< Back 82 BUENA VISTA AVENUE Year Built: 1892 Property Description Block: 114 Lot: 15 Year Built: 1892 Historic Name: William Shed Style: Shingle Style Architect: Rossiter and Wright Structure: Wood Frame This structure is considered: Significant Comment: This home has been rehabilitated over time and maintains the character or the original style. The Greek Revival Portico is an addition to the original and the railing is new, as the original was a Shake Style bulkhead. See Rumson p 52 for additional information and Shaping a Superlative Suburb p 91

Updated October 2024 < Back West Park Community Resiliency Updated October 2024 ACTION TO BE TAKEN Governing Body supports purchases and actions needed to help resolve this issue Due to the low lying nature of the neighborhood, West Park is frequently inundated with coastal flooding. The West Park Neighborhood of the Borough of Rumson is a small peninsula situated South of Rumson Road and bound by the Shrewsbury River to the East and Oyster Bay (Polly’s Pond) to the West. The neighborhood is comprised of approximately 180 residential properties located in a FEMA mapped Special Flood Hazard Area. The neighborhood was severely impacted during Superstorm Sandy and has rebuilt with greater resiliency to major events. History During the ’92 Nor’ Easter the West Park neighborhood suffered major flood damages resulting in many of the homes being lifted or replaced. As storm recovery efforts were nearing complete, the Borough initiated a program to reconstruct and elevate the local roadway system in West Park. Waterman Avenue, Warren Street, and South Ward Avenue all south of Grant Avenue were reconstructed and elevated to allow for better drainage characteristics and to reduce the nuisance flooding experienced during high tide events. The existing drainage system was abandoned and replaced with a new drainage system which is in operation today. At the time of project design, the lowest elevation of the street or corresponding drainage inlet was equal to or slightly higher than the highest predicted tide of that calendar year. (Editor’s Note – The information presented above was relayed to David Marks, Borough Engineer by the West Park Project Engineer prior to his retirement.) Post Superstorm Sandy, the issue of frequent nuisance flooding which impacted daily life in West Park was brought to the attention of the Rumson Mayor and Council. The Governing Body took action on the matter and had check valves installed on the existing drainage piping. A check valve installed on the drainage system should prevent the flow of tidal water into the drainage system and allow for rainwater from the street to drain into the Shrewsbury River or Polly’s Pond. When the tide is high, the valve remains in a closed position which may also prevent the draining of rainwater from the roadway. The responses received after the valves were installed positive with residents claiming the conditions had improved. Recently, residents began contacting the Borough regarding the roadways being flooded more often and for longer periods of time. Our Borough Engineer began investigating the matter and tried reconciling resident reports to tidal data recorded by Stevens Flood Advisory System at Davidson Laboratory for the Shrewsbury River at Sea Bright, NJ and coastal storm information. Progress Updates: October 4, 2024 Update With the recent coastal flooding events taking place over the course of September 20th through September 23rd, the Borough Engineer had the opportunity to observe the two recently installed WaStop inline check valves on Grant Avenue and the end of Waterman Avenue successfully prevent flooding through the Borough’s roadway drainage system. Unfortunately, the coastal flooding event overtopped portions of private property along Oyster Bay and the Shrewsbury River which inundated the drainage system creating significant flooding throughout the neighborhood. On Saturday, September 21st, Mr. Marks was able to first hand witness the overland flooding and will discuss options available to those private property owners to raise the grade on their property to reduce the impacts of coastal flood events. The third WaStop inline check valve purchased by the Borough will be installed on the mid-block Warren Street drainage piping in the coming weeks, as conditions permit. The existing valve is still in place and operational to hold tidal waters from inundating the drainage system. The Borough will continue to monitor the mid-block valve on Waterman Avenue for future replacement. June 4, 2024 Update DPW began the removal of the existing check valves along Oyster Bay. The valve at the end of Waterman Avenue was completely removed and the valve at the end of Grant Avenue was prepared for removal. As tides permit, DPW will return to remove the remaining valves along Oyster Bay. May 31, 2024 Update Wapro Representatives met with the Borough Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works to review the Borough’s order for replacement valves . They also reviewed installation procedure s while onsite . The discussion was very productive and reaffirmed many of the decisions made to date, with some helpful guidance on installation and supplemental materials required for the valve installation. May 23, 2024 Update After inspection of the drainage configuration and the potential timing of the next tidal evaluation, the Borough Engineer has moved forward with the purchase of three replacement storm water check valves for the West Park neighborhood. This purchase will replace check valves at the end of Grant Avenue, Waterman Avenue and the midblock of Warren Street. While the Borough awaits the delivery, the valves on the Oyster Bay side of West Park will be removed and the drainage pipes will be cleaned and robotically inspected. The remaining valve at the midblock location of Waterman Avenue is currently operational at this time. May 10, 2024 Update The Borough Engineer conducted a high tide inspection of the valves and drainage system on April 11, 2024 at approximately 11 am. At the time of the inspections, the drainage system on Grant Avenue and at the end of Waterman Avenue leading into Oyster Bay were both flooded. The Governing Body has directed the Borough Engineer to proceed with acquiring the two replacement valves for Grant Avenue and the end of Waterman Avenue. The Warren Avenue and Waterman Avenue mid-block drainage systems leading out to Oyster Bay and Shrewsbury River, respectively, were both free from flood waters during the April 11th inspection. To determine if the tide elevation was high enough to back up the drainage system at those locations, the Borough Engineer utilized a self-leveling rotary laser to determine the difference in elevation between Oyster Bay and the drainage on Warren Street. At the time of the inspection, the Oyster Bay water elevation was approximately 6” below the top of the bulkhead at 26 Warren Street and there was no water in that portion of the drainage system on Warren Street. From that survey, it was