By Joseph Sapia
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – This small borough off Sandy Hook Bay has a mix of eateries, banks, service-oriented businesses, professional offices, art galleries, a movie theater and retail stores.
But on a recent day, what many walking along the bustling First Avenue – the borough’s version of Main Street — said they liked about Atlantic Highlands is the buzz.
“It feels like it’s up and coming,” said Rita Gallazzini, 41, a stay-at-home mom who moved to town from Union County four years ago. “It feels like a neighborhood on the upswing. I like the vision. I love this town so much, I’m never leaving.”
“It’s friendly to walk around here,” said Cindy Fligor, president of the Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce, which includes 150 members. “It’s very small-town.”
People bring their dogs and their kids, and have a cup of coffee or lunch,” said Mary Thompson, the chamber’s administrator.
Jaime Ascolese, 34, was visiting the downtown with her daughter, Evelina, 2, on a recent day. She said she and her husband Dylan, who grew up in town, like the “little restaurants.”
As nice as it is, more business diversity in the business community could be a good thing, said Renee Dorski, 35, and her husband, Yoni Zilber, 40.
Zilber, who has a private arts and tattoo studio in town, said, “I think there’s too many pizza, liquor stores, hair salons.” Dorski, who serves on the borough Board of Education, wants to open a local juice bar and wants to make the area “cool.”
“I want to bring a little Brooklyn, here,” said Dorski, who lived there with her husband for 13 years. “This town has so much potential – little Main Street, Victorian houses.”
Chamber president Fligor, who owns the Salon at 68 hair salon and spa on First Avenue, said she “would love to see more retail, natural food places.”
The Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce includes 150 members. “Activity seems to be picking up,” said Thompson, the chamber administrator. “They want to be part of it. We have some very active (members), doing some great stuff.”
One Chamber of Commerce volunteer is Kristie Gannon, 33, who owns a spa and personal organization businesses.
“I’m a business owner who likes to work with other businesses,” said Gannon, noting the networking and support opportunities. “It’s win-win.”
On a recent day, businessman and former Mayor Fred Rast was walking down First Avenue, carrying two pedestals he was lending to the Flower at First floral shop.
“He tries to help a lot of people,” said the storeowner, Jennifer Lee. “He always shares. Nice guy, we respect him.”
Beside moving into its new ground-floor office this year at 68 First Avenue, the Chamber of Commerce plans to update its website, www.atlantichighlands.org.
Here are some special events coming up in Atlantic Highlands.
— Memorial Day, firefighters services, May 30, Monday, 9 a.m., Firemen’s Field House, Avenue C and West Washington Avenue.
— Memorial Day Parade, May 30, Monday, 11 a.m., First Avenue, from Bay Avenue to East Washington Avenue. Post-parade activities at Veterans Memorial Park, First Avenue.
— Farmers market, Fridays from June 3 to Oct. 7, noon to 6 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park, First Avenue. “They range from organic local farms, jams, fresh bread, fresh-brewed coffee, natural soaps,” Thompson said. “It’s all natural products, farm-related.”
— Car show, June 18, Saturday, First Avenue from Highlands Avenue to Bay Avenue. Registration for cars, 10 a.m. to noon; Show runs noon to 5 p.m. Information, 347-528-5372.
— Firemen’s fair, July 5, Tuesday, to July 9, Saturday, Municipal Harbor, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
— Firemen’s fair, July 8, Friday, fireworks about 9:30 p.m.
— Film One Fest, the Atlantic Highlands One-Minute International Film Festival, July 16, Saturday. Atlantic Highlands Historical Society Arts and Crafts Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, First Avenue. Then, 5 p.m. on at the Municipal Harbor, with films being shown from about 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Information, 732-737-7160, filmonefest.org.
“It draws thousands of people to town,” Thompson said.
— Taste of Atlantic Highlands restaurant showcasing and business open houses, Sept. 18, Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
The Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce is at 68 First Avenue; mailing address P.O. Box 141, Atlantic Highlands, 07716, telephone: 732-872-8711; website: www.atlantichighlands.org.
