BY SUE MORGAN
Staff Writer

SEA BRIGHT — High on Mayor Jo-Ann Kalaka-Adams’ wish list for 2006, right after a shiny new red fire truck, is flood control.

Drawing upon her personal experience from driving in the rains that fell earlier last month, Kalaka-Adams acknowledged the challenges of living in an oceanside town situated between the ocean and the Shrewsbury River.

“As I frame my remarks, it is a beautiful day, but I recall earlier in the week that I was not able to drive to the end of the streets in town due to flooding,” Kalaka-Adams told an audience of about 50 persons assembled at the Cecile Norton Community Center for the borough’s reorganization meeting on Jan. 7.

“Ocean Avenue experienced flooding in both North Beach and South Beach,” Kalaka-Adams went on, referring to the sections of the borough located above and below the central downtown.

“This issue remains in the forefront and your mayor and council continue to seek advice and assistance for this continual problem,” she said.

Nonetheless, Sea Bright remains a desirable place to live and work as evidenced by the “influx of new residents and businesses,” Kalaka-Adams continued.

“Would anyone have ever thought we’d be seeing $5 million homes in Sea Bright?” Kalaka-Adams asked rhetorically.

However, preserving the integrity and beauty of the beachfront will be foremost in the minds of borough officials, she noted.

“Our beach is our jewel. Protecting and showcasing it properly will be always be our top priority,” Kalaka-Adams said.

Tied into beach protection is the revitalization plan for the borough’s downtown, oceanfront and residential side streets, she said.

Often referred to as the “Smart Growth” plan by borough officials, the municipality has received a $50,000 grant from the state Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Smart Growth program to get the planning and design projects under way.

“We look forward to this process continuing and resulting in positive recommendations for the town,” she said.

Kalaka-Adams thanked the volunteers who serve on the first aid squad, fire department, board of education, citizen committees, and the Planning/Zoning Board of Adjustment.

“These individuals donate their time and effort solely because they care about Sea Bright,” she said. “I thank each one of our current volunteers and encourage anyone that has an interest to get involved.”

The mayor also credited all six members of the Borough Council by name and noted that each has a variety of talents.

“They have chosen to donate their time and share their skills on a volunteer basis as elected officials and that fact should be recognized and appreciated,” Kalaka-Adams said.

Future council meetings will be held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month beginning at 7 p.m., Kalaka-Adams told those assembled.