Above: The Rev. Gil Caldwell reflects on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

ASBURY PARK - The management team for Sackman Enterprises said a misunderstanding was to blame for the controversy that erupted earlier this week over signage at Rebel Supply Co. that sent an anti-KKK message.

The store, located on Cookman Avenue, had displayed a painted window sign with the words "No Hate, No KKK, No Fascist USA," for a few years after anti-Semitic and racist flyers were posted by a hate group in Asbury Park.

Earlier this week, the shop said in a Facebook page post it had been instructed by its landlord to have the sign removed.

More:Anti-Semitic and racist flyers posted in Asbury Park

Afterward, the shop started to display T-shirts with the same slogan written prominently at its storefront.

By Wednesday, shop owner Casey McDonald said she was told by the building's management team that the sign could stay. McDonald said it was "unexpected" how much support she received from the community. "We're happy it can stay up," McDonald said.

In an email forwarded to the Press, Sackman Management said it sent out a notice to all of its tenants two weeks ago advising them of "house rules" to ensure safety and that property was kept clean.

[ Find out what else is happening in Asbury Park. Make sure you don't miss a thing by buying a digital subscription to APP.com and downloading our mobile app today. ]

Sackman Enterprises and its associated entities own and manage a number of commercial and residential properties in Asbury Park. "We are aware this caused tension and confusion, especially pertaining to commercial tenants, as many of the items did not apply," the email said.

More:Cars vandalized with swastikas, racial slurs in Ocean Grove

It outlines what the management team said are the current rules for tenants:

"Residential tenants cannot have signage in windows, as they distract from the historical significance and beauty of the buildings. Commercial tenants may have signage as long as they abide by city ordinances and get management approval. We apologize that these efforts were miscommunicated and caused tension. Sackman, as a company, does not support discrimination of any kind and hopes to be an ally to our local arts community."

[ The trusted place to find the best home service providers. Find local pros. ]

Austin Bogues spotlights the changing development scene in Asbury Park and Neptune Township. He can be reached at 732-643-4009; or abogues@app.com. Consider supporting local journalism by purchasing a subscription to the Asbury Park Press.