What renovations is Walsifer talking about in the public safety building? Didn’t we just build that building a few years ago for upwards of $5 million dollars????
They seem to have left out huge tax increases, huge water and sewer increases, love of over-development outside the town plan to help out buddies, keeping the town locked down during covid to please the governor, banning plastic bags and straws to stop hurricanes (climate change), killed the skate park, thinks eminent domain is righteous, letting the BA treat people like sh*t because he used to be a cop, and all of the mayor’s friends at the county finally thinks he’s cool.
I’m thinking some new thinking is needed at borough hall.
#4 the tax increased so much because of the handling of the prior admin and not raising taxes and putting the borough in extreme debt. The first thing this admin did was an audit that was transparent and explained to the residents.
I have seen and witnessed the BA on multiple occasions help and solve problems through out the Borough. I even witnessed him thanked by a resident at a meeting thank him for solving the dispute she had with her neighbor, which I was taken back that the resident put her childish dispute with a neighbor on the BA to solve but nonetheless he assisted and resolved the problem.
I have also witnessed Gerry explode at meetings and yell like a loose cannon, not only at the mayor and council meetings but yelling at the volunteer members of the zoning board for the members who weren’t there. Notwithstanding Gerry has not volunteered for anything—- funny reading the coast star yesterday besides paid positions he has held he hasn’t been a part of any community work neither here or north jersey where he would have to volunteer his own time without payment.
5 You’re fist point is correct. The 27% tax increase I received when Mark took office was to correct the 8 years of Matt bragging that he didn’t raise municipal taxes. It was a campaign slogan that we all paid for.
Your second point isn’t exactly accurate. The BA has a temper and does in fact treat people poorly. Frankly, with Colleen and Ed as our two examples, I think the position of BA should be nixed. It’s seems to corrupt whoever takes it on.
As for Gerry, he seems like a nice guy to me. I wouldn’t characterize his actions at meeting as ‘exploding’. He was speaking his mind. Something that should be applauded. My guess is that it will be a close race. The folks who are angry with Mark over uncontrolled development have a very strong case. Mark is a very nice guy but he has fallen into the same traps as the last mayor. Not nearly as bad of course, but it’s a bummer for those of us that worked so hard to get Matt/Brian out and Mark in.
#7 I apologize. The protect at 9th and main st, the ridiculous condo project on 12th Ave, the fact that they voted to increase the height restrictions for projects in the redevelopment zone PRIOR to actual plans submitted by the developers for the project along 35 across from the marina. That one is just blatant appeasement.
To name a few.
There is an openness to unrestricted development expressed by the current admin, as well as some of the Republican council people. I’m all for a vibrant Main Street, I believe that we can have that while also adhering to restrictions on size and scope.
We need to learn how to start saying ‘no’. Other towns have no problem with doing that, neither should we.
#8 The mayor did not vote for the 12th avenue project for starters that was before the ZBOA which most members were appointed by prior administrations. In addition, the mayor and council and BA cant stop people from making applications to improve their properties.
And no one can argue that getting rid of the Belmar Inn will be a huge win for everyone.
The 9th Ave project was approved in April of 2018. It was approved under the former administration. It was then tweaked under Mayor Walsifor and Council along with town planners and planning board to bring relief to residential neighbors. As in changing property setback along residential property to 50 ft from the original 10 permitted. Changing the height from original 45 ft permitted to 35 ft along 9th Ave stepping up as the building goes toward main st. It’s disingenuous to say this administration doesn’t listen to residents many changes were made to that project inherited from Matt Doherty administration. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/belmar-slash-lake-como/sections/development/articles/four-story-apartment-building-to-rise-on-former-bank-of-america-site-in-belmar
The Mayor and Council DID NOT vote on Belmar Inn. It is not their jurisdiction. It was voted in by the Zoning Board of Adjustments after hours and hours of testimony Those folks are also residents in Belmar and want what’s best for the town. They have a different opinion than you. There are many people who applaud their decision. They are just not as vocal as others. There was a woman who had the guts to stand up during public session to say she has 140 signatures of people who APPROVED of the project. She got shouted down and vocally harassed by the crowd.