determined the bulkhead is higher than the top of the catch basin on Warren Street by 3-1/4” and the catch basin is 38” deep when measured from the top of curb. What this ultimately means is that the mid-block valve on Warren Street is functioning to prevent the flow of tidal water into the drainage system. This holds true for the mid-block valve on Waterman Avenue as the Shrewsbury River was well above the valve. The sketch below attempts to illustrate the survey completed by the Borough Engineer for the mid-block valve on Warren Street . What could not be determined from th e April 11, 2024 investigation, is whether the mid-block valve s are properly functioning to completely discharge water from the drainage system. In order to determine that function of the valve, the Borough Engineer will need to conduct an outgoing tide inspection, when tides are elevated enough to cause roadway flooding. Once that evaluation is complete, the Borough can confidently proceed with the necessary valve replacement . Stevens Flood Advisory System at Davidson Laboratory for April 10 -12, 2024 April 1, 2024 Update With West Park residents recently attending two Council Meetings, it was determined the most effective means of communicating project progress would be the creation of a webpage dedicated to this matter. As information becomes available, updates will get posted here. The Borough Engineer has met with representatives from Wapro a check valve company specializing in this type of project application. The Wapro representatives recommended the Wastop valve in various sizes to be installed on the drainage discharge pipes into the Shrewsbury River and Polly’s Pond. Wapro is developing the pricing and the Borough is researching the acquisition programs available to comply with NJ State Purchasing Laws. The Borough Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works conducted field inspections on March 21, 2024 during a very low tide. The photos below show the drainage discharge pipes at the end of Grant Avenue, mid-block of Warren Street, end of Waterman Avenue, and mid-block Waterman Avenue. From the visual inspection, the valves appear to be opening and closing and are free of debris. The next inspection will need to be conducted during an incoming tide to see which valves are allowing tidal water into the drainage system. That follow-up inspection will likely be conducted the week of April 8th or April 15th depending on weather and tide schedules and elevations. As discussed during one of the Public Comment sessions during a Council Meeting, the NJDEP FRAMES report can be found which discusses short and long term approaches to sea level rise and community resiliency throughout the Two River Area. NJDEP Frames Report https://www.nj.gov/dep/bcrp/njframes.html Rumson Borough Officials and Staff participated in the various stages of developing the NJDEP FRAMES report which included the Getting to Resilience (GTR) initiative with the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. Recent Coastal Flooding Observations During the January 13, 2024 Coastal Storm Event, tide elevations were recorded by Stevens Flood Advisory System at Davidson Laboratory for the Shrewsbury River at Sea Bright, NJ approximating 5.0’ NAVD88. This is one of the most significant coastal flooding events the Borough has experienced in recent years. Stevens Flood Advisory System Other Resources NOAA Tides & Currents – Sea Bright Tidal Station Datum Sea Level Rise Mapping Tool, FAQ The flooding elevations experienced on the January 13, 2024 approximate to a 3’ sea level rise above Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) as shown on the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer (screenshot below). Dr. David A. Robinson, The New Jersey State Climatologist, issues monthly Climate Summary and Seasonal Recaps related to weather activity using a network of weather data collection points throughout the State. That monthly data is utilized in his comparison of the weather records collected in the State since 1895. When applicable, Dr. Robinson compares the past month’s weather to the 129 years of available data. The State experienced an average precipitation of 7.76” which is the 3rd wettest March, on record, since 1895. Locally, the data logger at Monmouth Park Race Track in Oceanport posted 10.27” of rain in March. The table below, illustrates the departure above or below the State average monthly precipitation, with notations when record setting precipitation occurred over the 129 years of data collection. For more detailed information regarding Dr. Robinson’s Climate reports and his work through Rutgers University with the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist, please visit https://climate.rutgers.edu/stateclim/?section=home&target=home . The Borough of Rumson is sharing the information with our community to highlight the importance of Stormwater and Groundwater Management. Many of the recent inquiries fielded by our Borough Engineer and Borough Staff have been directly related to the significant rain events and the coinciding high groundwater levels experienced in recent months. The groundwater elevations within the Borough may be causing your or your neighbors sump pumps to run frequently. The sump pump discharge should not be directed towards neighboring properties, whenever possible they should be directed onto your lawn, into a storm drain collection system or towards the street. Connecting a sump pump, roof leader or other type of Stormwater drain to the sanitary sewer system is illegal and must be disconnected immediately. The added water into the Borough sanitary sewer system creates an undue burden on the infrastructure which can lead to equipment failure, added operating and personnel costs, and possible sewer discharge into the environment. The Borough of Rumson is a customer to the Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority (TRWRA) and pays a surcharge for sewer flows in excess of our annual, daily allotment. With this extended period of wet weather conditions, the Borough has experienced intermittent sanitary sewer flows in excess of 3x our typical sewer flows to TRWRA The Borough will continue on our Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program to clean, televise inspect, and seal leaking pipe joints within the Municipal Right-of-Way. The completed phases of the project demonstrated considerable success at reducing groundwater infiltration into the sewer system, but only account for a fraction of the 42 miles of sewer pipe in the Borough. If you have a sump pump, roof leader, yard drain, outdoor shower or other illicit connection to the sewer system, we request that you make provisions to have the connection eliminated immediately. If you need support in finding the connection or finding a suitable means of discharging the water, please contact the Borough Offices. Feb_Wint_2024_NJ_climate_summary .pdf Download PDF • 1.79MB Mar_2024_NJ_climate_summary .pdf Download PDF • 1.76MB Project Gallery Previous Next

