ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Longtime Asbury Park resident and Planning Board member Dan Sciannameo has announced his candidacy for mayor, pledging to challenge what he describes as years of unchecked development, rising property taxes, and a lack of accountability at City Hall.
Sciannameo, a professional real estate appraiser who has served on the Asbury Park Planning Board since 2022, formally entered the race Thursday, positioning himself as a candidate focused on “taking Asbury Park back so it works for everyone.”
“The people of Asbury Park want change,” Sciannameo said. “They want a mayor who is unafraid to stand up for them and fight for a fair and better deal for all Asbury Park residents.”
Campaign focuses on taxes, redevelopment and boardwalk preservation
Sciannameo said escalating property taxes and redevelopment policies will be central issues in his campaign.
“Have you opened your tax bill? Taxes are through the roof and people have had it,” he said. “While developers line their pockets, get big tax breaks, we foot the bill, and the boardwalk buildings they own crumble to the ground.”
His campaign also highlights concerns over the condition of Asbury Park’s historic boardwalk structures, including Convention Hall and the Casino, which have become the focus of public meetings and preservation efforts in recent months.
Sciannameo has been one of the more vocal Planning Board members regarding redevelopment issues. His campaign noted that Asbury Partners previously sought his recusal from votes involving its development applications after he publicly criticized aspects of the city’s redevelopment process.
During one Planning Board meeting, Sciannameo remarked that certain developers “should not even get a cup of coffee in our city.”
Key Points
- Dan Sciannameo has announced his candidacy for mayor of Asbury Park.
- His campaign focuses on property taxes, redevelopment policies, transparency, and preservation of historic boardwalk buildings.
- Sciannameo has served on the Asbury Park Planning Board since 2022 and is a longtime real estate appraiser.
Calls for greater transparency
The candidate said he wants to improve transparency in city government while working more closely with the school district and other levels of government to address affordability.
“We are one Asbury Park, no matter what neighborhood we’re talking about,” Sciannameo said. “Any progress we make must lift all boats and improve the lives of everyone who lives here.”
He also called the upcoming mayoral election “one of the most important and consequential elections in recent memory for Asbury Park.”
Sciannameo concluded his announcement by asking voters seeking change to support his campaign in November.
“It’s time for a fresh start. I’m asking you to vote for CHANGE this November,” he said.
Additional information about the campaign is available at dan4asburymayor.com.
FAQ
Who is Dan Sciannameo?
He is a longtime Asbury Park resident, professional real estate appraiser, and member of the Asbury Park Planning Board.
Why is he running for mayor?
Sciannameo says he is running to address rising taxes, redevelopment policies, government transparency, and the preservation of the city’s historic landmarks.
What are his top campaign priorities?
Lowering the tax burden, increasing accountability, protecting historic boardwalk buildings, and ensuring redevelopment benefits all neighborhoods.
What is his campaign slogan?
His campaign is centered on “Taking Asbury Park Back.”
Where can residents learn more?
Information is available at dan4asburymayor.com.
Source: Dan Sciannameo for Mayor campaign announcement, August 13, 2026
