Mayor: Changes coming to the way Taylor pavilion is being operated…come with your ideas.
(To be discussed at next meeting’s workshop).
Mayor: Meeting with DEP over denied Como grant seemed to go well, waiting for result.
Raccoon attack victim gives emotional recount, demands accountability
77 Comments
Listening to the woman talking about the raccoon attack was so scary. What a terrible experience for her and her family. I hope there are no more rabid raccoons out there! People need to be aware of their surroundings and watch their children and pets. I wish her a speedy recovery.
don’t blame the raccoons … they were probably infected with rabies by cats without vaccinations.
http://blog.commonsenseforbelmar.org/first-ordinance-of-2017/
What!!! Which council member or political contributor did not want to have his or her cat vaccinated or licensed? Does not make sense to me. How many cat owners can guarantee that their cats will not slip out the door and roam around and catch rabies and bring the dreaded disease home? Restore common sense and show the kitties some love. Protect them with the vaccine and a license and collar to trace them to owners if found around town.
We have to vaccinate our cats against rabies because no veterinarian will see a cat that has not been vaccinated.
A code red call should have been put out on the first sighting , before it came to her property 2 days later. Be proactive not reactive.I also mentioned to a resident on 15th ave what had happened to a pet on 15th ave and she called into police headquarters to say they saw raccoon tracks in her yard early am and she claims the dispatcher knew nothing about the raccoon situation. Communication???
Taylor Pavilion should have yoga classes in winter over looking ocean. Would be awesome!
Also, use the ocean front room for end of school party for the kids.
And hold an arts sake there too…for local craftersvto sell wares.
Changes coming to Taylor Pavilion? Does this mean it will available for the community, who paid the taxes to have it built, instead of exclusively for Merri-Makers?
Hopefully the current Administration will make sure the contract is enforced.
Have bingo there and make some money.
Tribal Pursuit and Jeopardy are winners in Bars. Why not?
Why not Poker or Casino Nights?
I say demolish the ugly thing and appreciate a view of the ocean. The loan was forgiven by the state, so why not. The pavilion is not necessary.
Casino nights and donate proceeds to Volunteer Firefighters and First Aid Squad. Great Idea!
Hey Vickie, guess the town is reactive, not proactive ! Code red
#12! What in the world are you talking about?? The loan for Taylor has not been forgiven by the state!! We taxpayers will be paying for that 4 and a half million dollar hideous white elephant for years to come. Long after it gets swept away in the next big storm. Thank our former mayor for that self serving fiasco.
I don’t think we’ve even started paying for Taylor yet.
OK, I’m confused now. I understood, perhaps erroneously, that Belmar got money from the state, spent it on police cars and other things, then Robin Kirk got glowing praise for getting the loan for 4.5 million forgiven. We must still owe Epic for the construction. Typical Belmar bought on credit and does not pay its bills. So what was the whooping and hooraying about when “a loan” was forgiven?
That was the FEMA community disaster loan to make up for any possible shortfalls in property tax collection. Had nothing to do with the pavilions.
Much like other towns are doing, I think Belmar should ban the buying and selling of marijuana within town borders.
#15 not just the former Mayor, two council members sitting on the dais NOW supported and were vocal for spending that large amount on the pavilions.
Only one present council person Tom Brennan was on council during pavillion building fight when bonding occurred. He unfortunately voted yes.
Many people in town supported our former mayor based on propaganda and his misinformation. We are all paying the price.
Bob Toms were Mcdirty henchmen.
Both
#19 you are correct..Brick voted down marijuana sales in the town last week.
Pat Wann mentioned awhile ago that everything cost money and in our financial situation it’s a good thing to wait and see if the State will override town ordinances. If the state does that, then we would have wasted money and time on an ordinance that the state is just going to declare null and void anyway. Let the other towns test the waters on this.
Tom Brennan is the only sitting council person that was on the council at the time of the pavilion fiasco. ALL of of them were warned repeatedly at the time that FEMA ain’t paying for it. Those of us that sounded the alarm were mocked, laughed at, and dismissed as obstructionists by the very people who knew it was a scam.
