A significant portion of the meeting focused on the contamination cleanup efforts on Main Street. The council revealed that soil removal had begun due to contamination, but further testing identified deeper and more extensive contamination than initially expected. The Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) is now tasked with assessing the full extent of the contamination using a Geo probe method. The council emphasized that while a long-term remediation plan is still in development, the immediate goal is to clean up the site to ensure community safety.

Community beautification was another major topic, with residents voicing dissatisfaction about the lack of landscaping around new single-family homes and the unsightly condition of River Road. Sylvia Wolf, a resident, highlighted the neglected appearance of the area, citing overgrown grass, litter, and a crooked “Welcome to Belmar” sign. Wolf’s comments were echoed by other residents who stressed the importance of maintaining the town’s aesthetics to preserve property values. The council acknowledged these concerns and discussed the potential for increased coordination with the Department of Public Works for more frequent cleanups. They also mentioned the complexities involved with maintaining state-owned properties like those along River Road, which often experience delays in maintenance.

In addition to the beautification concerns, safety issues were raised, particularly regarding poor lighting at certain intersections. Residents pointed out that inadequate lighting and speeding vehicles have led to accidents, prompting calls for improved infrastructure. The council acknowledged these issues and promised to continue advocating for better maintenance and safety measures in coordination with state authorities. They noted that previous commitments from the state regarding infrastructure improvements had not yet been fulfilled.

During the meeting, updates were provided on various community initiatives. A proclamation was introduced designating October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings for women aged 40 and up. Council members also shared that Belmar had achieved a bronze level certification from Sustainable Jersey, recognizing the completion of 20 actions across 10 categories. Additionally, updates were given on the harbor project, with a bid opening scheduled for October 16, and multiple companies expressing interest.

In other community news, the council discussed upcoming local events, including a scarecrow contest for businesses and a Fall Festival organized by the Chamber of Commerce. A fundraiser for the softball field project was highlighted, which successfully raised around $21,000, with a resident offering to match donations up to $50,000. The event saw participation from 22 teams, with winners receiving local business-sponsored prizes.

The meeting also touched on library developments, such as emergency chimney repairs and upcoming events, including a live animal series and a book fair. Furthermore, the council mentioned the ongoing Housing Authority’s efforts to secure a Community Fund Grant application from HUD for facade repairs, along with reminders about upcoming deadlines for military and Veteran Banner program applications.