What are monotowers?

The towers Verizon will build would be 35+ feet in height and provide 5G wifi coverage. 5G is supposed to provide better service but in a relatively small service area.

What is public right-of-way?

Any street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, sidewalk, alley or easement that is owned, leased or controlled by a governmental entity. The areas where Verizon plans to put the monotowers are in the public right-of-way, controlled by Monmouth County.

What was the Mamaluke’s project?

Verizon applied for a development application in July 2020 to place 4G equipment on top of Mamaluke’s while simultaneously pursuing the Ocean Avenue project. The Zoning Board held a public meeting on November 19, 2020 to review the application. After at least 5 different public meetings, the Zoning Board ultimately denied the application, citing the following issues:

·        Verizon didn’t sufficiently prove or demonstrate a recognizable coverage need/gap

·        Verizon didn’t provide clear or consistent information as to how the Mamluke’s application would affect the Ocean Ave proposal

·        Verizon most likely applied to use Mamaluke’s after they were denied in other towns, notably on top of the Breakers in Spring Lake

What was the 2018 Verizon boardwalk project?

In 2018 Verizon proposed to replace the existing lights on the boardwalk with their own equipment and provide free wifi to the beach area. However, the boardwalk is not in the public right-of-way but instead owned by Belmar. Because Belmar owns the boardwalk, the project would have to go through the public bidding process and Verizon abandoned the project.