Brian, Jen, Janice, and Tom, at Matt’s direction, mislead the public (as well as themselves) several times.
The pavilion is a monument to graft and dishonesty. It is a poorly constructed $4.5 million boondoggle. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; why every single homeowner in this town isn’t completely enraged by this blatant ripoff is something I’ll never understand.
I get the sentiment of “let’s move on, what’s done is done”, and I agree. However, that is only possible when those responsible publicly apologize. When they accept responsibility for their actions, only then can we move on and try to minimize the significant damage that has already been done.
Anyone wanna guess the over under on that happening?
#21 and #26 keep changing the wording to keep their new “republican” councilman’s past hidden. LOL
#27 Who’s changing wording? Was there someone else on the council at that time? As I recall it was Tom, Jen, Janice, Brian, and Matt. If your saying that there is a new councilman who, as a private citizen, was publically in favor of the funding and abdication of control of the 5th ave pavilion, then that SHOULD NOT be hidden. He or she should make a statement about it. Is that what your saying? If so, I agree.
#28 I believe that is what he IS saying. Our new Republican council member Tom Carvelli very publicly supported spending money on the pavilions, he even had lawn signs up. The current Mayor while on council never questioned the budget and voted for it each time, despite what was going on. He was able to receive the entire itemized budget but I assume he either never looked at it or if he did, he did not care. If he was looking out for himself politically, he is a coward and only out for himself.
Well then I guess the current mayor should explain why. This would be a good forum to do so.
As for councilman Carvelli- maybe he has changed his stance on the subject. Either way he should explain it publically.
People change. Hell, Trump was a democrat for most of his adult life and republicans seem ok with his about face.
As for the rest- They all need to publicly apologize for duping the public and they need to be sincere about it. Brennan should start at the very next meeting. Take a moment, be a man, apologize publicly.
Carvelli just doesn’t make sense… Wall to Doherty loyal fan to Pavilion debt promoter back and forth to Florida to Belmar Council and back to Florida? Now hear no evil see no evil rings in our ears.
# 27 what wording am I changing exactly?
Gutless Wonder Brennan should just resign, instead of sitting upon the dais with that sheepish look on his face. He wants to hike the Appalachian Trail? Start this summer. The endeavor should take a few months if he wants to follow the whole trail. Remember the “leave no trace” camping ethic, bury the waste instead of bagging it. Walk the talk for a change.
15-Taylor Pavilion is a hideous white elephant? I attended two celebratory functions there. It’s beautiful with the ocean view, great kitchen, and huge floor space. And by the way, there was no problem scheduling the pavilion through the borough, on two Saturdays, at different times of year no less. #15-The Taylor Pavilion has always been wonderful for the town, and still is an excellent place for members of various clubs and groups to assemble.
34. Ok. I guess the hideous part is just my opinion. I personally loved the old Taylor. Hard wood floors. High ceilings, open windows. Open to the public, rocking chairs on the back deck. Open to the public. That and the side resteruant space that people could actually go in and sit. I just came from there as a matter of fact. A friend rented the space for a 1 year old birthday party. Looks like the floors are lifting.
I have never been against the rebuilding of the Taylor. I understand the towns attachment to it.
What I was/am against was
the way our previous administration lied to us by telling us we weren’t going to have to pay for it. But most of all that it is locked up tight during the summer months after being assured by them that it would be for all.
And for 4.5 million it should have been spectacular!!
For Taylor, any for profit usage my merry makers should carry a $3,500 per event usage fee paid to Belmar in. This is a brand new ocean front facility so that is is pittance to pay. Damage deposit required with inspection followed the next day by Code Enforcement to determine if any damage. To avoid any more brawls by unsavory guests in our facility, require hiring of Belmar police officer starting 30 minutes before event and 30 minutes following conclusion.
Sounds like Merri-Maker’s PR staff is stopping in to say hi. Did anyone want to book a date directly with #34?
Faithful George often has to clean up after the piggy merrimaker renter leave boosting his salary and pension!
