Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge action after unsanctioned car rally; borough and DOT outline pedestrian-safety planning
Summary
Residents reported an unsanctioned car rally with speeding that endangered families and seniors. Council said it monitors social media for rallies and will investigate patrol notifications; DOT-led pedestrian improvements for 8th Avenue and Transit Village were described as part of longer-term safety planning.
Belmar — Several residents told the Borough Council on July 14 that an unsanctioned car rally on Main Street and nearby avenues produced speeding and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and families.
Kathy Diorio and other residents described multiple cars speeding through Main Street and Ocean Avenue during a recent evening, with two police vehicles observed but limited crowd control. Council members said they monitor social media for rallies and typically call in extra patrols; officials pledged to investigate why notifications and additional patrols did not occur for the most recent event.
Separately, council staff and the borough planner (Ross) updated the council on pedestrian-safety work associated with a DOT project at 8th Avenue and the Transit Village. Staff said DOT proposed moving a crosswalk and narrowing lanes to shorten pedestrian crossing distances, and the borough has applied for grant funding to improve connections between the senior building, train station and Main Street. The DOT configuration may require reconfigured parking and a public input session before final design.
Why it matters: Residents said the rallies pose immediate safety risks to pedestrians and families; the DOT project could change traffic patterns and parking while aiming to improve pedestrian safety near senior housing and the train station.
What comes next: Borough staff will investigate the recent rally response and continue coordination with DOT; public input sessions may be scheduled as project permitting and funding are finalized.
