The council’s discussion on affordable housing revealed a complex situation involving negotiations with four developers for potential projects, which initially did not include affordable housing provisions. This sparked considerable debate as the borough faced the challenge of addressing its court-determined affordable housing obligations. A presentation by the redevelopment attorney underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the borough’s past non-compliance and the missed opportunities for affordable housing unit construction, which could lead to legal ramifications.

The council was engaged in amending existing redevelopment agreements to include affordable housing. The issue was compounded by three existing redevelopment agreements lacking affordable housing components and an ordinance that increased height for one of the projects. Efforts were made to remove tax exemptions and pilots from the existing agreements and to negotiate with developers to include affordable housing in their projects. The council debated the types of affordable housing units being negotiated, including the number of bedrooms and eligibility criteria, showing an understanding of the nuances involved in meeting the needs of different residents.

Residents voiced concerns about the negotiation process’s transparency and the developments’ impact on local infrastructure. Discussions also touched on the use of borough-owned properties for standalone affordable housing projects and the potential for altering the Belmar Housing Authority’s designations to address affordable housing needs. Concerns about the impact on local schools and the lack of parking for affordable housing units were raised, highlighting the broader implications of the affordable housing issue on the community.

The council considered sharing Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) revenue with the Board of Education and the county. The potential of negotiating cash contributions from developers as an alternative to building affordable housing units was also discussed.

In addition to the affordable housing discourse, the council discussed beach tent regulations. There was a proposal to modify the existing ordinance to include specific dimensions for permissible coverings, especially for babies or infants. Tents’ potential hazards and the need for clear guidelines to avoid enforcement inconsistencies were also part of the conversation.

The meeting also touched on various other local concerns. The council addressed the loss of a bathroom on the boardwalk at Third Avenue, acknowledging the need for accommodations, especially for families and seniors, and discussed possible alternative solutions. Additionally, the council responded to public comments about the lack of public bathrooms, noise disturbances from rental properties, and abandoned vehicles on the streets.

Finally, the council deliberated on regulations for outdoor dining, particularly for restaurants on Ocean Avenue, and discussed the potential impact of the PILOT program on the Board of Education and the county. Upcoming events and community updates, such as fireworks, movies on the beach, and the mayor’s bash, were mentioned, along with concerns about water conservation and the condition of local trees.