0:00A significant portion of the meeting centered around Bradley Beach’s approach to affordable housing. The borough planner, Jen Beam, provided an overview of the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) assigned numbers, confirming that Bradley Beach must accommodate 138 affordable housing units. However, due to limited developable land, the borough is eligible for a vacant land adjustment, reducing its obligation to approximately 13 new units. This adjustment sparked discussions about the borough’s strategic response to housing obligations, including the potential for rehabilitation programs targeting 64 units.

The council and attendees deliberated on the complexities of the borough’s housing plan, which includes both new construction and rehabilitation. The administration intends to work with Monmouth County to manage a rehabilitation program that allocates funds for low-income households to address housing deficiencies. A key challenge identified was the high property values in Bradley Beach, which may limit the number of feasible rehabilitation projects. Questions from the public focused on ensuring the program’s effectiveness and compliance with statutory requirements.

In public comments, residents raised concerns about the borough’s approach to affordable housing, emphasizing the need for transparency and community involvement in policy development. The council was urged to present a comprehensive housing plan for community review before state submission.

1:02:13Financial oversight within the borough emerged as another pressing topic. Resident Beth Kepler critiqued the transition from the Bradley Beach Chamber of Commerce to the Bradley Beach Business Community Alliance (BBCA), citing potential conflicts of interest and inadequate financial management. Kepler highlighted several audits that revealed material misstatements, raising concerns about the borough’s financial practices, including the handling of federal COVID funds. She called for increased transparency and accountability.

1:40:40An agreement with Neptune City was highlighted, allowing shared access to recreation services and facilities, which is expected to benefit both communities. The council also approved the acquisition of two small electric vehicles for the police department, which will be equipped with license plate readers to improve parking enforcement and operational efficiency.

1:02:13A discussion unfolded over the criteria for recognizing fallen heroes in Bradley Beach. Participants discussed the existing memorials and proposed criteria for future recognitions, emphasizing the need for inclusive definitions that honor service members who died both in combat and during domestic deployments. The council acknowledged the importance of formalizing these criteria to ensure fair and consistent recognition of those who served.

The meeting concluded with discussions on community events and infrastructure projects. The Bradley Beach Jazz Festival was praised for its successful turnout and positive impact on local businesses, despite weather challenges. Additionally, plans for a “road diet” on Memorial Drive were introduced.