Long Branch Is Getting A Community Swimming Pool

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Long Branch is getting a community pool. The multi-million dollar swimming facility will feature a large pool, kiddie pool, a play area for children, concession stand and a shaded area for families.

The developer will pay for the pool's construction and contribute an additional $500,000 to improve drainage in the area where the where the Ocean Gate townhouse project will be constructed, west of Ocean Boulevard.

Six months ago, the developer of the Ocean Gate townhouse community asked the city for a tax abatement on their project on Ocean Boulevard between Seaview Avenue and Broadway, according to Mayor John Pallone.

"When we told them we were not going to give them special treatment, they offered to build us a park," Pallone said. "We instead told them to build us a community pool complex at Pleasure Bay Park and pay for it. They said yes."

The pool complex will be built on Atlantic Avenue on the site of current Pleasure Bay Park. The developer must stay on a strict timeline to build the pool in order to get abatement. That timeline has not yet been publicly revealed. They will also use local and union labor, officials said.

The City will hold a special presentation about the pool project, including a video and site plans, at the next Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"In concert with the Board of Education and the Recreation Department, we will make sure every child has an opportunity to learn how to swim," Pallone said.

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