As to the 35 project, along with that height restriction lift to the center only of the building there were also setbacks agreed to along 10 and 8. As is in Seaport redevelopment plan buildings can be right on side walk. In negotiations with developer 25ft setbacks and indents to buildings to break up straight lines like other buildings on Main. All of these things are in negotiations. As they should be. All has to be approved by CAFRA AND go through design and planning. In other words. That project is a long way from being approved. Again as Mayor and Council it is their responsibility to look at applications presented. That’s the job our public officials agree to take in when they run for office.
Two separate occasions. Yes in the 35 app on one part of the building and yes on the the 9th to make room for 50 ft setback on residential side and bringing the building forward to Main St, thereby getting that 35 ft height by the residents on 9th to be 35 ft. The same as anyone in residential zone. As compromise. That makes sense. Thoughtful votes. On two specific projects after much negotiation and consideration. That does not mean going forward it will be a free for all. There are other projects (StRose lot for one) that has been sent back because of size and density etc. all of these are brought in front of town and proposed openly. It is the duty of elected officials to consider these things. And decisions have to be made and as always there will be people who agree and those that disagree.
#13 correct. We are the people that disagree. The 12th Ave project wasn’t directly voted on by the mayor (of course) but it received support from GOP council members. The increased height restrictions on the Rt 35 project are indefensible. There was literally no need to do that. It was a naked attempt at appeasement for developers. Period. And the 9th Ave project has a size and scope that the current admin promised some residents wouldn’t happen.
Some folks are fine w the development that has been happening. Some are not. If you fall in the ‘are not’ camp, then a vote for the Gerry, Mark, and Maria is in order. If you are of with all the new development, then keep with the same crew.
#9 ‘a huge win for everyone’? Ok, I’ll try to argue that. It is definitely a huge win for the developer. That I’ll give you. It is definitely not a huge win for the immediate neighbors, or the already stressed infrastructure. And most importantly, it was not a huge win for democracy. We have already pointed out, like 500 times, that yes the Belmar inn is bad. But the answer WAS NOT to allow a private developer to use our zoning laws like a roll of toilet paper. So you’ll forgive me if I don’t pass out cigars to celebrate a developer getting preferential treatment from the government in order to buy another speed boat.
#13 That is a gross mischaracterization of what actually happened.
First, the setback on the residential side of the 9th Ave building is 40ft, not 50ft. And if the mayor wouldn’t have voted for it, it would have been much more (like all of the other new buildings on main that have a 100ft setback).
Second, in what way was the building “brought forward to main street”? The bank building was on main street already.
Third, the building being built on 9th is four stories. It is the only building on main that was allowed to be 4 stories, because the mayor and council specifically voted to change the zoning rules for that property.
Fourth, the promise of making the building smaller on the residential side was a scam. The building does not step down as was promised. Instead there is one little corner cutout on the street side that went down a story, but it is not the whole length of the building. The lots on 9th Ave are 150ft deep. The building is only 3 stories for half of that.
So you are saying that just because it has been a free for all for the first term of this mayor, doesn’t mean it will be a free for all going forward? HAHAHAHA
The 9th Ave project was presented by the town planner and engineer. The developer decided what they wanted to build. They gave it to the town. Then the town changed the zoning rules so that it could be built. Tell me again how thoughtful and considerate the administration is.
#15 Well said. If you like all the development and want more big buildings (and bigger!) in town, by all means vote for Walsifer and McKracken. If you feel like it has gotten out of hand, vote for Jerry, Maria, and Mark!
#17. Your right sorry. 40 ft set back in 9th. Still beats the 10ft it could have been under the existing commercial ordinance.
2. The existing bank building had sat for years vacant and crumbling.
3. Parking is a big issue for Belmar. The vault will have enough parking because of the allowance of the 3 floors of living space. You call it giving in to greedy developers. I see it as compromise to allow for growth.
4.the 35 ft on half is a whole lot better then the 45 ft building that could have been built under the existing ordinance.
