Atlantic County Debates Impact of Offshore Wind Projects

The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners’ recent meeting was marked by spirited public discourse on the potential environmental and community impacts of proposed offshore wind projects. Concerns ranged from ecological to economic repercussions, with residents urging the board to articulate a clear stance on the matter. Amid these discussions, the board also addressed several resolutions and agreements pertaining to public safety, infrastructure, and health services.

The subject that garnered attention during the meeting was the debate over the proposed offshore wind projects. Residents voiced their apprehensions regarding the environmental and visual impacts of the turbines, their effect on marine life, the tourism industry, and national security. One resident cited a report from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, arguing that the turbines’ production and maintenance contradict their purported eco-friendliness. Another brought up the potential health hazards, such as “wind turbine syndrome,” and interference with Coast Guard operations.

The board recognized these concerns and noted past resolutions opposing the wind turbine projects, but highlighted the jurisdictional limitations, pointing out the necessity for federal and state-level intervention. Discussions on the need for support or grants for potential legal action against the turbine companies surfaced, with political challenges acknowledged as a significant barrier.

In tandem with these environmental deliberations, the meeting also addressed public safety through the proposed acquisition of a second bomb dog for the Sheriff’s department. The addition aims to bolster security against threats, including those to schools and county buildings. Emphasis was placed on the importance of community safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement in the current societal climate, including the difficulties in recruiting and retaining officers.

The board proceeded with several administrative resolutions, including the adoption of New Jersey Department of Transportation contractor pre-qualification class codes for public works construction contracts over $5 million. They approved professional service agreements, an inter-local agreement with the Atlantic County Improvement Authority, and discussed amendments to existing resolutions concerning opioid epidemic innovation and COVID-19 response.

The week of April 21st to April 27th, 2024, was declared as National Crime Victims Rights Week in Atlantic County. The board acknowledged the endurance award received by the director of victim witness advocacy and discussed the upcoming victim of crime resource fair. Moreover, Commissioners participated in public service announcements for the week, with emotional support dogs mentioned as part of the activities.

Infrastructure and community welfare were also key points of discussion. The board approved an ordinance amending County code regarding alcohol use in parks, a resolution determining the form and details of General Obligation Bonds, and several grant applications, including those for coronavirus response and relief and the Local Efficiency Achievement Program. They considered contracts for environmental liability policies for county fuel storage tanks and the replacement of culverts, as well as the amendment of a contract for medical services at the County Justice Facility.

Commissioner Parker provided updates from the library committee, including HVAC and generator installations and the potential relocation of the Summer’s Point Library. The commissioner also sought clarification regarding library employees’ concerns about reduced pay due to the leap year.

The education and schools committee discussed a proposal for virtual counseling and psychiatric intervention programs in the county, with a focus on the central region. Debates ensued about the establishment of such a program, taking into account existing providers and state regulations.

Public comments brought to light additional community concerns. A member of the public questioned the allocation and distribution of opioid abatement funds and the number of clients served by Atlanticare, particularly in smaller municipalities and nonprofit organizations. Detailed responses from the board centered on a large committee’s involvement and the state’s role in fund distribution.

Finally, the Veterans Advisory Board reported on a service project at a historic cemetery, with significant participation from the community in the replacement of railings and gravestone cleaning. Updates on centralized dispatch and the resolution of infrastructure issues, such as a broken pipe, were provided, alongside ongoing studies on regional jail rehabilitation.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
County Executive:
Dennis Levinson
County Council Officials:
Maureen Kern, James A. Bertino, Frank X. Balles, June Byrnes, Ernest D. Coursey, Richard R. Dase, Amy L. Gatto, Andrew W. Parker III, John W. Risley Jr.

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording