A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to public commentary on the proposed changes to workforce housing regulations. Jules Roush, a resident of New York Avenue, voiced strong concerns about the potential implications of converting properties in the C1 district into workforce housing. Roush highlighted the lack of a planning board study to assess the impact of these changes on the community, particularly in terms of increased population and parking challenges. He emphasized that approximately 55 buildings in the mall area could potentially be converted to around 33 apartments, increasing the local population without additional parking provisions. Roush criticized the rush to implement these changes, arguing they were arbitrary and could exacerbate existing issues in densely populated areas. He also raised questions about the proposed definition of workforce housing. Roush expressed concern that the changes could benefit commercial interests and property owners more than address the city’s workforce housing needs.

The financial dynamics of police services between Cape May and West Cape May were another focal point of the meeting. Stacy Shan questioned the council about the contract for police services between the two municipalities, highlighting the financial disparity in contributions. She pointed out that West Cape May taxpayers contribute approximately $550,000 for police services, while Cape May’s taxpayers face a larger burden, estimated between $3.4 to $4 million, excluding the costs for the new police building. Shan urged the council to consider these disparities in future shared service agreements, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution of costs.

In terms of city projects, the council addressed a resolution authorizing a work order for Atlantic City Electric to relocate electric poles and overhead lines for a new police station. The city manager announced that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection granted a permit for the construction of a new water plant. However, a CAFRA permit is still pending.

The meeting also included updates from the City Manager regarding the closure of the current dog park to make way for the new police station headquarters. The new dog park is nearly ready, but its opening is delayed due to issues with the fence height. Additionally, the council was informed about upcoming budget hearings scheduled for November 13 and 14, as well as an anticipated recycling update in the next meeting.

In the realm of ordinances, the council discussed Ordinance 580-2025, aimed at updating the uniform salary and classification plan for city personnel. Although there was a consensus to table the ordinance for further discussion, it was decided that a public hearing would proceed, as previously advertised. No public comments were made on this ordinance, and the council moved to table it indefinitely.

During the consent agenda proceedings, Council Member Meyer abstained from approving the regular meeting minutes dated October 7. A motion to approve the rest of the consent agenda passed, with Meyer’s abstention noted. The council also approved Resolution 312-11 2022, involving a special item of revenue for Cape May County Open Space for Harborview Park.