A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the ongoing beach replenishment efforts. Mayor Jay Gillian emphasized the critical nature of maintaining the beaches, which play a vital role in the local economy. The council is collaborating with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers to address beach erosion and explore options for sand replenishment. A request has been made to Governor Murphy to declare a state of emergency, potentially unlocking federal funding necessary for hydraulic beach replenishment. This measure, while costly, is deemed essential for preparing the beaches for the upcoming summer season. Negative perceptions of beach conditions, fueled by social media, pose a risk to tourism, prompting the mayor to stress the importance of positive and proactive communication about ongoing efforts to improve the beaches.

During the meeting, George, a speaker, elaborated on the beach replenishment plans, noting that sand was being sourced from the northern beaches to address areas most in need. The challenges of maintaining beach conditions, particularly after storms, were acknowledged, and the importance of being prepared for future seasons was underscored.

The debate surrounding the proposed development of a large hotel at the Wonderland site elicited strong opinions from those in attendance. Some merchant associations and business owners argued that the hotel would benefit the north end of the boardwalk and bolster local businesses. However, a speaker from Beachwatch criticized these claims, pointing out the absence of an economic impact study or professional planning reports to substantiate the economic benefits. They emphasized that the proposed hotel does not conform to existing zoning ordinances and urged the council to approach future development with transparency and community input.

Robert Leven, representing the Nor Eastern Condominium Association, shifted the focus from economic benefits to safety concerns. He recounted past pedestrian accidents on Bay Avenue and urged the council to enhance safety measures, particularly concerning no-wake zones. Leven proposed installing pilings with no-wake signs and solar-powered lights to improve safety for residents and visitors. While acknowledging the police force’s efforts, he insisted on the necessity of more proactive measures to prevent future accidents.

Susan Crackavanner, another speaker, criticized the handling of the Wonderland project, describing it as a “saga of broken promises.” She accused council members of failing to fulfill commitments regarding the construction of an amusement park and highlighted the emotional toll on residents who would be directly affected by the hotel’s construction. Crackavanner expressed frustration with the perceived lack of transparency in negotiations and condemned the council’s failure to address derogatory comments made in prior meetings. She emphasized that such actions undermine public trust and warned of potential legal ramifications for the city.

In addition to beach replenishment and the Wonderland site development, the council addressed several proposed ordinances. Ordinance 2514, which amends regulations concerning curb openings and parking, was discussed and found consistent with the master plan by the planning board. Amendments were proposed to clarify the approval process for such applications by both the planning board and zoning board. Ordinance 2515, which involves adopting a redevelopment plan and amending the zoning map for the Sea Spray property, also received attention. It was noted that the ordinance would change the zoning to permit development and establish a new zone, potentially named the Gateway Redevelopment Zone. The final ordinance, 2516, authorizes the city to acquire two lots classified as wetlands, with the owners expressing a desire to donate the property to the city.

The meeting also included a discussion on preserving marshland properties along West Avenue. Council members unanimously expressed the importance of maintaining these areas, acknowledging their environmental significance. A council member remarked, “I think anything we can do to preserve that’s a wonderful thing,” highlighting a unified stance on environmental preservation.

The consent agenda saw the approval of several resolutions, including a payment claim that one council member abstained from due to a conflict of interest. Concerns were raised regarding the procedural integrity of a reappointment to the zoning board of adjustment. A council member noted that the established procedures, including advertising for vacancies and conducting interviews, had not been followed. This led to a proposal to revise the ordinance to streamline the reappointment process, ultimately resulting in the tabling of the current resolution.