The Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) Grant Brought Improvements to our Ideal Beach Neighborhood
The creation of the IBCA stemmed from the garnering of a State grant through the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP). Resident surveys completed in the spring of 2009 as part of the grant process formed the basis for the Neighborhood improvements being funded as well as the goals set forth in the Mission of the Ideal Beach Community Association.
NPP Background
The Township applied for a State Grant on behalf of our Ideal Beach Neighborhood in 2007. The Grant was received in 2008 and the North Middletown Planning Committee was assembled to oversee the spending of the Grant. The Committee consisted of State, Township, and Resident members. Two of the Resident Committee members currently serve as Ideal Beach Community Association Trustees
The NPP Grant totaled over $280,000; $250,000 through the State, plus a Municipal match making up the difference
Other Potential Leveraging Sources could include and are ongoing:
♦ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
♦ Middletown Township
♦ Monmouth County
♦ State of NJ
♦ Non-profits and private investment.
The NPP Areas of Focus
♦ Safety and Security
♦ Neighborhood Perception and Signage
♦ Housing Rehabilitation and Aesthetics
Details and documents are available at: http://www.middletownnj.org/planning/npp.asp
The Improvements
Speed Monitors- Two dedicated Neighborhood monitors were purchased that are moveable and rechargeable (an IBCA liaison works with Township-assigned police officer to routinely move the monitors throughout the Neighborhood)
Video Surveillance Security Cameras- Multiple cameras were purchased, concentrated at/on five Neighborhood sites: TKCC interior and exterior locations, Ideal Beach, Roosevelt Park, Municipal Parking Lot at corner of Port Monmouth and Ocean Avenue. Video monitors are inside the TKCC as well as at the Township Police Department. Surveillance Video runs in real time and is also archived. (The cameras are not directed to include personal property).
TKCC Community Garden- A vegetable garden was started and incorporated as part of the learning experience for the children’s and youth’s programs covering topics from germinating and growing plants to cooking with vegetables and nutrition to starting a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays this past summer and learning about the selling process and dealing with money.
TKCC Shade Trees- Ten hardwood trees of various hearty species were planted within and alongside of the TKCC field area to include the picnic table area providing instant visible appeal and shade enhancement.
TKCC Durable Shade Structure- To be installed to provide shade as well as rain and weather protection. Will be removable for winter storage as needed.
TKCC Electronic Sign- An easy-to-read, scrolling electronic display sign was installed on the south side of the TKCC center to inform the community of ongoing and upcoming TKCC events as well as other Neighborhood activities.
Startup for Neighborhood Resident Organization- Ideal Beach Community Association submits paperwork in November 2009 to become a state-registered, non profit 501(c)(4) organization. Status is achieved in the spring of 2010.
My Ideal Neighborhood Celebration- A fun-filled community event held on June 19th for residents young and older promoting neighborly relations and offering lots of smiles.
Summer Beach Party- Under months of budget cuts, the Beach Party went forward and a great time was had on July 29th thanks to NPP funding.
50/50 Paint and Material Program- 27 Households applied and received matching funds for exterior home improvements, meeting the conditions of the grant program and adding to improved housing conditions in the Neighborhood.
Startup for Neighborhood Watch Program - Ideal Beach Community Association structures and organizes a Neighborhood Watch Program complete with customized community signs that meet the requirements of the National Community Watch Program as well as the conditions recognized by the Municipal Police Department.
Mutt Mitt Waste Stations- Two dog waste stations are purchased for installation at the beach front and at Roosevelt Park. The IBCA secures sponsorship for the supply of the biodegradable waste bags used with the waste systems and strikes an arrangement with the Parks and Rec Department to install the systems next to existing municipal trash receptacles so as to make pickup of the pet waste inclusive with regular garbage pickup. The IBCA is grateful to Lucky Dogs Grooming in Port Monmouth who will sponsor both stations.
Consulting Services for the Ideal Beach Design Project - Melillo and Bauer Associates won the RFP public bid presented by the Township and designed site plans and architectural drawings for Ideal Beach. The architects presented their designs to the Community as guest speakers on September 16th at the TKCC as part of a regular IBCA meeting. The Mayor and Mayor’s Committee heard public comments at the next Township Regular Meeting that was held on September 20th. A grant application has been submitted to the County for funding in conjunction with the site plan. The Beach Design Project is supported by the following organizations: The Baykeepers http://www.nynjbaykeeper.org/ and the Monmouth Conservation Foundation http://www.monmouthconservation.org/-html-pages/home.html. These organizations are dedicated to the preservation of green space and the preserving of the ecological integrity of our regional watersheds respectively.