The council unanimously approved a resolution that recognized and thanked school crossing guard Lynn Cade Moore for her 26 years of service. The resolution underscored the vital role crossing guards play in ensuring the safety of children and acknowledged Moore’s dedication and cheerful nature, which will be missed by the community. Council members expressed gratitude, with one member emphasizing the significant responsibility of the role and another sharing personal experiences with crossing guards during their children’s schooling.

Following this, a detailed presentation by Richard Huff, representing several LLCs involved in the new redevelopment project at Bay and Maryland Avenue, was introduced. Huff outlined a proposal to develop 24 single-family homes, including eight affordable units, on the site. This proposal is an update to a previous plan for a paddle club approved in 2022, which included three affordable housing units. The new plan aims to increase the total number of units and better meet the city’s affordable housing requirements.

Huff explained that the proposed ratio of affordable to market-rate units meets the city’s standards and that the plan had been discussed with the Fair Share Housing Center and the city’s affordable housing council to ensure compliance. The redevelopment plan is seen as a consolidation of existing parcels, allowing for a more comprehensive development approach. Huff noted that while the previous zoning allowed for a higher residential density, the new plan would result in lower density than permitted, which was seen as beneficial.

The council discussed the ongoing relevance of the original settlement agreement related to the redevelopment, with concerns about whether the new plan would replace the previous designation. Huff clarified that the new plan would serve as an overlay, allowing additional development options while maintaining the existing redevelopment designation.

Public comments brought attention to concerns regarding eviction notices received by residents of High Bank Apartments, which is linked to the redevelopment discussions. A representative from the Historical Preservation Commission voiced the community’s worries, stating, “We all received eviction notices… we were told that we need to be out by the end of the year.” The representative urged the council to intervene and consider the residents’ situation, questioning the necessity of evicting them before finalizing construction plans. Another resident echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for environmental studies and questioning the urgency of the evictions.

The council transitioned to other business, including the approval of various resolutions. Resolution number 223, which involved canceling Homestead benefit balances due to 100% exempt status, was adopted without opposition. Resolution number 224 authorized the purchase of playground equipment through a cooperative purchasing program, with an amendment to reflect the updated amount of $81,820, including demolition costs. This resolution was also adopted after brief discussion on the project timeline, with expectations for completion possibly before the end of the year.

Other resolutions included the authorization of an executive session for negotiations between the PBA Patrol and dispatch and the city (Resolution number 225) and addressing litigation involving the city’s planning board and a restaurant entity (Resolution number 227). Both were adopted without dissent. Resolution number 228, which involved a short-term tax exemption application for Sunset Avenue Redevelopment LLC, was also unanimously approved. Additionally, Resolution number 230 awarded a contract for vehicle exhaust removal systems for the two fire companies in Somers Point, a budgeted item aimed at improving safety for volunteer firefighters.

The mayor made several public announcements, including information about Shore Medical’s free flu clinic scheduled for October 12 and a nerve pain educational breakfast on October 3. He expressed gratitude to community members and organizations for their involvement in recent events, including the successful P Mia ceremony held on September 20. The mayor also highlighted the Run for the Fallen event occurring the next morning, emphasizing its significance in honoring local service members and inviting community participation at Patriots Park.

Reports from the Atlantic County Health Department about a positive West Nile virus case prompted a reminder to the public about mosquito control measures. Residents were urged to eliminate standing water around their properties to mitigate risks. The mayor also corrected a date listed in tax bills concerning the town’s Christmas parade, clarifying that it would occur on December 7, a Saturday, rather than December 6, for better attendance and logistical arrangements.

Inquiries during the meeting included the paving schedule for New Jersey Avenue, with plans expected to go out for bids in October and construction likely commencing in late spring. Discussions also covered the ongoing phase one bidding for Ballad Drive. A suggestion to establish a buildings and grounds subcommittee was proposed, aiming to evaluate city properties and form a strategic management plan, with interest expressed by multiple council members.