The council commenced by addressing infrastructure updates important to the borough’s development. The presentation highlighted the necessity of upgrading the town’s aging water, sanitary, and storm sewer systems. Many of these systems have not seen substantial improvements since 2011. Of particular concern were the inflow and infiltration (INI) issues in the sanitary sewer system, which increase costs by overloading the regional sewer authority with excessive flow, especially during heavy rainfall. The discussion noted that some water mains, over 50 years old, require replacement, with lead and galvanized service lines mandated for replacement by 2031 under state regulations. A past rainfall event in May 2018, which resulted in a significant surge in sewage flow, underscored these issues.

As part of ongoing infrastructure efforts, several completed projects were noted. These included electrical service replacements at the Belmont Marina, a new fuel dock, ADA-accessible improvements at Piano Plaza funded through a community development block grant, and the completion of the Lake Ko walking trail. Presently, the borough is focusing on projects funded by a New Jersey Department of Transportation grant, which cover areas from Fifth and Main to Sea Street, involving upgrades to sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water mains, and road paving. Future projects include pedestrian safety enhancements and the lining of a problematic sewer line from Main Street to Ocean Avenue, notorious for INI issues.

During the public comment session, residents expressed various concerns, notably about the handling of lead lines and the aesthetic and health impacts of above-ground electric and communication lines. While the borough has an ordinance requiring new construction to include underground lines, existing infrastructure falls under utility companies’ jurisdiction, preventing the borough from mandating changes. Residents were assured of a program funded by the I-Bank that provides for the replacement of lead service lines at no cost to homeowners.

The council also addressed the upcoming Main Street Bridge closure, expected from October 14, 2025, to February 27, 2026, with the expectation of reopening in time for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Community projects were also discussed, such as a $1.5 million grant for a 16th Avenue bathroom facility and the installation of new boardwalk railings by year-end.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a new ordinance related to affordable housing. The ordinance, which introduces a mandatory set-aside requirement for affordable housing, drew concerns from residents about its language and application. One resident, Eugene Kramer, questioned whether the ordinance would allow developers to avoid affordable housing commitments if their projects only required approval from the zoning board of adjustment. The ordinance, designed to clarify the obligations of developers in providing affordable housing, faced scrutiny over its wording and applicability, particularly concerning the zoning board’s role.

Another resident, Jean Kramer, raised questions about the varying affordable housing requirements for different projects, citing a specific project with a lower set-aside percentage. The council clarified that previous settlement agreements would not be impacted by the new ordinance, which sets a 20% affordable housing requirement for future projects with five or more units.

The council acknowledged the need for clearer language and potential amendments to include both the planning board and the zoning board in the ordinance. A typographical error in the ordinance was also noted, referencing the Borough of Allenhurst instead of Belmar, which a resident highlighted as diminishing the ordinance’s seriousness.

Public comments also touched on community enhancements, such as the installation of year-round public bathrooms and proposals for new dog parks, reflecting ongoing efforts to engage and improve the quality of life for Belmar residents.