Environmental Commission The Environmental Commission lends support to the Planning and Zoning Board. The commission also works with the Stormwater Management Plan to educate the borough on proper planning procedures. The Rumson Environmental Commission's mission is to work with our community to protect our unique natural resources. Through collaboration with local stakeholders that share a purpose of maintaining the health of our local ecosystem, we educate our residents on what we can do to maintain and protect our land, water and air; facilitate the adoption of behaviors that will meet those ends, and motivate residents and local businesses to join in the effort. The Environmental Commission lends support to the Planning and Zoning Board, and works with the Stormwater Management Plan to educate the borough on proper planning procedures. GREEN YOUR SPACE COMMUNITY EVENTS RECYCLING INFORMATION FAMILY ACTIVIES ASK YOUR EC JR GREEN TEAM GREEN SEAL NATIVE PLANTS LAWN & GARDEN Environmental Commission Members Name Title Term Kristen Rolfes Hall Chair 12/31/2028 Laila LoCascio Member 12/31/2026 Heather Robinson Member 12/31/2028 Jody Sackett Member 12/31/2027 Stephen Barrett Liaison, Shade Tree 12/31/2027 Betsy Ford Liaison, Planning Board 12/31/2027 Daryl "Butch" Kochel Liaison, Public Works 12/31/2026 Sarah H. Pomphrey Liaison, Borough Council 12/31/2026 Marie DeSoucey Secretary 12/31/2026 Kathleen Frangione Member 12/31/2027

< Back West Park Neighborhood Two unit 100 percent affordable residential development. Borough of Rumson Awarded $3,000,000.00 Grant by DCA for West River Road Affordable Housing, November 2025 The site will be developed by The Borough and Bergen County United Way (BCUW) to be a two-family home project. The home will be divided into two, three-bedroom units. The project will be marketed as 100 percent affordable. The existing building will be demolished and replaced with new construction. The project will be affirmatively marketed and will consist of one low income unit and one moderate income unit. Construction is expected to begin in Q2 2024. The Borough and BCUW have received a grant from the State of New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund to cover the cost of development and construction of the project. Resident Notice_61 S Ward_Demolition .pdf Download PDF • 166KB Project Details Previous Next

< Back 6 BELKNAP LANE Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 101 Lot: 5 Year Built: 1904 Style: Three story rectangular plan with Mansard roof. This structure is considered: Significant Comment: See Shaping a Superlative Suburb p 90 for additional information.

