Belmar Council Considers Local Control Over Small Cell Installations Amid Zoning Concerns

Overview: At the recent Belmar Borough Council meeting, attention was directed towards the local zoning and land use regulations, with a particular focus on small cell installations. Concerns were voiced that these regulatory oversteps have adverse effects on property values and prioritize commercial interests over community needs, as companies acquire land at below-market value due to outdated land regulations. The speaker advocated for the removal of rigid approval timelines, emphasizing the importance of restoring local government discretion to better serve the community’s interests. The ongoing county lawsuit related to these issues was also mentioned, with the council expressing hope for a favorable outcome that could benefit Belmar residents.

Belmar Secures $454,000 Grant for Community Beautification Project

Overview: The Belmar Borough Council meeting focused on developments in local environmental initiatives, including the securing of a $454,000 grant from New Jersey Transit aimed at community beautification projects involving tree planting. This funding aligns with broader efforts by the Shade Tree Commission to enhance the town’s green spaces and address ongoing challenges related to tree management and environmental conservation.

Belmar Borough Council Faces Budget Amendments Amid Rising Costs and Community Concerns

Overview: The recent Belmar Borough Council meeting primarily focused on amendments to the 2025 budget, addressing a compliance glitch and rising costs in health insurance and other expenditures. The session also featured public discussions on tree planting decisions, beach fees, and community events. Several proclamations marked May as a month of recognition for public service and building safety.

Belmar Council Grapples with Development Challenges and Public Parking Concerns

Overview: During the latest Belmar Borough Council meeting, discussions unfolded around redevelopment projects and their impact on public infrastructure, particularly parking. Residents voiced concerns about the borough’s development strategies, focusing on the need for adequate parking facilities amidst ongoing and future projects. A notable highlight was the introduction of ordinance 20258, which amends the Seaport redevelopment area plans. This ordinance has sparked debate about the lack of affordable housing and sufficient parking provisions in new developments.

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.