The board’s consideration of the Ship Bottom Brewery’s application was comprehensive, examining the proposal to have food provided by local restaurants or food trucks within the brewery premises. This move was in response to new legislation allowing food service in breweries without on-site food preparation. The board scrutinized the logistics of the operation, including food delivery, electricity needs, potential impacts on business volume, trash disposal, and liability issues. The applicant clarified that no parking at Bay Village would be utilized, the brewery’s layout and seating would not change, and patrons could bring their own food in addition to purchasing from vendors. The representation of photographic evidence supported the discussion, allowing a vivid understanding of the brewery’s interior and the proposed vendor setup area.

A related point of contention arose over the use of a parking space at Bay Village for a food vendor. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on existing local businesses and whether the food could be prepared in a Sprinter van parked on-site. Mr. Maschal, one of the owners, voiced unease with the application, prompting the board to postpone the decision to a subsequent meeting for further discussion. Public comments highlighted the need for approval from the Long Beach Island Health Department and consideration of the impact on local businesses.

In another key issue, the board deliberated on a settlement agreement related to the application for outdoor seating at a local restaurant. Presented by James Raven, the plan proposed 42 outdoor and 28 indoor seats, featuring a 10-foot buffer with plantings along the property line. The board probed into aspects like impervious coverage and parking, with engineer James Brazowski emphasizing the community benefits of outdoor dining and available off-site parking. The detailed examination of the plan and its compliance with the settlement agreement centered on the positive and negative criteria for a special reasons variance.

Further discussions on this application scrutinized the buffer and lighting requirements, ADA-compliant walkway installation, and outdoor garbage cans, with the applicant seeking a variance for increased impervious coverage due to the walkway. Debates also focused on operational hours, outdoor music, and whether to specify details in the settlement agreement or retain flexibility. Public comments during the meeting revealed substantial support for the holiday snack bar, citing its economic and aesthetic contributions to the community. However, concerns were also voiced about neighborhood character and the legal interpretation of borough ordinances related to outdoor seating.

The board grappled with issues regarding the snack bar’s expansion plans. Finally, after a review of the evidence and public input, the board voted to approve the application for the D2 variance, allowing the operation of outdoor seating at the snack bar.