Did you see the original plan? The one approved under the previous admin? https://uploads.thealternativepress.com/uploads/photos/carousel_image_6d3117f657957f75579a_belmarboabuilding.jpg?id=1955697
#5 you are correct 100%! Gerry never volunteered in town, yells, huffs and puffs and usually storms out of meetings. His running mates wouldn’t know a real issue or how to handle one if it bit them in the arse. The town looks great, the BA has always been polite and helpful to me.
The cleanup of Matt’s mismanagement was time consuming, yet handled perfectly. Walsifer and team have my vote.
#21 Putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a pig. so don’t tell me 35ft on a portion of the building is better than 45ft when the compromise that was advertised by the mayor and council was a step down next to the residential zone. You tried to promote the same half-truth.
Your point about the 10ft setback was a bogey-man trotted out by the developer, mayor, and council. Technically was the setback smaller than the current 40ft? Yes. Could the same building have been built using existing zoning – NO! There are lots of other requirements that would have precluded the 10ft setback that you put forward as the alternative. So that is another half-truth.
The whole-truth is that the current mayor and council have a proven record of allowing the biggest buildings in decades to be built. If Long Branch or Hoboken is your vision for Belmar, ok. But it’s not mine. So I will be voting for Jerry.
24. All the buildings constructed that you say are giant buildings were all approved by previous administrations. When voted into office the things left on the table must be dealt with. Now you may not like that but it’s the reality. So vote for Jerry but please don’t be naïve enough to think reality won’t have to be faced. It’s easy to say what you will or won’t do until you sit in that chair and must look at all alternatives.
24. Exactly my point. The realities of each project must be dealt with. What’s left on the table must be dealt with. So you may disagree with this particular decision but to say what you will or won’t do when you’re running is easy. It’s dealing with the reality that’s the hard part. So vote for Jerry but don’t think he won’t have to make decisions you may not like.
I like what I see in town.
Grant monies in the millions finally recovered
Debt being paid off after bond consolidation instead of rolling bond notes over and over paying interest only. Thank goodness for that. Especially with today’s interest rates sky rocketing.
3 streets with infrastructure repairs and paved. 16,15,12 with minimal cost to tax payers. Inlet Terrace on deck.
Infrastructure study done by engineers over an almost 2 year period. Which can be viewed on Belmar.com. Going after grants to help offset cost to taxpayers.
L St beach sewer pump repaired that weren’t working after Sandy. Haven’t had one L St beach closure since.
Paint and repair 12th Ave water tank. Which had been bonded for by pryor administration but was never done. Working on the tower next.
Lifeguards fully staffed and all stands manned.
Mats for handicap accessibility in all beaches.
I’ll stop there for now. I’m not saying everything is perfect or that things don’t need to be done. The point of this very long winded post is that there are many many many positive things happening under Mayor Walsifer’s administration.
#26 the list you provide is impressive. Well, to clarify, it is impressive relative to the last administration. It is not impressive in and of itself. What you’ve described there is what should be considered basic function of governance. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who could proclaim a similar list of accomplishments from the Doherty admin. What’s missing from the list is the rather negative things that this admin has done. Ignoring certain sections of town, allowing un constrained development, bullying people who started a beach clean up campaign, unchecked cronyism, a self serving first aid shell game w tax payer money, and on and on. Your list, while impressive, is what we should expect as bare minimum from our elected officials regardless of party.
What section of town is being ignored? And how? Please be specific.
What unconstrained development?
Let’s take the belmar inn and the bank out of this conversation. One was under the jurisdiction of Zoning and one was inherited from Pryor administration. So let’s move on from those and agree to disagree.
What specific unconstrained development?
What bulling of who? About beach clean up?
What exactly does unchecked cronyism mean to you? I’m going to assume you mean our BA and other former civil servants retired employees who now have jobs in town that thereby save the taxpayer thousand and thousands of dollars in both benefit and pension costs. Not to mention a vast array of experience? Am I wrong in my assumption?
And the first aid issue. As I recall the town wanted to buy the building at fair market value, a group of residents petitioned against the purchase because they wanted residential homes there, so the town withdrew and found another solution. I’d say that was a win win for all of us.
The area around the L st beach (Rhode Island point) is being ignored. They have a significant flooding problem and the mayor ignores the citizens from that part of town when they ask for assistance. Has for years.