What happened to the cleaning clause in the contract?
We are blessed to have such a beautiful pavilion for use by the general public. I know of several people who booked it during the summer by way of the borough. The old pavilion was great, but so is the new one. Where is the floor buckling? Was at the pavilion recently and didn’t notice it. Everyone that I come in contact with are thrilled with new version of Taylor Pavilion. Cost factors are the reality of today’s economy. What we have can’t be compared price or area wise. It’s bigger than any of the other buildings re-built after the storm. Town officials knew what they were doing, and what the town needed.
Bring on bingo at Taylor Pavilion and use profits for school trips and cultural activities for Belmar schools.
Also, weed income would be good for Belmar.
It is already plentiful in town..u can smell it wafting out of homes and hotels when u walk down streets…so why not get some tax revenue out of it.
And start a town walking club on boardwalk …after dinner or before 9 am in summer
#35 always wants to find the worst in any and all situations.
The pavilion is spectacular, # 35.
Anonymous’s 41 and 42. (Who ever you are).
Spectacular???? For 4.5????? The floors are buckling. I saw it yesterday. The western exposure of beautiful Silver Lake, the Gazibo and the fantastic western sunset views are gone! The hallways are long and dark. And yes the building IS bigger! Because they took away all the public access decking. And don’t even get me started on those ugly railings and ramps. You probably don’t remember (Selectively) they were supposed to be like the aluminum ones on the rest of boardwalk. But of course we overspent on construction, ran out of money.
As far as my being negative ( whoever you are) If disliking that building and the way it was built and sold to me as a taxpayer makes me negative, so be it.
Can you imagine what shabby, industrial ugly means to #39. That building, which you people are paying for, is like a long mobile home without a syntilia of ambiance. Go there for the most important day of your life. Let’s face it it’s a Bingo Hall that cost 4.5 million + dollars out of your pocketbook because so many people believed the Dirty koolaid.
Weddings on a vinyl stick floor,no wonder you are attacking fist fights!Bingo hall is a proper name for it.
#45 – And just what’ve you got against fistfights? I’ve al;ways liked fistfights. Actually, I miss them. I don’t even like going to weddings an[y]more. There are no more fistfights, which were always my favorite part of the reception (waching and particypating). What’s wrong with a broken nose here and there? Jeeze you peopul are dull.
#44-Your description of the pavilion is poorly stated and so wrong. Why are so many people scheduling family, business and club events at the Taylor Pavilion? I fully can envision what “shabby, industrial ” looks like. I also know what “narrow-minded, anti-everything” people sound like.
#43-Long hallways? The one hallway leads to the bathrooms, and has no impact on the interior pavilion.
For both 43 44-If the Taylor Pavilion is what you say it is, then why are so many people anxious to hold events there?
43-Your spelling is often incorrect .With many of your postings you have at least one spelling error.
Takes away from your ability to convince people of your point of view. Don’t guess at the spelling of words. Check them out first.
Spelling errors in both 35 and 43 postings. Mr. Dilberger does it for fun. 35 and 43 does it for real.
What exciting new bus trips is Belmar planning?
And how about some new summer activities like drum circles on beach ( in evening) or watercolor painting for adults, health seminars, educational seminars or guest speakers with business experience, political savvy, or travel expwriences
the Taylor public assembly hall needs a posted Certificate of Occupancy.
#35 always misspelled Mayor Doherty’s name also.
#47- You must feel your arguments are weak when you need to pick on spelling errors. I know for a fact that there may be an occasion when an error occurs in translation. It appears that any post here must need to be re-typed onto this screen. $4.4M for junk. Just look at the exterior handrails. Garbage.
No point in trying to get people to see that our 5th Ave pavilion is the cheapest and therefore ugliest building. One thing you just can’t teach is taste. Some people don’t notice the difference between hardwoods and vinyl, between sconces and chandeliers, and recessed lights, between cathedral ceilings with exposed beams and a drop ceiling, between salty-air cross breeze and stale air conditioning, between southern exposure and a wall. For a new building at 4.5 mil, they wouldn’t want a fireplace, or mouldings, or art work. I was just at a function there and the lighting and acoustics were horrible. Photos taken of the evening look like it was an Elks Club – no offense to the Elks – at least they know how to save money on buildings.
