Hurricane Sandy

Belmar Mayor: Tourism Will Come Back, Business Will Be There

Doherty among panelists at NJBIZ forum

Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty said that while the borough is quickly working to rebuild its destroyed boardwalk, so too are businesses quickly working to reopen in time for Memorial Day. That's when the borough hopes to have its boardwalk open, and Doherty said the signs are there that the coming tourism season will be stronger than ever. For example, beach badge sales are up more than 40 percent. NJBIZ hosted Doherty and other speakers in its real estate symposium. The mayor discussed developer interest in beachfront Belmar, and urged local businesses to be ready for this season, according to the NJBIZ article, here. Other speakers focused on smart grown after Hurricane Sandy, and what comprised "the new normal" for real estate after the …

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Local Connections to Belmar's Use of AshBritt Questioned

Mayor's wife working with Conti firm who marketed AshBritt for Hurricane Sandy contracts

Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty's wife, Maggie Moran, has ties to the company that the borough contracted to clean-up after Hurricane Sandy, according to a Star-Ledger article. The company, AshBritt, has dozens of contracts throughout the state to haul debris from the devastating storm, and Belmar is one of them. The borough will also decide at its Wednesday meeting whether to approve $2.6 million to AshBritt's contract for Belmar's garbage and debris removal. According to the proposed agenda, the council will decide a contract for the purpose of Garbage and Debris Removal from an authorized vendor under the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program I-NJCP. The widespread use of AshBritt and the political ties of those recently …

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Belmar Reorg Meeting Jan. 3 Set to Approve Annual Appointments, Contracts

Councilwoman Nicolay to be sworn in to another term in office

The annual tasks of appointing board members, approving contracts and swearing in elected officials — Belmar's reorganization meeting is 6 p.m. Jan. 3 in borough hall. Belmar Councilwoman Jennifer Nicolay will be sworn in to another term on the council. The Democratic incumbent defeated Republican challenger Thomas Burke for the council seat in November. A resolution honoring outgoing Fire Chief Nicholas Lorusso is planned for the meeting. The mayor and council will also vote on who the 2013 council president will be. In 2012 it was Councilwoman Claire Deicke. On the agenda are annual contracts for borough professionals: attorney, auditor and engineer. The meeting also sets the annual appointments for residents to serve on various …

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Hurricane Sandy

Two Belmar Ordinances Propose $22 Million for Hurricane Sandy Recovery

$20 million in boardwalk repairs, $2 million in sewer repairs, on tonight's agenda

Belmar Borough Council is expected to vote on $22 million in bond spending, for two projects to rebuild Belmar's infrastructure and tourism. The 6 p.m. meeting of the council tonight will include a presentation by the mayor explaining the boardwalk reconstruction. So much of Belmar's boardwalk and pavilions were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, and the mayor has repeatedly said the borough will work to restore the boardwalk in time for the 2013 summer. To that end, a $20 million boardwalk rebuilding ordinance is before the council tonight. A second ordinance, at $2 million, would pay for sewer and water main repairs, specifically rebuilding the infrastructure for 13th Avenue. The public hearing for both ordinances is scheduled before the …

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