By Eileen Moon
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – 2020 is off to a promising start for the borough’s new mayor, Loretta Gluckstein, a 30-year resident of the borough who previously served as president of the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education.
“I’m really excited to be mayor of a town that I love,” said Gluckstein. “It’s going to be a great year.”
At the borough’s annual reorganization day Jan. 1, Gluckstein was sworn in to a four-year term as mayor. Fellow Republican Steven Boracchia was sworn in to his second three-year term on the council and Brian Boms was sworn in to his first three-year term.
Gluckstein and Boms were administered their oaths of office by state Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso. Boracchia was sworn in by Atlantic Highlands Municipal GOP chair Jane Frotton.
“These three individuals really, really worked hard to garner your vote and garner your respect,” DiMaso told the audience, many of whom rose to give the newly elected officials a round of applause. GOP officials in attendance included state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblyman Gerard Scharfenberger and Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.
With the newly installed officials, the composition of the borough council has changed from a Democratic majority to three Democrats and three Republicans. Boracchia and Boms will serve with fellow council members Jon Crowley, Lori Hohenleitner and Roy Dellosso, all Democrats, and Republican Councilman Jim Murphy. Boracchia will serve as council president.
As mayor, Gluckstein is entitled to vote only when there is a tie.
Gluckstein, Boracchia and Boms ran a campaign advocating for the preservation of open space and reining in overdevelopment in the 4.562-square-mile borough on the Shrewsbury River that is home to fewer than 5,000 residents.
Of particular concern to voters in the last election was a development plan for the 7-acre waterfront property known as the McConnell tract which calls for construction of 16 luxury town homes estimated to cost a million dollars each. Residents have also expressed concern about the fate of the now-vacant Mother Teresa Regional School and St. Agnes Thrift Shop which occupy 3.7 acres surrounded by residential property off Avenue D.
“McConnell and Mother Teresa, those are the things that are hot items on the agenda,” Gluckstein told The Two River Times. “We’re looking into it with the open space committee.”
Gluckstein takes office at a time when the borough is experiencing a surge of business and residential interest, bringing complaints about lack of parking.
“That’s another issue that’s hot for us,” Gluckstein said.
Another issue that the mayor views as critical as the borough moves into the 2020s is enhancing communication technology and protocols in a way that makes government more accessible to younger residents who eschew traditional forms of communication.
“I do see an influx of younger people coming into town,” she said. “We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate.”
She’s planning on establishing a mayor’s Facebook page and offering videotaped council meetings online.
She’s not a fan of live streaming meetings of the governing body due to security concerns. “It’s a safety issue,” she said.
During her organization day remarks, Gluckstein praised the town for its tradition of neighborliness and pledged to work harmoniously with members of the governing body and community.
“Atlantic Highlands is not just a borough or a neighborhood, it’s my family. And I‘m pretty sure that the majority of people in this room would agree with me.
“We have a vibrant business district, a beautiful harbor and first responders that give so much of their time and talents but most importantly we have each other. That means just like in any family you may disagree, at times even vehemently, but in the end you must be kind and respectful for we have more in common than not. So, we must draw on our commonalities as we surge into another decade.
“Lastly I want everyone to know that I recognize that I am a public servant. I will always work as hard as possible for the people of Atlantic Highlands. I will always tell the truth even if it is not the answer you might be looking for and I will respect your opinions as I would hope you respect mine.”
This article was first published in the January 9 – 15, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
