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We have new leadership. Here’s what that means for you. | |
Welcome to the first edition of Connect with Belmar, the official municipal newsletter! This newsletter curates the most impactful and relevant updates for residents, business owners and visitors alike.
On July 6, the Council unanimously voted Caitlin Donovan as the new mayor of Belmar. Elected with bipartisan support, she has served on the Environmental, Tourism and Harbor Commissions, along with the Silver Lake subcommittee. As mayor, she will also be a member of the Planning Board.
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On July 28, the Council also selected Barry Lubin to fill Mayor Donovan’s vacated Council seat. Councilman Lubin will serve in this capacity until the end of the year.
Along with Mayor Donovan, the Council filled other critical municipal positions:
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Joe Verruni, Interim Borough Administrator: Joe Verruni served as the Township Administrator in Wall Township for over 20 years; he has also served in Ventor (NJ), Sea Bright (NJ) and Norrisville (PA).
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Michael Bascom, CMFO, CTC, financial consultant: Michael Bascom has more than 35 years of experience in municipal government, emergency management and healthcare systems. He specializes in public finance, strategic planning, intergovernmental coordination and operational leadership.
| Get connected: New ways to find out what you need to know | |
In response to resident calls for communication from Borough Hall, the mayor has introduced new outreach initiatives, along with this newsletter:
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Coffee with the Mayor: The first Coffee with the Mayor premiered on Sunday, July 26th as an informal gathering in Borough Hall, with coffee and refreshments, for residents to be able to ask questions and have a community conversation about any matter. The event, which was scheduled for one hour, lasted three hours.
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Save the Date: The next Coffee with the Mayor will be Sunday, August 23rd at 11 am in Borough Hall
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Volunteer Fair: Save the date - Sunday, October 4th, 9 am - 2 pm, at Taylor Pavilion, to learn more about all the potential volunteer opportunities in Belmar, from the fire department to our borough commissions.
| New transparency ordinances, better Belmar governance | |
Newly approved ordinances mandate transparency between mayor and Council, along with increased transparency requirements from department heads and Borough professional staff. Requirements now include:
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Reporting requirements: Applications made for development must be submitted electronically to the borough clerk and then promptly sent to Council; the zoning officer must create a monthly report and share it with Council; the borough attorney must make quarterly reports to the governing body about any pending litigation; and that the borough engineer must make quarterly reports.
| Safety improvements to Route 35 | The NJ Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a speed study for Route 35 in Belmar, along with work orders to replace any missing signage, including speed limit signs. The study is slated for a possible completion date of September 2026. To read the full letter, click here. | Belmar awarded $25K grant by NJ Forest Service | The NJ Forest Service awarded Belmar $25,000 to support tree pruning and removal projects that reduce public safety risks while improving the health and resilience of urban and community forests. The project will be overseen by the Belmar Shade Tree Commission. For more information, click here. | Best on the beach: Belmar guards shine in competition | |
Belmar guards took home several national championship titles at the USLA Lifeguard National Championships held August 5-7th in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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Lifeguard Amy White won the gold in women’s solo, doubles and co-ed competition, placing as well in other competitions in both solo and team events
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Also placing were current and former Belmar lifeguards: Matt Guido, Chris Yoda, Ross O'Neill, Aiden Treinery, Jack Mulcahy, Don Griffin, Max Nordhausen, Erik Kepley, John Gepp, Jay Petillo, Mark Spagnuolo and Ryan Matthews
| It's a blast: Fireworks rescheduled | Reviving a tradition, Belmar has rescheduled the fireworks for Friday, September 4th following the Belmar 5 Kids race. | Belmar celebrates new businesses | |
Mayor Caitlin Donovan and members of the Belmar Council celebrated the openings of two new businesses:
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Wavy’s, located at 835 Belmar Plaza
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Movies on the Beach
- August 12: The Incredibles
- August 19: UP
- August 26: What a Girl Wants
Friday Night Concert Series
- August 14: Wait and See
- August 21: Generations Classic Rock
- August 28: Jeff Penque
- September 4: Exit 102 Band
September 4: Belmar 5 Kids Race
September 4: Rescheduled Fireworks - 7th Ave beach at dusk
September 5: Belmar 5
September 19: San Gennaro Festival
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