< Back 7 N. WARD AVENUE Year Built: 1905 Property Description Block: 80 Lot: 21 Year Built: 1905 Style: Shingle Style with Norman influence Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung This structure is considered: Significant Comment: A classic Rumson Eclectic home; the home has a mixture of Colonial Revival, Shingle Style and Norman French influences. The tower room was once used as a water tower.

< Back 3 BLACKPOINT HORSESHOE Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 79 Lot: 1 Year Built: 1904 Style: Italianate Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung This structure is considered: Significant Comment: Home has been rehabilitated over time with respect to the original style.

Consist of improvements to Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to the southern terminus at Heathcliff Road. < Back 2025 Road Improvement Program Consist of improvements to Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to the southern terminus at Heathcliff Road. Plans for Bellevue Avenue Resurfacing Phases I & II .pdf Download PDF • 27.02MB 2025 Road Improvement Program FAQ What streets are included in the Road Improvement Program? This year’s Road Program will consist of improvements to Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to the southern terminus at Heathcliff Road. What is the proposed scope of work? From West River Road to Rumson Road the work mostly consists of the milling and resurfacing of Bellevue Avenue. Prior to the paving, the Contractor will complete some minor sanitary sewer manhole repairs, isolated sections of concrete curb repairs and ADA accessible curb ramp improvements at Ridge Road. South of Rumson Road, portions of the existing drainage system will be replaced and upgraded. Concrete curbing is also proposed to replace damaged and missing curbs. Once the concrete improvements are complete, the road will be milled and paved. Restoration to driveways and lawns are typically completed immediately before the roadway paving. Detailed project information is available on the construction plans. What company was awarded the construction contract? The Governing Body awarded a contract to L&L Paving of Farmingdale at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council on July 8, 2025. L&L Paving was the lowest cost, most responsive bidder out of all the sealed bids received by the Borough for the project. L&L Paving has successfully completed prior roadway projects with the Borough. Will a representative of the Borough be present during construction? The Borough’s Engineering Department will be present during construction. Throughout the project, our Superintendent of Public Works will also periodically be on-site. What is the project start date? Milling and Paving operations are expected to start the week of August 18, 2025 on the segments of Bellevue Avenue from West River Road to Rumson Road to reduce ‘Back-to-School’ impacts to Rumson Country Day School. Drainage pipe installation will start towards the end of August with the concrete curb installation following. Milling and Paving will occur after the curbs are installed. A specific date for milling and paving is still to be determined. What is the project duration? The entirety of the project is contracted for 3 months, but due to inclement weather, unanticipated field conditions, or expansion of the project scope additional time may be warranted. What are the working hours? The working hours for the project will be Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some exceptions due to unforeseen conditions. The Contractor may arrive to the job earlier than 7:00 am, but should not be operating equipment. If this is a frequent occurrence, please contact Brett Hunger (Project Manager) or David Marks (Borough Engineer). Will the street be open during construction? The street will be closed to through traffic while work is underway. We ask that you avoid the active work areas to the greatest extent feasible. Access to your home during the work day may be restricted based on the work for that day. Access will generally be restored by the end of the work day. Parking should be accommodated on nearby streets. What is the daily impact to my property? The daily impact to your property should be minimal. However, during the milling and paving operation, access to your home will be restricted. For properties South of Rumson Road, while drainage and new curbs are being installed immediately in front of your home or the adjacent property, access will be temporarily restricted to allow for the work. If a new depressed curb is installed across your driveway, access will be restricted for 3 to 5 days to allow for the concrete to fully cure. Please park in your driveway when possible or on the street outside of the work area limits. My sprinklers were damaged, what should I do? If your sprinkler system is damaged during the construction process, please either contact a supervisor from the Construction Company, or contact Brett Hunger (Project Manager) or David Marks (Borough Engineer). Per the contract, the Construction Company is required to repair all damages at their expense. Please afford the Construction Company the first opportunity to make the necessary repairs. To reduce the extent of sprinkler damages, please mark your sprinkler heads if they are within 3 feet of the curb or road edge when construction activity approaches your property. The markers will get displaced by lawn care contractors if you locate the sprinkler heads too soon. Will my driveway be impacted by the construction? If a new apron is installed or depressed curb is extended across your driveway, there will be temporary impacts for the construction. The Contractor will repair the driveway with like materials and finishes to the greatest extent possible. We do not seal coat asphalt driveways. The extent of how far back a driveway is repaired is a function of driveway material type and grading to maintain positive drainage flow. Is it my responsibility to restore my lawn behind the sidewalk or between the curb and sidewalk? No, the contract with the Contractor includes the restoration of lawn behind the sidewalk and between the curb and sidewalk. We ask that you please water the restored lawn areas regularly or as needed until it is established. Neither the Borough nor Contractor will be responsible to replace lawn that is not adequately cared for. I would like my entire driveway or sidewalk to my home replaced. Can the Borough’s Contractor complete that work? Yes, the Borough’s Contractor can be hired to complete work on your private property. That work would need to be contracted directly between you and the Contractor. The Borough should be made aware of the proposed work, but the property owner is fully responsible for payment and oversight. Who should I contact with additional questions: Brett Hunger Project Manager 732-842-3300 bhunger@rumgsonnj.gov David Marks Rumson Borough Engineer 732-842-3300 dmarks@rumsonnj.gov In case of emergency, please contact Rumson Police Department at (732) 842-0500 Project Gallery Previous Next

