Belmar Council Plans Historical Boardwalk Signs and Addresses Community Concerns

Overview: The Belmar Borough Council’s recent meeting highlighted the community’s dedication to historical preservation and local engagement as discussions centered on the introduction of historical signs along the boardwalk and addressed various community initiatives and administrative matters. A presentation by the Belmar Historical Society proposed the installation of historical signs with QR codes linking to further information, a plan that received a positive response from council members. The meeting also touched on updates from the Belmar Environmental Commission, Harbor Commission activities, and progress reports from the Belmary Housing Authority and Belmar Library.

Asbury Park School Board Grapples with Budget and Charter School Funding

Overview: The Asbury Park School Board meeting centered around the challenges of the district’s budget, significant funding allocated to charter schools, and the associated impact on the district’s ability to provide services. Financial discussions took precedence, with debates arising over the allocation of funds, state aid reductions, and the pursuit of additional revenue sources. Community members, while appreciating the return of $1.8 million in state aid, expressed concerns over the distribution of these funds, especially with $950,000 being allocated to charter schools. The debate intensified with discussions on the accuracy of incident reporting in schools, the appointment of positions, and the formation of committees to address attendance and special education needs.

Belmar Library Board Addresses Noise Complaints Amid Community Events

Overview: The most recent meeting of the Belmar Library Board of Trustees addressed community concerns, most notably the noise complaints resulting from concerts held at the library. The discussion surrounding the concerts’ noise levels took precedence, with multiple residents raising issues about the potential violation of state law and local ordinances. The board considered implementing the use of a decibel meter to ensure compliance with noise regulations and to possibly reconsider the scheduling of future events if legal limits are exceeded. The president of the board agreed to seek legal counsel on the matter to respond appropriately to the community’s concerns.

Belmar Borough Council Discusses Budget and Community Development

Overview: During the recent Belmar Borough Council meeting, the most pressing topic of discussion was the 2024 budget, which included a municipal tax rate increase and community development plans. The budget, structured to stay within state-mandated caps, addressed various challenges and financial considerations faced by the borough.

Belmar Housing Authority Approves Cost-Saving Measures for Elevator, Building Repairs

Overview: The Belmar Housing Authority meeting resulted in the approval of two resolutions aimed at reducing costs and improving local housing infrastructure. The first resolution authorized the re-tendering of building S repairs with revised specifications expected to be more cost-effective. The second resolution approved an elevator change order, which decreased the contract by $10,000 as the interior work will be completed by a different company for less cost. The discussions also included the status of ongoing projects, such as the near completion of an elevator upgrade and the occupancy of all housing units.