The redevelopment project on Broadway was a focal point of the meeting, with representatives from Exor Building Solutions LLC presenting their updated plans to the council. Attorney Keith Davis and architect Steve Fenwick outlined the proposal, which includes demolishing existing units to construct 25 luxury townhomes, two single-family homes on the bay, and community amenities such as a swimming pool and guest parking. The developers withdrew a previous request for a tax abatement, committing to standard rate taxation and offering $100,000 for the conveyance of a historic strip of land known as Point Avenue. This land had reverted to the city after a failed development deal and is now sought by the developers to be incorporated into their plans.

A significant aspect of the proposal is the inclusion of five affordable housing units to meet the city’s housing obligations. The council showed interest in the project’s alignment with previous approvals for a 24-unit development. However, council members raised questions about building heights, compliance with municipal regulations, and the logistics of including boat slips for each unit, which face regulatory hurdles due to marina rules.

The developers also proposed an innovative approach to public access requirements, suggesting funding an off-site public access project to benefit a nearby park, potentially satisfying city regulations while avoiding public access on private property. This idea underscored the developers’ willingness to engage with the city to find mutually beneficial solutions, promising community engagement in the process.

Meanwhile, the council tackled the ongoing issues with the city’s boat ramps, a topic that generated debate. Concerns were raised about the financial viability of the ramps, which have been operational since 2024. Despite an initial investment of approximately $152,000 and projected annual revenues of $65,000, the city has only collected $17,859 in the past year due to operational inefficiencies, including malfunctioning credit card systems. The council discussed potential solutions, such as engaging the original manufacturer for repairs or exploring new IT providers, but recognized that repairs would incur additional costs as the warranty had expired.

A proposal to introduce a permit system for trailers and boats was suggested as a means to boost revenue. Community members contributed to the conversation, offering financial analyses and advocating for fee increases to align with neighboring municipalities. Some residents proposed differentiated pricing models for residents and non-residents, and others suggested linking ramp operations to marina contracts for additional income. The council acknowledged the need to establish a clear operational season for the ramps, with some advocating for year-round permits to accommodate all recreational activities.

The meeting also covered other topics, including improvements along Shore Road funded by a grant and planned road repaving efforts on MacArthur Boulevard. The mayor announced collaboration with city and county engineers to implement these improvements, which include replacing sidewalks, enhancing crosswalks, adding safety lighting, and addressing a collapsed storm drain to mitigate flooding issues.

The council also addressed procedural matters concerning Ordinance Number Six, which required amendments and reintroduction. Confusion arose over the correct process for amending the ordinance, but the council eventually agreed to amend and introduce it for the first reading. There were updates on local projects, including the Short Road pedestrian project and ongoing construction on Ballad Drive.

Committee reports provided insight into community activities and projects, with updates from the Somers Point Arts Commission and the Recreation Committee.