Financial Statements, Budgets & Audit Reports Local government best practice standards suggest that both the proposed and adopted budgets for at least three years be available on this website. Also included are the Annual Financial Statement, and the Audit for the previous year. These documents for Rumson are available by clicking on the titles below: 2025 Rumson 2025 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2025 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2025 User Friendly Budget Adopted Rumson 2025 Adopted Budget Rumson 2025 User Friendly Budget Introduced Rumson 2025 Budget Introduced 2024 Rumson 2024 Audit Rumson 2024 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2024 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2024 User Friendly Ad opted Budget Rumson 2024 Adopted Budget Rumson 2024 Budget Introduced 2023 Rumson 2023 Audit Rumson 2023 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2023 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2023 User Friendly Ad opted Budget Rumson 2023 Adopted Budget Rumson 2023 Budget Introduced 2022 Rumson 2022 Audit Rumson 2022 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2022 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2022 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2022 Adopted Budget Rumson 2022 Budget Introduced 2021 Rumson 2021 Audit Rumson 2021 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2021 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2021 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2021 Adopted Budget Rumson 2021 Budget Introduced 2020 Rumson 2020 Audit Rumson 2020 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2020 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2020 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2020 Adopted Budget Rumson 2020 Budget Introduced 2019 Rumson 2019 Audit Rumson 2019 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2019 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2019 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2019 Adopted Budget Rumson 2019 Budget Introduced 2018 Rumson 2018 Audit Rumson 2018 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2018 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2018 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2018 Adopted Budget Rumson 2018 Budget Introduced 2017 Rumson 2017 Audit Rumson 2017 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2017 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2017 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2017 Adopted Budget Rumson 2017 Budget Introduced 2016 Rumson 2016 Audit Rumson 2016 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2016 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2016 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2016 Adopted Budget Rumson 2016 Budget Introduced 2015 Rumson 2015 Audit Rumson 2015 Annual Financial Statement (unaudited) Rumson 2015 Annual Debt Statement Rumson 2015 User Friendly Adopted Budget Rumson 2015 Adopted Budget Rumson 2015 Budget Introduced

Affordable Housing Committee The Affordable Housing Committee shall have the responsibility to assist in the development of a Borough-wide Affordable Housing Plan to help facilitate the development of affordable housing in the Borough of Rumson. The Committee will give advice on affordable housing development as part of the adopted Housing Plan element of the Master Plan and on applications for development. The Committee will also develop and implement educational materials to help promote affordable housing in the Borough. The Affordable Housing Committee shall consist of the Mayor or his alternate, two Councilmembers and two Planning Board Members, all of whom will be appointed by the Mayor. It shall also include three members of the public, who are not members of other Borough Committees or Commissions. These three regular public members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Borough Council. Affordable Housing Program Affordable Housing Opportunites Select the above links for more information on the Rumson Affordable Housing Program. Affordable Housing Committee Members Mayor Joseph K. Hemphill John J. Conklin III Michael F. Lospinuso Maryann Baret Alex Shissias Daniel Ryan Travis Conley Anthony Furino

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< Back 1 SECOND STREET Year Built: 1904 Property Description Block: 4 Lot: 5 Year Built: 1904 Style: Colonial with Norman influence Structure: Wood Frame Fenestration: Double Hung This structure is considered: Significant Comment: Home has multiple design influences including a Georgian front entrance with flanking sidelights and an arched transom.