Proposed Sickles Park Changes Have Nothing To Do With Former Market Property, Mayor Emphasizes

LITTLE SILVER, NJ — On Thursday night, the borough of Little Silver announced on its Facebook page the town will seek Green Acres funding from the state to make some improvements to Sickles Park.

However, these proposed improvements have nothing to do with the property that houses 1663 Market, which just announced last week it is closing, permanently.

This was stressed Friday afternoon by Little Silver Mayor Bob Neff.

"This has nothing to do with the 1663 Market (former Sickles) properties," Neff stressed to Patch. "The town does not own that property and the grant application applies only to the Sickles Park property."

The former 1663 Market sits on multiple lots, some of which are zoned for residential housing. As of Friday, Jan. 23:

"There is not currently an application before the town to put housing there," said Neff.

Of course, that could change.

Separately, Sickles Park is located right next door, at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Rumson Road, and currently has ball fields, walking trails and a recently-opened inclusive playground. What the town of Little Silver seeks to add there is an educational arboretum (this will be a grove of trees that will have educational signage around them), raised garden beds for community garden plots and improve fencing around the park.

The new grove of trees and the garden beds will not affect the new playground that was just built.

And again, none of these proposals have anything to do with the former Sickles Market/1663 property. That is privately owned property.

The borough of Little Silver will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes Monday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Borough Hall, 480 Prospect Avenue, if it is not canceled by the impending snowstorm.

This will be a meeting with Mayor Neff and the council to learn about the proposed improvements, ask questions, and share feedback. Written comments may be submitted to Kevin J. Burke, Jr. Borough Administrator/Clerk, at kburke@littlesilvernj.gov or 480 Prospect Avenue, Little Silver, NJ 07739.

Last week: 1663 Market, At Former Sickles Site, Will Permanently Close Sunday (Jan. 16)