Don’t take the Mcdirty bait. If you don’t know who he is or isn’t by now, dig out of the sand.
#47 I get what you’re saying but I think that you are missing the point.
Yes the pavilion has beautiful views of the Atlantic and yes it is a large space that can be used for all sorts of functions. We all have opinions about the aesthetics of the building and the design of the interior. And we are all entitled to that.
However- Based on general knowledge of construction costs and knowing what we know now, as fact, in regards to the tactics used by the administration at the time; the building is a colossal rip off to the taxpayers. The finishes used are cheap. There are no dimmers on the lights. There was no thought of taking advantage of the cross breezes from the lake. The list goes on and on. If the building came in at around say 1.5 million, then yes, the vinyl floors and trim and the drop ceiling and complete lack of detail would be acceptable. But the building didn’t come in at 1.5 million, it came in at 4.5 million. Try to wrap your head around that number for a minute. The most extravagant homes along ocean ave in Spring Lake, Belmar, and Avon come in at about half that to construct. Homes with marble entranceways and gourmet kitchens and multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and cedar siding. And most importantly of all, they have to follow the same FEMA requirements. There is no reasonable calculation that exists that can make that pavilion cost 4.5 million dollars.
And on top of all that (and all that is pretty terrifying by itself), we were promised on several occasions that FEMA would cover the cost of the project. That we shouldn’t worry our pretty little heads about the cost because our rich Uncle Sam would pay for it. Now, as a direct result of the way this was all handled by the administration, that ain’t happening.
So, here we are. We have a bill for a building that cost 4.5 million to build. It is partially run by a private company (book something on a Saturday night in June, I dare you) and the quality of construction doesn’t come close to lining up with the cost.
The fact that there are some lovely events there (I’ve attended a couple myself) is totally irrelevant. It would be like stealing a camper and justifying it because we’re all having fun camping in it. None of that nullifies the original crime.
And BTW, Merry Makers advertises it on their website as if it is their very own facility. Please take a look. Now I can guarantee you that the old Taylor pavilion never had that distinction. Why does the new one? It is a publicly owned community center that has no business having any connection to a private company.
Hopefully this all makes sense to you and that now you see that a million lovely events at the pavilion does not make up for the nefarious events that lead to its construction or the 4.5 million reasons we should all be upset.
I love Taylor Pavilion, and the many people who have used it love it too.
Ok #56. Wanna pay my share for it?
#56 – I love my relatives, I just don’t want to pay for them
OK … what do we do now with the pavilion from hell?
SAFETY FIRST!
We know the building wasn’t constructed in accordance with the plans & specs and there is no reason to assume the building is safe for occupancy.
This past winter … the water piping froze because it wasn’t properly heat traced … rendering the fire suppression system useless.
Except for the vendor space, the Belmar Construction Department was probably never called for inspections.
#56 did you read anything I wrote??
We were ripped off. I get that you love it but you don’t seem to understand that you were lied to and now have to pay for it. And we are paying waaaaay to much. This has nothing to do with standing inside a structure and looking at the ocean. Yes, that is very nice. But…
I would love driving a new car BUT NOT IF IT WAS A STOLEN CAR. Your enjoyment of the pavilion is unethical. Simple as that.
Ah why do I bother. Eventually you’ll catch on I hope.
Some people are just happy paying $10 for a $2 hotdog. It’s a $2 hotdog.
Yes Gene – What’s the latest scoop on the 10th Ave. Safety Pavilion/Clubhouse?
You can call me unethical, but don’t call me late for dinner!
(Unethical? Really? You need to brush up on correct word and language usage. Lack of understanding on your part. We disagree about the pavilion-with its history after Superstorm Sandy-I’ll give you that. Ethics has to do with mores and moral judgments. Someone who is dishonest is unethical. That said, my opinions regarding the pavilion are totally honest. When all is said and done, we need such a building in our town. No need for more lectures and scoldings. I get it; you don’t. Throw up your hands in utter disgust. I’m picturing this gesture in my mind’s eye as I write these comments.)