You can take the 12th Ave project and the 9th Ave project out of the equation. I will not. Although it’s easy to blame the last admin, this admin has been in power for 4 years. They could have come out strongly, and publicly, against the dozens of variances needed. That would, at a minimum, set a tone. Then they made the ridiculous decision to increase height restrictions on the marina project, before there was a need or a request. That is straight up bonkers.
A group of Belmar citizens started a FB group of volunteers to clean the beach every Monday eve a couple summers ago. It was squashed by the Walsifer admin. And it was squashed in a way that was comically cowardly. My only guess as to why anyone would want to stop volunteers from cleaning the beach is because the often angry, and eggshell ego, former DPW head took it as an insult. I may be wrong, but nevertheless, it was inexcusable.
The first aid situation was a tif between Walsifer and the Hines. That’s it. He refused to pay the $80k or so to keep the beleaguered first aid afloat. Instead, he wanted to buy the building and turn it into a club house for Eddie and the gang. Costing millions. All because of a spat that started with the former DPW (who should have been fired not allowed to ‘retire’) and the family that ran the first aid. It would not have been a win win for anyone. It would have been a beer hall for ex cops.
On and on is a common expression that means; there are more than what has been listed.
Hope that clears things up. You can vote for Walsifer and McKracken. I will not. I worked too hard to get rid of the Doherty regime to sit back and watch these guys treat public service this way. We just disagree. And that is cool.
L St. areas pumps that were leaking sewage were fixed immediately upon Walsifor taking office. There hasn’t been a beach closing since. You must know that 35 is a state highway and therefore the borough has little to say how it’s handled. Flooding happens all over town. That is why this administration has put a 10 year infrastructure plan in place (even though Mark Levis is now saying HE will implement a plan.) That’s already been set up. Claiming you’re going to do something that is already in place isn’t very forthright Go on to Belmar.com and find the engineer report. The borough gave a very detailed report at the town meeting on August 9 I believe. And 3 million has been spent already to fix sewer/ water lines on 15th and 12. 16 being done now and inlet Terrace on deck. Also monies put in capitol fund for future. That’s a plan already in the works.
I have personally had to call DPW twice to alert them of sewage surcharging at the corner of 35 and K, on dry days AFTER the pumps were fixed. We quickly forget that Mayor Walsifer was on the council for 2 years prior to being elected Mayor and did nothing to address the sewer infrastructure. He did keep Mr. Campbell as the DPW director tho, who neglected our infrastructure for years. The 10 year plan they came up with at the August 9th council meeting is 6 pages and doesn’t mention any plan to test or improve our sanitary sewer system. It’s hardly what I would call an engineering plan. I have been pushing for an infrastructure plan since 2018. See The Coast Star, July 12th 2018 Page 5
Mark when was the last time you called DPW about that problem? 3 million dollars has been spent on infrastructure. Two full streets and water sewer lines have been repaired and replaced. Also 16 Ave being worked in now. Everyone has been saying for years that they are aware of the problems. Long before your article. But saying things is one thing and doing is another and you more then anyone should know how difficult it is to get things done by being in the council for 5 months. Why didn’t you implement a plan then? And exactly what is your plan and how are you going to pay for it? And you won’t use the report that was done to analyze our system? The report now gives an understanding of the most urgent areas of need. That is a constructive beginning.
Again I ask. What is your precise plan ?
What renovations is Walsifer talking about in the public safety building? Didn’t we just build that building a few years ago for upwards of $5 million dollars????
He’s probably talking about the work to remedy the water infiltration problem that took place several years ago — as per this article published in TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como in May 2019(see end of story). https://www.tapinto.net/towns/belmar-slash-lake-como/sections/shore-report/articles/belmar-reports-progress-on-remedying-sewer-overflow-into-shark-river-rainwater-leaks-into-10th-avenue-pavilion
I think he might be talking about the new
EMS building on Main Street across from BES
Part of the profile platform they missed.
