ASBURY PARK - The city is exploring purchasing development rights to a half-acre stretch of land along the North End that would halt a plan from master waterfront developer iStar to build 15 townhomes.

The stretch of property is commonly referred to as Bradley Cove.

Earlier this year the city voted to authorize $19 million in bonds for possible renovations on the North End beachfront area and initial money for purchasing the development rights for Bradley Cove.

But any deal will not happen until an appraisal process has finished. City Manager Michael Capabianco said Asbury Park is working with Jeffrey Otteau , of the Otteau Group Inc., paying the firm about $20,000 for the appraisal work.

If the land development rights are purchased from iStar, the city hasn't signaled what it would do with the property.

"We’re hoping that we can work with iStar in preserving this piece of land," said Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn. "I think we’re really open to more input from the community as to what they see this area being."

iStar officials could not be reached immediately for comment on Thursday.

The city's interest in purchasing the development rights was praised by Save Asbury's Waterfront, a citizen-led group that has been vocal in advocating for preserving open space along the city's coastline.

"To me, it seems that this could set a precedent for coastal communities’ ability to conserve open public space, to use beach badge revenue for conservation purposes. I can’t think of a better use of badge revenue — conservation lasts forever, and this return on investment will span generations," said Kathleen Mumma, with the Save Asbury's Waterfront group, in an email to the Asbury Park Press.

Mumma said the group would like to see the property converted into a public oceanfront park.

For more news on Asbury Park development consider a subscription to the Asbury Park Press.

Austin Bogues abogues@gannettnj.com; 732-643-4009