We love our community here in Monmouth County. It's a place where families thrive, neighbors look out for one another, and the serenity of nature meets the comfort of suburban living. However, the Monmouth County Parkstage summer concerts, while enjoyable for attendees, threaten the very fabric of what makes our towns special. Residents of Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, Colts Neck Township, Manalapan Township, and Howell Township are standing together as we face the disruption that these concerts will cause. For more information on Parkstage: www.thebasie.org/parkstage/ The prospect of these events has brought to light concerns over noise pollution, increased traffic congestion, and safety issues that could arise. What makes our area desirable is our peaceful surroundings, and these concerts are set to disturb that peace, making summer evenings less restful and weekends more chaotic.

These events will degrade the quality of life for many in the area. Those attending the concerts might experience a few hours of entertainment, but residents pay the ongoing price of disrupted daily lives. It's a matter of balancing short-term enjoyment with long-term community wellbeing. 

The fairgrounds in Monmouth County were designed to accommodate large gatherings without causing community distress. However, Parkstage threatens to upset this balance. The anticipated noise and influx of non-local visitors WILL negatively affect our property values, an issue no homeowner wants to face.

Our call to action is simple: reassess the impact of these concerts and seek alternative venues or solutions that do not compromise our communities. There must be a way to enjoy cultural events without sacrificing the tranquility and property values in our towns. We demand the following answers to our questions from our public officials: 1) Will the concerts be limited to summer 2026 or are there plans to hold concerts every summer? 2) Will each elected official (county commissioners and local officials) sign a public pledge guaranteeing to their constituents that the concerts will be limited to summer 2026? 3) How much will these concerts cost the county as well as each township to maintain public safety and sanitation?  Will there be any county or municipal tax increases to fund these concerts?  4) How many concerts will be held each year and what hours will they run? How many people will be allowed into the concert venue and what are the parking plans?  5) Will alcohol be served at the concerts?   6) Has an environmental impact assessment been undertaken and what are the results? Have noise studies been undetaken as well? What is the radius of noise and at what decibels?  7) How will noise ordinances be observed while holding the concerts?  Will new ordinances be put in place to rescind or alter noise ordinances to accommodate the concerts? Will there be any noise mitigation efforts put into place to help protect local residents?  8)In case of an emergency, what are the plans to ensure the safety of local residents as well as concert-goers when roads will be congested?  Join us in urging local officials and concert organizers to consider our concerns seriously. Let's find a harmonious solution that allows for entertainment to coexist with the peaceful life we cherish. Sign this petition to protect our homes and our community's serenity.