They seem to have left out huge tax increases, huge water and sewer increases, love of over-development outside the town plan to help out buddies, keeping the town locked down during covid to please the governor, banning plastic bags and straws to stop hurricanes (climate change), killed the skate park, thinks eminent domain is righteous, letting the BA treat people like sh*t because he used to be a cop, and all of the mayor’s friends at the county finally thinks he’s cool.
I’m thinking some new thinking is needed at borough hall.
#4 the tax increased so much because of the handling of the prior admin and not raising taxes and putting the borough in extreme debt. The first thing this admin did was an audit that was transparent and explained to the residents.
I have seen and witnessed the BA on multiple occasions help and solve problems through out the Borough. I even witnessed him thanked by a resident at a meeting thank him for solving the dispute she had with her neighbor, which I was taken back that the resident put her childish dispute with a neighbor on the BA to solve but nonetheless he assisted and resolved the problem.
I have also witnessed Gerry explode at meetings and yell like a loose cannon, not only at the mayor and council meetings but yelling at the volunteer members of the zoning board for the members who weren’t there. Notwithstanding Gerry has not volunteered for anything—- funny reading the coast star yesterday besides paid positions he has held he hasn’t been a part of any community work neither here or north jersey where he would have to volunteer his own time without payment.
5 You’re fist point is correct. The 27% tax increase I received when Mark took office was to correct the 8 years of Matt bragging that he didn’t raise municipal taxes. It was a campaign slogan that we all paid for.
Your second point isn’t exactly accurate. The BA has a temper and does in fact treat people poorly. Frankly, with Colleen and Ed as our two examples, I think the position of BA should be nixed. It’s seems to corrupt whoever takes it on.
As for Gerry, he seems like a nice guy to me. I wouldn’t characterize his actions at meeting as ‘exploding’. He was speaking his mind. Something that should be applauded. My guess is that it will be a close race. The folks who are angry with Mark over uncontrolled development have a very strong case. Mark is a very nice guy but he has fallen into the same traps as the last mayor. Not nearly as bad of course, but it’s a bummer for those of us that worked so hard to get Matt/Brian out and Mark in.
What exactly is uncontrolled development? Please be specific
#7 I apologize. The protect at 9th and main st, the ridiculous condo project on 12th Ave, the fact that they voted to increase the height restrictions for projects in the redevelopment zone PRIOR to actual plans submitted by the developers for the project along 35 across from the marina. That one is just blatant appeasement.
To name a few.
There is an openness to unrestricted development expressed by the current admin, as well as some of the Republican council people. I’m all for a vibrant Main Street, I believe that we can have that while also adhering to restrictions on size and scope.
We need to learn how to start saying ‘no’. Other towns have no problem with doing that, neither should we.
#8 The mayor did not vote for the 12th avenue project for starters that was before the ZBOA which most members were appointed by prior administrations. In addition, the mayor and council and BA cant stop people from making applications to improve their properties.
And no one can argue that getting rid of the Belmar Inn will be a huge win for everyone.
The 9th Ave project was approved in April of 2018. It was approved under the former administration. It was then tweaked under Mayor Walsifor and Council along with town planners and planning board to bring relief to residential neighbors. As in changing property setback along residential property to 50 ft from the original 10 permitted. Changing the height from original 45 ft permitted to 35 ft along 9th Ave stepping up as the building goes toward main st. It’s disingenuous to say this administration doesn’t listen to residents many changes were made to that project inherited from Matt Doherty administration. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/belmar-slash-lake-como/sections/development/articles/four-story-apartment-building-to-rise-on-former-bank-of-america-site-in-belmar
The Mayor and Council DID NOT vote on Belmar Inn. It is not their jurisdiction. It was voted in by the Zoning Board of Adjustments after hours and hours of testimony Those folks are also residents in Belmar and want what’s best for the town. They have a different opinion than you. There are many people who applaud their decision. They are just not as vocal as others. There was a woman who had the guts to stand up during public session to say she has 140 signatures of people who APPROVED of the project. She got shouted down and vocally harassed by the crowd.
