Belmar leaders plan ahead to ease crowding after near-record summer of tourism
The mayor did not mince words when she said rumors of paid parking perhaps coming to the west side of Ocean Avenue and other parts of town are just that - rumors.
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Belmar saw a near-record summer of tourism, according to town leaders. That, combined with a construction boom, has led to crowded conditions.
Belmar is planning now for more residents and more visitors for years to come.
Local summer is in full swing in Belmar, where parking is plentiful, and crowds are non-existent.
But throw in hundreds of new townhomes, apartments, and more visitors coming to the shore.
“We need to start from the beginning and get a survey and get a report from professionals and look and see where the pressure is in Belmar all year round,” said Belmar Mayor Caitlin Donovan.
Belmar’s most visible expansion is the 198-unit Vermella complex across from the Marina district. Other planned projects on Main Street will take away lots used by businesses.
Bill McKim watches the development rise from his whale-watching boat across Route 35.
“I think they need input from everybody and just everybody’s influence and knowledge of what can be done,” said McKim.
That is why the mayor formed a parking committee before this, and other housing projects are completed in the borough. A long-term bridge replacement project beginning in 2029 will make things even more tight along Main Street.
“We might be looking into ways to incorporate free transportation through trolley systems or shuttle systems, things we can execute quickly,” said Donovan.
The mayor did not mince words when she said rumors of paid parking perhaps coming to the west side of Ocean Avenue and other parts of town are just that - rumors.
Talks will continue at next week’s council meeting on Sept. 22 on exactly how to keep Belmar local - as well as visitor friendly - moving forward.
