the 12/18 minutes, stated by McGlynn: "Storino family recognizes Sandy's damaging effect on citizens and the community – many homes were devastated – will face tax appeal issues – Storinos purchased Jenkinsons in 1976 – they are part of this community – they understand that, in the minds of Mayor and Council and the citizens, the parking plan worked – don’t want to disturb that – bar ordinance not only affects Jenkinson’s, but other PPB business taxpayers, who have been devastated by it, so overall, this will help – had a pact not to mention this to anyone – his co-council is not aware of their stance on negotiations – joint effort by Mayor and Council and Jenkinsons to wipe the slate clean, move forward in some type of partnership and not be contentious." It sounds to me like both sides wanted to come to some type of resolution so that everyone could move forward. The Barrella bloc agreed to repeal the early bar closings, which McGlynn mentioned was very damaging to multiple businesses, and Jenks decided to stop fighting the parking plan, recognizing that in the minds of the "Mayor, Council and the citizens, worked." McGlynn did not say all of the Council or all of the citizens. It was a compromise, with Jenks' putting its priorities, namely rebuilding the bw and repealing the early bar closings, first. I haven't read the Ocean Star yet to comment on the Chief. It's a nice day. Enjoy the good weather!

I think Mr. Happy is a mean drunk.

I don't think either Gordon is that naive or snowed as some think on here. I feel they know exactly what they are doing and it is all to benefit themselves one way or another. I feel the letter is down right political and disgusting. Can't get any phonier then that. Does she really believe what she wrote? People see the show the schools put on. It has been more noticeable the past two weeks alone. There is very few students that the school helps, support or sees. They only help their chosen few. I guess her own kids is the special students. Lord knows they are setting wrong examples for all the other students. Keep on pretending that everything is great in the schools and it will come tumbling down sooner than you think. Sucking up is not flattering at all.

Hi Nick- good response, thanks. Bottom line as you say is " a resolution so that everyone can move forward." That's the best we can all hope for.
A note to those who have somehow morphed the parking plan debate into attacks on our school system: Keep in mind that PPB is a tuition school (people pay to send their kids here) and PPB is consistently ranked high in the state and always #1 in the county. You may want to voice your concerns at a BOE meeting. Thanks.

Sure it is...The school is all a bunch of hoopla. They do and can make the school look like anyway they want. Yes, people pay tuition to send their kids to the school, they either find out to late what the school is really about, leave the school and go some other schools, some kids from her go to different schools too. The school leaves it all that out in they're bragging rights. Those who is getting special treatment is the happy ones. Sure it is always great when your kids are the ones who is getting special treatment. Voicing your concerns at the BOE, To the Superintendent, Principal, Teachers doesn't do a darn thing. It is ridiculous. They don't do anything to stop what is down right wrong. The students themselves see the problems. Shssss, can't say anything though. Who ranks them #1 in the county? They probably the only school who makes it from Ocean County...So What? It went from parking to the school when someone quoted the Chief felt the parking plan worked and council members wife put a political letter in the paper about the schools. It isn't the first article that drifted off on topic when answering another post. That's just the way it is. I don't think individuals is that snowed about the schools. You have some just going along with it for their own selfish needs.

You know what they say...If you can beat them, join them. No matter what it is about, the parking, schools, town problems...hip hip hooray.

Only on the Patch can a letter such as the one below be the subject of attacks by anonymous cowards hiding behind a computer screen:

"It takes the efforts of many behind the scenes workers to help earn scholarships and college acceptance packets for our students. Spring is an especially busy time, and until recently, I had no concept of the amount of work involved in today’s highly competitive scholarship and college application processes. It wasn’t this complicated in 1976 when I was a high school senior!

With my first born about to graduate, I’ve been enlightened and I find myself with a feeling of gratitude for the teachers and staff members of the Point Pleasant Beach High School who go above and beyond to answer email messages, write letters of recommendation, finalize scholarship and college applications, and answer never-ending questions to help our students begin a new chapter after high school. You know who you are and we will never forget all that you've done for us.

As we near the 2013 graduation of our senior class, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the teachers, staff members, guidance department, coaches, mentors, club and class advisors at Point Pleasant Beach High School who have gone the extra mile to guide and support our students. You are an amazing team of dedicated professionals and we appreciate you! Thank you for making such a difference in our son’s educational experience. Your positive influence will last for years to come."