As to the 35 project, along with that height restriction lift to the center only of the building there were also setbacks agreed to along 10 and 8. As is in Seaport redevelopment plan buildings can be right on side walk. In negotiations with developer 25ft setbacks and indents to buildings to break up straight lines like other buildings on Main. All of these things are in negotiations. As they should be. All has to be approved by CAFRA AND go through design and planning. In other words. That project is a long way from being approved. Again as Mayor and Council it is their responsibility to look at applications presented. That’s the job our public officials agree to take in when they run for office.
#9 The mayor specifically voted to increase height allowances on two separate occasions.
#11 your wrong with regard to the Belmar Inn condo project on 12th as the mayor did not vote on that the ZBOA did
Two separate occasions. Yes in the 35 app on one part of the building and yes on the the 9th to make room for 50 ft setback on residential side and bringing the building forward to Main St, thereby getting that 35 ft height by the residents on 9th to be 35 ft. The same as anyone in residential zone. As compromise. That makes sense. Thoughtful votes. On two specific projects after much negotiation and consideration. That does not mean going forward it will be a free for all. There are other projects (StRose lot for one) that has been sent back because of size and density etc. all of these are brought in front of town and proposed openly. It is the duty of elected officials to consider these things. And decisions have to be made and as always there will be people who agree and those that disagree.
#13, here is the link to the TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como story on the St. Rose property project that was nixed: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/belmar-slash-lake-como/sections/development/articles/belmar-council-mixed-use-project-for-vacant-st-rose-property-lacks-adequate-on-site-parking
#13 correct. We are the people that disagree. The 12th Ave project wasn’t directly voted on by the mayor (of course) but it received support from GOP council members. The increased height restrictions on the Rt 35 project are indefensible. There was literally no need to do that. It was a naked attempt at appeasement for developers. Period. And the 9th Ave project has a size and scope that the current admin promised some residents wouldn’t happen.
Some folks are fine w the development that has been happening. Some are not. If you fall in the ‘are not’ camp, then a vote for the Gerry, Mark, and Maria is in order. If you are of with all the new development, then keep with the same crew.
#9 ‘a huge win for everyone’? Ok, I’ll try to argue that. It is definitely a huge win for the developer. That I’ll give you. It is definitely not a huge win for the immediate neighbors, or the already stressed infrastructure. And most importantly, it was not a huge win for democracy. We have already pointed out, like 500 times, that yes the Belmar inn is bad. But the answer WAS NOT to allow a private developer to use our zoning laws like a roll of toilet paper. So you’ll forgive me if I don’t pass out cigars to celebrate a developer getting preferential treatment from the government in order to buy another speed boat.
#13 That is a gross mischaracterization of what actually happened.
First, the setback on the residential side of the 9th Ave building is 40ft, not 50ft. And if the mayor wouldn’t have voted for it, it would have been much more (like all of the other new buildings on main that have a 100ft setback).
Second, in what way was the building “brought forward to main street”? The bank building was on main street already.
Third, the building being built on 9th is four stories. It is the only building on main that was allowed to be 4 stories, because the mayor and council specifically voted to change the zoning rules for that property.
Fourth, the promise of making the building smaller on the residential side was a scam. The building does not step down as was promised. Instead there is one little corner cutout on the street side that went down a story, but it is not the whole length of the building. The lots on 9th Ave are 150ft deep. The building is only 3 stories for half of that.
So you are saying that just because it has been a free for all for the first term of this mayor, doesn’t mean it will be a free for all going forward? HAHAHAHA
The 9th Ave project was presented by the town planner and engineer. The developer decided what they wanted to build. They gave it to the town. Then the town changed the zoning rules so that it could be built. Tell me again how thoughtful and considerate the administration is.
#15 Well said. If you like all the development and want more big buildings (and bigger!) in town, by all means vote for Walsifer and McKracken. If you feel like it has gotten out of hand, vote for Jerry, Maria, and Mark!
“The secret of a better and more successful life is to cast out those old, dead, unhealthy thoughts”.
I think The Vault building is looking great.
#17. Your right sorry. 40 ft set back in 9th. Still beats the 10ft it could have been under the existing commercial ordinance.
2. The existing bank building had sat for years vacant and crumbling.
3. Parking is a big issue for Belmar. The vault will have enough parking because of the allowance of the 3 floors of living space. You call it giving in to greedy developers. I see it as compromise to allow for growth.
