Mansion Agrees to Hire Off-Duty Brick Police to Patrol Area After Hours

Clubgoers leaving the Mansion in Brick Plaza will likely see a Brick police officer on their way out of certain events, after a vote last night from the Council and a recently-held public meeting to renew the club's liquor license.

The off-duty police officer - who will be paid for by the club's owner - is meant to serve as a "deterrent" to the fighting and other issues - including a stabbing - after hours that have caught media attention in recent years, according to Council members.

The club also agreed to post additional safety security cameras inside the club.

But not all Council members were convinced. Council member Joseph Sangiovanni said the club attracts a certain "caliber of people" that could be disruptive.

He added that he had concerns about the type of "themed" events that were planned in coming weeks.

A glance at the club's calendar reveals a "Foam party" planned for June 27 and a "Sexy Legs" contest on Saturday, June 28, which promises "cash money to the sexiest legs."

Councilman Dominick Brando echoed some of Sangiovanni's reservations, noting the Mansion's proximity to an area movie theater.

"This is the summertime, and kids aren't going to the movies early, they are going later and when they get out from the movies at 11 … that's when a lot of [people are leaving the Mansion]." He added he felt that having the police officer on site is putting the "cop in jeopardy."

Councilman Dan Toth abstained from the vote. Councilmen Sangiovanni and Brando voted no on the vote, and Council people Jim Fozman, Susan Lydecker, John Ducey and Bob Moore voted in favor of the motion, with Ducey noting, "I trust the chief's recommendation." The idea to hire the off-duty police officer followed a meeting with Brick's Chief of Police, council members said.

The council also approved liquor license renewals for Quaker Steak and Lube, and:  Simko's, Joe's Crab Shack, BC Rest, Tinali wines, the Moose Lodge, and Brick Elks.