Community Magazine July 2016

SIVAN - TAMUZ 5776 JULY 2016 27 To Sam, running for office and awaiting the voting results was the most exciting part of the entire process. About his new position, he is unfailingly humble. “It’s nice to have the title,” he says, “but it’s not what’s important to me.” What is important to him is the city of Deal and executing his vision for its improvement. “My hope is to beautify the town,” Sam says. “Coming from the south, Norwood Avenue is not what it should be; the curbing is crumbling and medians need landscaping. We will begin replanting many of the trees that have been lost over the years to various storms.” As Mayor, Sam will act as a conduit between the town and the townspeople. He’ll deal with the town police and anything to do with public works, such as street repair and sanitation pick up. Sam also has intentions for his position on the planning board. Often the property residents seek to build does not conform to the rules of the town – and so they must come before the planning board and seek a variance. “Variances hold people up and cost people a lot of money,” says Sam. “They also clog up the calendar of the planning board. So I’m looking to amend one of the rules of how the fence height from street level is measured. I’m sure this will decrease the number of variances that are applied for and save many people time and money.” It’s important to Sam that residents can easily enjoy the luxury of living on the Jersey Shore. “People are coming from far and wide. This has created a parking problem for many of our residents,” Sam says. “The residents are not happy, so we need to come up with a solution.” As to what the solution is, Sam is not yet sure, but he will seek to resolve it as mayor. In other exciting developments, the Deal Casino tennis courts have been rented out to the Deal Sephardic Network (DSN) and been repaved for basketball use! Now all of the basketball tournaments held throughout the summer will be centrally located. “They’re going to make it fabulous for everyone,” says Sam, who readily admits, “DSN has changed everything for our community.” Because of DSN, he says, “there’s a beautiful flourishing community now centered on group activity and socialization.” It truly has become a central hub for residents and Sam will not forget its importance as Mayor. Sam thanks his family, who were so supportive during his mayoral run and are so proud of him now that he’s won. He also thanks his fellow community members, who all seem excited to have him in this position of leadership. We wish Mr. Cohen luck in this new chapter of his life and look forward to the many changes to come over Deal, New Jersey with him at the helm. Sam with Deal Commissioners Morris Ades (R) and David Simhon (L). LOOKING FOR A HEALTHY LUNCH OPTION? HEAD TO JUS BY JULIE’S AVENUE M STORE! FRESHLY BLENDED JUICES | HEALTHY SALADS VEGAN SNACKS & MORE Open Sunday - Thursday 9am - 6pm, Friday 9am - 3pm all year long! • We deliver healthy. honest. handcrafted 1212 Avenue M | Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-375-1121 ONLY JÙS BY JULIE BROOKLYN LOCATION OPEN DURING THE ENTIRE SUMMER! WE ARE NOW IN D