LAKEHURST – Lakehurst Council has changed Community Center rental fees for the first time since 2012.
The Community Center, located at 207 Center St., is now open to nonresidents for rental, a change from the 2012 rules, although borough residents will receive priority.
Renters must still obtain the proper licensing from the borough clerk as well as liability insurance. Alcohol is still permitted only with prior approval. Smoking is permitted outside.
Lakehurst nonprofits can still hold meetings in the Community Center free of charge. Borough nonprofits holding a special event – like a dance, dinner, flea market – must pay a $50 fee now. Such events used to be able to be held there for free.
“Activities such as parties with adult entertainment including but not limited to the showing of adult films or providing adult dancing, horseplay, disorderly conduct, abusive and/or obscene behavior, ball playing, [inline skating], skate boarding, tents or barbecue grills are not permitted and strictly prohibited in or around the building,” the ordinance stated.
Residents must now pay $400, and nonresidents $500, for use of the Community Center. That’s an increase from $200 for a half-day and $400 for a full day for only residents.
A refundable security deposit of $200, except for borough nonprofits, is also now required. Renters must ensure the hall is cleaned and tables and chairs arranged “in the manner indicated by a diagram of the floor plan posted on the wall of the Community Center and accompanied by the rental agreement,” the ordinance stated.
The borough will charge a cancellation fee of $50 for cancelations made within seven days of an event.
Renters must pay for their rental with cash, money order, certified check, cashier’s check or personal check.
The center is available to rent 5 p.m. to midnight Fridays, and all day Saturdays and Sundays until midnight. Reservations should be made about six months in advance to ensure availability.
Some residents had raised concerns about the rising fees, since other, “nicer” rental halls were available for less money.
The fee before 2012 was $1,500 per session, according to news reports.
For information on Community Center rentals, call the borough clerk’s office at 732-657-4141.
