Joseph Irace
Osprey Lane

Republican

Joseph Irace

Frustration over mismanagement and poor planning involved in the upgrade of the borough's premier park is why first-time council candidate Joseph Irace said he has stepped up to the plate to run for office.

"I decided to run because of Blackberry Bay Park," Irace said in an interview last week, explaining that early on in the Blackberry Bay Park revitalization project, he saw that deadlines were not being met and aspects of the plan were not living up to expectations.

"The project went south in a hurry, and [the current administration] kept the contractor on the job," Irace said. "Now it's been two-plus years and it's still not 100 percent correct.

"There should have been someone there to supervise," he said. "We need to make sure we get our money's worth for what we spent on the project."

An Oceanport resident for eight years, and a professional portfolio manager, Irace said this may be his first time seeking municipal office, but he knows the issues.

"The number-one issue, by far, facing the borough, is Fort Monmouth," he said. "This could change the complexion of our town."

"I would like to see Fort Monmouth become something for Oceanport. There are buildings there that could be used for borough hall or our police department," he said. "We could even move our recreation over there. We need to have some kind of plan in place."

When it comes to taxes. Irace said he is concerned that his children will not be able to live in Oceanport when they grow up if something doesn't change. One way he would like to see taxes controlled is shared services.

Irace said he has also heard complaints from residents about overdevelopment and other quality-of-life issues.

"There are houses being built behind other houses and on paper streets and wetlands," he said. "This is changing the look of Oceanport. I like the small town. I like that my kids walk down the street and know the names of my neighbors and the police officers."