4.the 35 ft on half is a whole lot better then the 45 ft building that could have been built under the existing ordinance.
Did you see the original plan? The one approved under the previous admin?
https://uploads.thealternativepress.com/uploads/photos/carousel_image_6d3117f657957f75579a_belmarboabuilding.jpg?id=1955697
So let’s all agree to disagree.
#21. What’s that strange looking building on the corner of 9th and Main in the ‘original plan’ for the development?
#5 you are correct 100%! Gerry never volunteered in town, yells, huffs and puffs and usually storms out of meetings. His running mates wouldn’t know a real issue or how to handle one if it bit them in the arse. The town looks great, the BA has always been polite and helpful to me.
The cleanup of Matt’s mismanagement was time consuming, yet handled perfectly. Walsifer and team have my vote.
#21 Putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a pig. so don’t tell me 35ft on a portion of the building is better than 45ft when the compromise that was advertised by the mayor and council was a step down next to the residential zone. You tried to promote the same half-truth.
Your point about the 10ft setback was a bogey-man trotted out by the developer, mayor, and council. Technically was the setback smaller than the current 40ft? Yes. Could the same building have been built using existing zoning – NO! There are lots of other requirements that would have precluded the 10ft setback that you put forward as the alternative. So that is another half-truth.
The whole-truth is that the current mayor and council have a proven record of allowing the biggest buildings in decades to be built. If Long Branch or Hoboken is your vision for Belmar, ok. But it’s not mine. So I will be voting for Jerry.
24. All the buildings constructed that you say are giant buildings were all approved by previous administrations. When voted into office the things left on the table must be dealt with. Now you may not like that but it’s the reality. So vote for Jerry but please don’t be naïve enough to think reality won’t have to be faced. It’s easy to say what you will or won’t do until you sit in that chair and must look at all alternatives.
24. Exactly my point. The realities of each project must be dealt with. What’s left on the table must be dealt with. So you may disagree with this particular decision but to say what you will or won’t do when you’re running is easy. It’s dealing with the reality that’s the hard part. So vote for Jerry but don’t think he won’t have to make decisions you may not like.
I like what I see in town.
Grant monies in the millions finally recovered
Debt being paid off after bond consolidation instead of rolling bond notes over and over paying interest only. Thank goodness for that. Especially with today’s interest rates sky rocketing.
3 streets with infrastructure repairs and paved. 16,15,12 with minimal cost to tax payers. Inlet Terrace on deck.
Infrastructure study done by engineers over an almost 2 year period. Which can be viewed on Belmar.com. Going after grants to help offset cost to taxpayers.
L St beach sewer pump repaired that weren’t working after Sandy. Haven’t had one L St beach closure since.
Paint and repair 12th Ave water tank. Which had been bonded for by pryor administration but was never done. Working on the tower next.
Lifeguards fully staffed and all stands manned.
Mats for handicap accessibility in all beaches.
I’ll stop there for now. I’m not saying everything is perfect or that things don’t need to be done. The point of this very long winded post is that there are many many many positive things happening under Mayor Walsifer’s administration.
#26 the list you provide is impressive. Well, to clarify, it is impressive relative to the last administration. It is not impressive in and of itself. What you’ve described there is what should be considered basic function of governance. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who could proclaim a similar list of accomplishments from the Doherty admin. What’s missing from the list is the rather negative things that this admin has done. Ignoring certain sections of town, allowing un constrained development, bullying people who started a beach clean up campaign, unchecked cronyism, a self serving first aid shell game w tax payer money, and on and on. Your list, while impressive, is what we should expect as bare minimum from our elected officials regardless of party.
A vote for walsifer is a vote for kirchenbaum. King of the bullies.
What section of town is being ignored? And how? Please be specific.
What unconstrained development?
Let’s take the belmar inn and the bank out of this conversation. One was under the jurisdiction of Zoning and one was inherited from Pryor administration. So let’s move on from those and agree to disagree.
What specific unconstrained development?
What bulling of who? About beach clean up?
