Essex County liaison and residents press council for repairs, more programs at Monty Irving Community Center

At the conference portion of the July 1 meeting, Essex County liaison Reginald Bledo told the council that rental applications and programming calendars for the Monty Irving Community Center are available via the Essex County Parks website and offered to provide the application directly to interested residents.

During a short question‑and‑answer period residents raised several facility concerns: the pool filtration system is not working and algae has formed, sections of fencing around Orange Park are bent or falling and need replacement, and there is inconsistency about whether restrooms are accessible to the public when permit holders are using the facility. Bledo said he would notify public works and provide the council with follow‑up and a facility calendar.

Public commenters emphasized community use of the center and more senior programming. A resident, Hamza, urged the council to support nightlife on Main Street and to retain entertainment and pedestrian activity in the city rather than sending people to neighboring towns. Tanya Chammoro and Gloria Stewart spoke in support of greater senior services and clearer public access to the center.

Council members and the administration noted ongoing work: a developer‑funded community benefit agreement allocates funds for renovating the Washington Street firehouse, environmental remediation work is underway and a facility plan and budget will be presented to the city within the timeline set by the agreement. Council members encouraged better public outreach about available programs and how to reserve space at the center.

The council requested that staff and the county liaison return with specific timelines and that communications about available programs be posted on the city website and distributed to seniors via mail and other contact lists.