ROWDY RENTERS, "ANIMAL HOUSES" TOP CONCERNS IN BELMAR

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Survey cites summer woes

ROWDY RENTERS, "ANIMAL HOUSES" TOP CONCERNS IN BELMAR
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 08/2/07
BY ERIK LARSEN
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

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BELMAR — Group rentals, "animal houses" and other summer disturbances from tourists remain the top concerns of the influential Belmar Homeowners Association, which has released its third annual survey on quality of life in the borough.

Pet control, affordable housing and public education are the least of their worries, according to the survey, which was conducted between June 28 and July 10 and delivered to the Borough Council last week. About 70 residents, just over 1 percent of Belmar's population, participated.

While not a scientific poll, the seven-page document is touted as an educational resource for municipal leaders interested in what is on the minds of the borough's strongest advocates for a kinder, gentler Belmar.

The association is considered influential because in 2005, for the first time since Kenneth E. Pringle became mayor in 1990, a Republican was elected to the five-member Borough Council. The association credits that election result in part to its efforts to better inform the electorate, with such venues as its annual candidates forum, with questions submitted to the candidates beforehand. The association started hosting the forum about two years ago.

Pringle said some recommendations made in the latest survey, such as a 10 percent municipal sales tax on all liquor sold in bars and another 50 percent municipal sales tax on all cover charges, are outside the jurisdiction of municipal government in New Jersey.

Another recommendation proposes that a portion of revenue generated from beach badge fees be diverted to more police coverage and road repairs, but that idea is also prohibited under state law, Pringle said.

The association's survey also takes a jab at the Police Department, which the association contends has not done enough to rein in the wilder elements of Belmar's summer tourist scene.

"We've been complaining for years about group rentals," one comment reads. "Very happy that the administration is finally doing something about it. What took so long? What's different this year vs. the past? Could it be that new homes aren't selling and developers are getting cranky? Maybe because our police chief is running for sheriff and needs to say he's doing a great job in Belmar."

Police Chief Jack Hill is the Democratic nominee for Monmouth County sheriff in this November's election.

Hill replied Wednesday: "This particular year has not been the result of a sudden crackdown, but is the result of prolonged, consistent professional enforcement of all our codes/ordinances and synergy between the mayor and council, and the various departments of the borough on quality-of-life issues."

Tourists are also more educated than ever before as to what is allowed and not allowed in Belmar. Residents, too, get credit for their participation by calling in complaints, joining various community police programs and volunteer boards, Hill said.

"Their participation adds to our efforts and keep us focused," he said. "That being said, the job is far from over and through continued focus, the quality of life will continue to improve."

Other recommendations, comments and criticisms, all made anonymously, include:

"There are many huge rooming houses and quasi-hotels in Belmar, I don't think code enforcement is as focused on them as they are on smaller group rentals and even individual homes."

"Plans regarding the Seaport Redevelopment are a joke. They change every time a question is asked. How many times can the mayor talk about the progress he's making giving a different answer as to what we'll see?"

"We should plant tulip and other perennial bulbs in the median strips to make Belmar look more attractive."

"Ensure all the kids going to Belmar Elementary School are legal residents."

"Our municipal services are disappearing. Can't get a curb painted. Lots of work done by our public works department at direction of the administration to encourage the tourist to come to Belmar. The priorities are not in the right order."

Association President Doug Sweeny could not be reached for comment.

Councilman Matthew J. Doherty, a Democrat, said it is the association — a group he considers a front for the local Republican Party — whose priorities are not in the right order.

Doherty said the survey never addresses the needs of Belmar's senior citizen population, while it ranks education and recreation among its issues of least concern, after pet control.

"I believe most residents care about keeping property taxes in check, maintaining quality education and recreation for our children, expanding services for our senior population and moving redevelopment forward," Doherty said. "The BHA survey seems to draw unscientific conclusions from a very small, homogenous group of residents that offers little guidance to the mayor and council."