What exactly does unchecked cronyism mean to you? I’m going to assume you mean our BA and other former civil servants retired employees who now have jobs in town that thereby save the taxpayer thousand and thousands of dollars in both benefit and pension costs. Not to mention a vast array of experience? Am I wrong in my assumption?
And the first aid issue. As I recall the town wanted to buy the building at fair market value, a group of residents petitioned against the purchase because they wanted residential homes there, so the town withdrew and found another solution. I’d say that was a win win for all of us.
And what does on and on mean?
The area around the L st beach (Rhode Island point) is being ignored. They have a significant flooding problem and the mayor ignores the citizens from that part of town when they ask for assistance. Has for years.
You can take the 12th Ave project and the 9th Ave project out of the equation. I will not. Although it’s easy to blame the last admin, this admin has been in power for 4 years. They could have come out strongly, and publicly, against the dozens of variances needed. That would, at a minimum, set a tone. Then they made the ridiculous decision to increase height restrictions on the marina project, before there was a need or a request. That is straight up bonkers.
A group of Belmar citizens started a FB group of volunteers to clean the beach every Monday eve a couple summers ago. It was squashed by the Walsifer admin. And it was squashed in a way that was comically cowardly. My only guess as to why anyone would want to stop volunteers from cleaning the beach is because the often angry, and eggshell ego, former DPW head took it as an insult. I may be wrong, but nevertheless, it was inexcusable.
The first aid situation was a tif between Walsifer and the Hines. That’s it. He refused to pay the $80k or so to keep the beleaguered first aid afloat. Instead, he wanted to buy the building and turn it into a club house for Eddie and the gang. Costing millions. All because of a spat that started with the former DPW (who should have been fired not allowed to ‘retire’) and the family that ran the first aid. It would not have been a win win for anyone. It would have been a beer hall for ex cops.
On and on is a common expression that means; there are more than what has been listed.
Hope that clears things up. You can vote for Walsifer and McKracken. I will not. I worked too hard to get rid of the Doherty regime to sit back and watch these guys treat public service this way. We just disagree. And that is cool.
#30 Well said!
I had a similar post that was not published without explanation, even though I included an email address.
#31 I emailed you with an explanation and responded to your other email – maybe check your junk or spam folders?
#32 Thank you editor, I see them now. My apologies.
L St. areas pumps that were leaking sewage were fixed immediately upon Walsifor taking office. There hasn’t been a beach closing since. You must know that 35 is a state highway and therefore the borough has little to say how it’s handled. Flooding happens all over town. That is why this administration has put a 10 year infrastructure plan in place (even though Mark Levis is now saying HE will implement a plan.) That’s already been set up. Claiming you’re going to do something that is already in place isn’t very forthright Go on to Belmar.com and find the engineer report. The borough gave a very detailed report at the town meeting on August 9 I believe. And 3 million has been spent already to fix sewer/ water lines on 15th and 12. 16 being done now and inlet Terrace on deck. Also monies put in capitol fund for future. That’s a plan already in the works.
I have personally had to call DPW twice to alert them of sewage surcharging at the corner of 35 and K, on dry days AFTER the pumps were fixed. We quickly forget that Mayor Walsifer was on the council for 2 years prior to being elected Mayor and did nothing to address the sewer infrastructure. He did keep Mr. Campbell as the DPW director tho, who neglected our infrastructure for years. The 10 year plan they came up with at the August 9th council meeting is 6 pages and doesn’t mention any plan to test or improve our sanitary sewer system. It’s hardly what I would call an engineering plan. I have been pushing for an infrastructure plan since 2018. See The Coast Star, July 12th 2018 Page 5
Mark when was the last time you called DPW about that problem? 3 million dollars has been spent on infrastructure. Two full streets and water sewer lines have been repaired and replaced. Also 16 Ave being worked in now. Everyone has been saying for years that they are aware of the problems. Long before your article. But saying things is one thing and doing is another and you more then anyone should know how difficult it is to get things done by being in the council for 5 months. Why didn’t you implement a plan then? And exactly what is your plan and how are you going to pay for it? And you won’t use the report that was done to analyze our system? The report now gives an understanding of the most urgent areas of need. That is a constructive beginning.
Again I ask. What is your precise plan ?