Vince Barrella, To each their own to do or say how they feel. Some prefer to stay anonymous for reasons that you might not understand. There is more anonymous cowards than not posting comments. How do we know you never posted anonymous before. So don't get all high and mighty. The letter is fine and this is the councilmen's wife opinion. She referred gratitude in helping and supporting our students. Does she know that to be true and for sure? Maybe the school went above in beyond for her and her own child. Maybe some on here feel they were not helped at all. The school does have a habit of helping, supporting and seeing who they want. She opened herself up to political attacks because that is how people see it as a political letter. She has every right to thank the school on her own behalf. To drag all students in to it was wrong. She does not know if the school went above and beyond for everyone or how she sees it.

Vince...We don't need you on here pushing your politics. We have enough of you doing that during the painful town meetings.

I saw Mrs. Gordon's Letter in the Ocean Star and thought that it was her way of trying to do damage control for the comment that her husband, Councilman Gordon, made about the need for an SRO in the school system because of a severe alcohol problem at the school. I'm sure the school administrators and BOE cringed when they read that comment in the paper. Underage drinking has been a problem since this country started restricting the drinking age, and I don't know of any high school where at least some of the kids drink underage. This is why programs like SADD and Project Graduation were developed. So, for Councilman Gordon to say that the alcohol situation in the school system is so bad that we need to hire an SRO just to deal with it...well, how bad is it? Unless a teacher or school administrator is giving out the alcohol, this is a parenting problem, not a school problem. (Most kids get their alcohol from their parents' liquor cabinets). Of course, Mrs. Gordon couldn't write "My husband's a boob. The alcohol problem at PPB schools isn't any worse than anywhere else," so she went this route. Since the Mayor has chosen to post her letter, in full, here, there really isn't any doubt that it was written for political purposes (to save face). I remember when Mayor Barrella used to regularly go to BOE meetings and throw grenades from the audience. Funny how times change.

It definitely was political. You could be right because of his slip of that comment. I don't think it was all because of that boo boo. I think some of it is to get special treatment for her kids too. That is what a lot of parents do. The funny thing is it usually backfires when something happens to their own kid. Then is when they feel different. I agree a lot is the parents and they need to address problems with their kids. But when something is going on in the school during the day, the school needs to step up when the parent is not there. They can't continue to look the other way. If I student is caught drinking or cheating during school hours the school should be following their own school policies no matter who it is. Suspend them, they should not be rewarded by playing sports. Who is in control when the kids get caught? If the parent does not like the penalty, too bad. The school needs to show the other kids that you just can't get away with bad behavior or something that is wrong. Administration, Teachers, Coaches need to be fair to all the kids, no special treatment. Kids see it. School officials should be setting the right examples as well as the parents. If you do it for one then you get in the trap that you have to do it for all. There is just to much wrong going on and many kids, parents and teachers see it. If a teacher fails a kid because he did not do his or her work, or flunks a test, so be it...don't change it, How is it fair to all the other kids?

The parking plan is political too.

"Data for the NJ Monthly ranking of the state's high schools were obtained from the state Department of Education." I don't see why some people seek to discredit our school system when factual data proves otherwise. The numbers prove it and the fact that people of means choose to pay (a lot) to send their kids here for the quality education PPBeach provides should silence the critics.

Mr. Happy, Some people discredit the school from those who had a bad experience with the school just like any other organization. What factual data? Where is the data coming from? Just like they discredit the scam parking plan.

Mr. Happy- I think you are snowed about the schools, a little naive of what is really going on about the town according to YOU. I don't care about your findings, rankings and What NJ monthly magazine. Do you know where the facts are coming from? Can you answer that question? Why are you avoiding that question. Don't tell me from the NJ Department of Education. The school is losing all their credibility little by little with just alone what so many see including the students. If you currently are not in the school system then you have no idea. Mr. Happy, This school changed for what they stood for at one time. If you are in it and don't realize it then you have a denial issues.

If you want your child in a really small amount of H.S. students under one roof then this is the place for you. On the other hand you might not have as many classes offered to you as in a larger schools or friends. It just depends of your child and personal preference and why we get tuition students. To each their own. There is good things and bad things going on in any school. It is getting the school officials to do their job. Change and fix when something is wrong is the best approach for any school other wise the reputation will go down in any school. That could be a debate in any school. In comparison to many other schools in Ocean County I would have to say PPB H.S overall is rated very well based on how small they are which for some is very important. Most schools have more students in one grade level then what PPB has in their whole H.S. For some that is big...You have Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Howell, Brick, Pt.Pleasant that would be consider very large schools in comparison. I don't know how these school test, rank compared to PPB or where NJ Monthly Magazines has them, what I do know they are much larger in size.