Belmar Zoning Board Approves Key Variances Amid Concerns Over Zoning Compliance and Safety

Overview: The Belmar Zoning Board’s recent meeting tackled multiple applications, focusing on zoning compliance, safety, and community integration. Among the discussions, the board approved variances for a garage-to-pool house conversion, deliberated over a complex residential addition with FAR concerns, and navigated the intricacies of a proposed expansive dwelling height.

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.

Wall School Board Recognizes Mock Trial Coach and Debates Parental Rights on Policy 5756

Overview: The Wall Township Board of Education meeting on March 18, 2025, was marked by student accolades and discussions on parental rights. Students from Wall High School’s Mock Trial team celebrated their coach for his contributions, while a parent stirred debate over the district’s policy on student confidentiality regarding transgender status.

Lake Como Borough Council Debates 5G Tower Ordinance to Retain Local Control

Overview: The Lake Como Borough Council convened to deliberate crucial matters, focusing on a proposed ordinance governing 5G tower installations, a shared service agreement for emergency medical services, and public concerns over tax rates.

Belmar School Board Faces Financial Challenges Amid Declining Enrollment and Rising Costs

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Belmar School Board focused on financial challenges, emphasizing declining enrollment and rising costs, notably in student tuition revenue and healthcare expenses. The board discussed a 3.69% tax levy increase and a significant 14% projected rise in healthcare costs, highlighting the district’s efforts to balance its budget while remaining below the state’s adequacy standard.