Jane Hunnewell

The Planning Board meeting included several key actions. The Board approved a resolution establishing the 2026 meeting dates, subsequently voting to change the September 2026 meeting date to September 28th due to a conflict with a Jewish holiday. The Board unanimously approved the application for Hot Bagels at 703 Belmar Plaza, with a condition regarding necessary permits. The Board also unanimously approved a resolution adopting the Municipal Public Access Plan (MPAP) as an element of the Master Plan, following four years of work with NJDEP. Furthermore, the Board determined that the amendment to the Seaport Redevelopment Plan for specific block/lot numbers, which includes 38 market rate and 10 affordable housing units, is consistent with the Master Plan. Finally, discussions were held regarding a draft amendment to the Sign Ordinance, specifically concerning sign size provisions and potential discretion for the Sign Committee.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence for troops, first responders, and their families. Key agenda items included the swearing-in of Councilman Mike DeBlasio and Councilman Kevin Moroney to their Oaths of Office, nominations for Council President, and mayoral appointments to the Local Emergency Planning Committee and various Boards, Commissions, and Committees. The Consent Agenda involved the passage of numerous resolutions covering various administrative and fiscal actions, such as authorizing bill payments, adopting a temporary budget for 2026, appointing municipal professionals (including public advocate, risk manager, ADA coordinator, fire official, municipal prosecutor, engineer, auditor, and labor attorney), establishing paid parking areas, authorizing fund investment, setting interest rates for delinquent water/sewer charges and taxes, authorizing 2026 wage increases, designating official newspapers, and adopting a cash management plan.

The meeting addressed various applications, including a second-floor addition to a single-family home with discussions on variances for side yard setback, lot size, and building coverage. Another application involved building an addition to create additional living space with a handicapped-accessible bathroom, requiring relief for building and impervious coverage. The final application focused on improvements to a three-family home, including the removal of a deck and construction of a new porch and deck, with discussions on reducing impervious coverage and concerns about parking.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment convened to discuss several applications. The board reviewed an application for Steven & Daryl Levy, concerning renovations and additions to their property, including variances for setbacks and lot coverage. Another application was for Robert Guiliani, regarding the location of A/C condensers, pool equipment, and generators with a setback issue. The board also entered an executive session to discuss potential litigation.

The resolutions authorize refunds, approve payment of bills, and incorporate the Municipal Public Access Plan into the municipal master plan. The Municipal Public Access Plan was reviewed and approved, recognizing the need to make it an authorized component of municipal decision-making. The plan will be incorporated into the Municipal Master Plan within the Land Use Element and sent to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for review and approval.