A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the proposed regulations concerning the installation of communication poles, particularly those related to 5G technology. The council aimed to establish strong controls over where these poles could be placed, with a specific intent to keep them off Ocean Avenue. One council member expressed the legal challenges of overly restrictive regulations, noting that “we can’t say it’s not going to be on any street because the Court’s not going to hold that up.” The necessity of placing poles closer together for 5G coverage compared to 4G, which allows for more distant installations, was highlighted as a key issue.

Concerns were raised about the fairness of prioritizing certain properties for preservation. An attendee questioned why Ocean Avenue would receive special consideration and suggested that any telecommunications carrier should require borough permission before placing a pole in front of a residence.

Another council member highlighted that other municipalities have designated specific locations for these poles, such as schools or municipal buildings, which Belmar lacks. The long-term implications of future technological advancements like 6G and 7G were also discussed.

The debate touched on the ordinance stipulating a 50-foot buffer from Ocean Avenue for pole placement. An attendee questioned this distance, pointing out that homes within this range could still be affected. It was clarified that the guideline was based on existing utility infrastructure, which typically had poles set back from the street. However, there was frustration over the potential for poles to intrude on residential views and property lines.

The potential for litigation with Verizon over pole placement was a concern. Prior agreements had created a legal landscape where the borough might struggle to contest Verizon’s actions, leading to potentially expensive legal battles. The council discussed the possibility of a united approach with the county to yield better results for residents.

The meeting also addressed the current ordinance on parking regulations, prompted by complaints about non-functioning vehicles left on streets for extended periods. A resident proposed a 30-day cutoff for street-parked vehicles, which received general agreement among council members. The Chief of Police confirmed that enforcement is handled on a case-by-case basis, particularly when a vehicle has valid registration. Concerns were raised about the practicality of a 30-day limit, considering some residents may leave their vehicles parked while traveling for extended periods.

Discussions also emerged regarding Ordinance 19-16, which pertains to the parking of certain trucks and vehicles. The ordinance does not explicitly categorize vehicles as commercial but addresses vehicles with six or more wheels. Participants expressed curiosity about public sentiment and suggested that vehicles with commercial registrations or advertising should not be allowed to park on the street overnight.

In a separate discussion, a letter was drafted to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) requesting an expedited construction timeline for a crosswalk near Main Street, originally estimated for completion in 2027. The urgency was framed around safety concerns for residents of the Housing Authority.

Reports on various community activities followed, including recognition for the San Gennaro Festival, which drew positive feedback for its organization and impact on local businesses. The town garage sale and reminders to clear out beach lockers by mid-September were also noted. The beach season’s conclusion was acknowledged, with commendations for lifeguards and beach staff.

The Belmar Housing Authority announced a memorial ceremony for September 11, honoring 9/11 victims. Additionally, the Jersey Shore Running Club planned its annual 9/11 Memorial Run, inviting community participation.

The meeting included the introduction and approval of several ordinances. Ordinance 20241 17, a bond ordinance for various capital improvements, was adopted following a public hearing. Ordinance 20248, amending Chapter 43 regarding small wireless facilities in the right-of-way, was also discussed. Eugene Creamer from 4th Avenue raised concerns about the ordinance’s applicability, particularly regarding Ocean Avenue.

Public comments included concerns about beach badge revenue, noise enforcement related to designated “Animal Houses,” and beach access policies. Linda Shus from Fourth Avenue compared current beach badge revenue figures to previous years, highlighting a significant increase. Sarah Tantillo called for stricter enforcement of noise complaints, proposing automatic tickets for designated Animal Houses. Neil Sha argued for making beaches free to access.