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Residents press Spring Lake Heights council on short-term rentals, kayak launch and zoning worry
Summary
At the Sept. 2 Spring Lake Heights council meeting, residents urged stronger rules on short‑term rentals in a Prospect Avenue block, pressed for clearer outreach about a Shore Road kayak launch and dock, and asked for follow‑up on a zoning change affecting a Highway 71 business. Mayor Campion promised further review and a presentation at the next meeting.
Residents used the public‑comment period at the Sept. 2 Spring Lake Heights Borough Council meeting to press for action on short‑term rentals, a proposed kayak launch and a zoning change they say may harm a local business.
Anthony Garbini of 553 Prospect Avenue asked whether the borough has a written vision statement and urged the council to adopt stronger rules on short‑term rentals—specifically citing ongoing problems in the 500 block of Prospect Avenue. Garbini said the transient guests have reduced neighbors’ quality of life. Mayor Christopher Campion said the council’s vision is “to keep Spring Lake Heights a family town, especially a multi‑generation town” and told residents the council had previously begun work on short‑term rental regulations and ‘‘will be picking it back up’’ with the hope of introducing an ordinance in the near future.
Joe Schmidt of 559 Prospect Avenue echoed Garbini’s concerns. Tony Thorton raised related quality‑of‑life issues, saying trash after weekend activity around the 7‑Eleven on Ocean Road is an ongoing problem; Mayor Campion asked code enforcement to follow up.
Kerry Murray of 710 Shore Road urged clearer communication and a new presentation on a proposed kayak launch and dock on Shore Road. Borough Administrator John Barrett said borough staff met with Borough Engineer Mr. May and project engineer Mr. Stewart; Mr. Stewart presented a rendering for an elevated ramp that would be required if the kayak location is moved because of wetlands. Barrett said the dock was purchased via State Contract and therefore did not require local bidding. Mayor Campion asked that borough staff present the project again at the next council meeting so residents can review the plans and ask questions.
Cornelius Durkin and John Sullivan said a zoning change affecting property at 700 Highway 71 appears to be adversely affecting their business. Mayor Campion said he did not believe the change was intentional and requested a meeting with the owners to resolve the issue.
Garbini closed his remarks by thanking the Department of Public Works for its work in the borough.
Next steps: the mayor asked staff to schedule a presentation on the kayak launch and to follow up with code enforcement and the business owners who raised the Highway 71 zoning concern. No formal council action on short‑term rentals or zoning was taken at this meeting.
