Brielle School Board Debates Affordable Housing Amidst Community Concerns and Legal Challenges

Overview: The Brielle School Board meeting featured a discussion on the borough’s affordable housing obligations, plans for future development, and the legal challenges surrounding these issues. Key topics included the implications of the Fair Housing Act amendments, the borough’s strategies to meet affordable housing requirements, and community opposition to certain development proposals.

Long Branch Residents Criticize City Council Over Taxation and Parking Challenges

Overview: At the March 26, 2025, Long Branch City Council meeting, residents voiced strong dissatisfaction with local taxation policies and parking issues, expressing a need for more effective governance.

Belmar Borough Council Addresses Affordable Housing Compliance Amid Potential Lawsuits

Overview: During a recent Belmar Borough Council meeting, attention was given to the borough’s ongoing efforts to meet its affordable housing obligations, with detailed presentations outlining potential legal consequences for non-compliance. Attorney Francancy McMahon and planner Christine Bell led a discussion on the borough’s affordable housing status, which has been a point of contention due to past inaction. The borough has faced mounting pressure to comply with the Mount Laurel doctrine, a constitutional obligation requiring municipalities to provide affordable housing. Over the past decade, Belmar has accrued a backlog of units that need to be constructed, and recent large-scale developments have failed to incorporate affordable housing, thus exposing the borough to builder’s remedy lawsuits.

Fair Haven Historic Preservation Commission Approves Awnings on River Road, Debates Window Uniformity and Bicentennial Hall Colors.

Overview: The Fair Haven Historic Preservation Commission recently convened to address several applications and discussions, with a focus on the approval of new awnings and signage for a property on River Road, the aesthetic uniformity of window replacements for a residence on Nor Avenue, and the historical accuracy in color selection for the Bicentennial Hall community center.

Holmdel Town Council Approves Potter Farm Acquisition Amid Public Debate

Overview: The Holmdel Town Council meeting was highlighted by the unanimous approval of the acquisition of the Potter Farm property, a decision that generated public interest and debate. The council passed a bond ordinance appropriating $4.5 million for the purchase, sparking discussions about its future use and preservation as open space.