Politics & Government

Belmar Pavilion Plans: One story good; two stories bad, mayor says

The borough plans to scrap its plans to build a two-story pavilion on the 5th Avenue boardwalk in favor of a single-story structure, officials said Tuesday. 

Mayor Matt Doherty said public input has caused the governing body to reconsider its plans for the two-story structure – one of a pair of pavilions included in a boardwalk redevelopment plan opposed by a trio of lawsuits.

While campaigning for his fellow Democratic Borough Council candidates in the days leading up to last week’s general election, Doherty said residents overwhelmingly supported the borough’s rebuilding efforts, but wanted a single-story building at 5th Avenue to replace the former Taylor Pavilion.

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“This is a case of listening to the residents’ concerns,’’ Doherty said.

Asked what influence a trio of lawsuits filed by a citizens group had on the decision to remove the second story from the 5th avenue pavilion plans, Doherty was adamant.

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“Zero,’’ he said. “Those lawsuits are going to continue on. But we’re moving ahead with our rebuilding efforts.’’

Ken Pringle, former mayor and attorney for the group "Let The Citizens Decide'' which filed suits opposing the borough's redevelopment plan, was circumspect in response to news of the borough's change in plans.

"We'll wait and see what steps the borough takes and I'll advise my clients based on what those steps are,'' Pringle said. 

Pringle said the group is still waiting on orders from the Monmouth County Superior Court in regard to the trio of lawsuits after last week's ruling by Judge Lawrence Lawson that was mainly favorable to the group.

Doherty said the planned pavilion at 10th Avenue would remain a two-story structure, but that the site of the former Taylor pavilion would be redesigned. He said the governing body would put forth an ordinance rescinding the $7.1 million bond ordinance the Borough Council already adopted to cover the construction costs. 

A new ordinance, likely for less money, would be introduced after the pavilion was redesigned. No time line was set Tuesday.

The Taylor Pavilion was proposed with a second-floor room available for community events as a banquet room. Plans included a kitchen, bathroom and balcony to accommodate 200 people within the 4,300-square-foot room. The first-floor was designed to have a 1,400 square-foot concession space, badge sales, seniors’ club storage, a women’s club kitchen, a coat-room and lobby, according to the plans.

The 10th Avenue pavilion plans remain unchanged, Doherty said. Plans call for lifeguard and other storage on its beach level, with roll-up doors. The boardwalk, or first floor, would house 815 square feet for concessions, and rooms for a police substation, EMS with exam room, and lifeguard office, the plans say.

Doherty's announcement Tuesday represents the second time the redevelopment plans have been scaled back since they were introduced. 

After public outcry, the borough scrapped its original plans to have another two-story pavilion at 8th Avenue, with a rooftop mini-golf facility.


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