The proposal for the police substation was further scrutinized by business owners, including Pat Agnolini and Todd Chamberlain, who raised concerns about the current location’s accessibility for emergency vehicles. Agnolini argued for a postponement of the vote on the substation contract, advocating for a previously rejected land swap proposal that could improve parking and emergency access. Chamberlain added that emergency vehicles might face congestion issues at 8th Street, emphasizing the need for a site that would not hinder police response times. Their concerns highlighted the broader community’s anxiety about public safety and the efficacy of the proposed site.

Compounding these discussions was the broader issue of communication between the council and the administration. Several council members expressed frustration over the lack of dialogue regarding the substation’s planning, with one member lamenting that the project had not been thoroughly discussed with the council despite its potential impact.

In tandem with the substation debate, the council addressed a resolution related to a property swap involving Border Park, an amusement park. Concerns were raised about the lack of detailed communication and the potential implications for the community. One council member noted that the project had been abruptly brought to their attention, highlighting the need for earlier and more discussions. The administration had concluded that the swap was not beneficial to taxpayers, based on a parking analysis, but the lack of dialogue left some council members seeking further clarification.

The session also touched upon a controversial commercial marina project in a residential lagoon, which had already received approval from the Department of Environmental Protection. Resident Bob Helier voiced concerns about the project’s approval process, noting that it seemed to bypass local regulations. He pointed out that demolition work had commenced without apparent local consent, raising questions about the transparency and adherence to zoning laws. Betty Heller, another resident, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of local approvals for developments and the impact on residential communities.

The mayor informed attendees of extensive documentation available online, as well as deadlines for public comments. This issue, along with the potential need for properties to comply with new height regulations before sale, underscored the challenges local homeowners might face in the near future.