#62 … last 10th Avenue drive-by … we noted 2 vertical antennas attached to the roof parapet … and the vendor roof vent covered with a deadly plastic bag.
#63 Ok, I promise not to call you late for dinner.
What I said is that your enjoyment of the pavilion is unethical. Your opinion of it, while misguided, is yours to enjoy. I guess you can say that we disagree about “the pavilion- with its history after super storm Sandy’. I took a look at the facts of the situation and determined, through a careful analysis, that the people who are responsible for it acted with a total disregard for ethics. Ignoring mores and moral judgement as you put it. You took a look at the same facts and determined that although they acted unethically, we still needed a structure there. Therefore, in possessing that knowledge (the lies and unethical behavior is a matter of public record and therefore not in dispute)AND willfully enjoying the fruits of the poison tree, you are acting in a unethical manner.I don’t need to brush up on my use of language, but you may want to brush up on the public documents surrounding the events leading up the construction of the pavilion. Maybe then you’ll get it.
And I’m sorry to disappointing but I’m not throwing my hands up in utter disgust, because I think I understand where you’re coming from. It’s hard to come to terms when everything you believed about someone turns out to be wrong. Believe me, I know a lot of people in town who went through the same process. It was hard for them to come to terms with it as well. Rest assured though, we’re here for you when it all finally sinks in. Stay strong.
Uh-Oh-65, you’re still preaching. You are not the only smart guy in the room. I reiterate-I get it. A bit long-winded-I guess I’m permitted to make that judgment if you can call me unethical, although your name-calling is less light-hearted than mine.
#65- CORRECT, and President Trump participated in collusion. Just try and convince people that is untrue. Good luck.
whenever anyone wins the argument Claire says they’re preachy and think they’re the smartest in the room. In fact, the “nay-sayers” aren’t trying to show their intellect (and for whom would they be doing that anyway – a bunch of anonymous bloggers??), they’re trying to communicate with you. Isn’t that a compliment? What they should do is give up because you’ll never listen to reason. Then they’d be the smartest one in the room.
Right on. The strange part of it is I’m usually a very light hearted person. The dishonesty, corruption, and unethical behavior of the previous administration brings out the worst in me. That’s no reason to take it out on you.
I apologize for offending you. You have a right to enjoy the pavilion. And I have a right to take a stand against what I see as a violation of the public trust. Doesn’t mean we can’t get along. Sometimes I wish I didn’t care about it.
#58 Most fortunately my relatives do not have the power to tax me to pay for what they want.
Most unfortunately that is not true of the borough. They want ,i pay.
If you think about it the mayor et al had the power to grossly mishandle the reconstruction to the detriment of his constituents and the benefit of people he wanted to favor and he used that power. We got stuck with a big tab on a building that does not live up to its price tag.Engineers? Constuction managers? Who was protecting the taxpayers?
#70- There were a lot of people TRYING to protect the taxpayers. Unfortunately they were scolded, called names and laughed at by Doherty and crew. I think more blame should be placed on our fellow neighbors that voted these a-holes in time and time again. It makes me vomit to think that this Doherty guy is allowed to still walk around this town with as if nothing has ever happened. Again, lynch him in Pyone Square.
…you really shouldn’t care. Don’t you know this great big world is about being friendly, spelling correctly and making sure people don’t be the smartest in the room? It’s ok to tell folks they consistently misspell names or are not lighthearted enough, but keep it at that please. Look what happened to those black people 100 years ago in our southern states – they had a place to live, they were fed, and they didn’t even have to go to school! But they weren’t lighthearted about it. They complained and complained. Where’d it get them – oh yeah, whoops….hmmmmm….. Or how ’bout those framers of the ‘ole U.S.? The King was a nice man. A lot of nice people really liked him! He let them come here and do their thing but they have to pay taxes even if they don’t have any say – duh! The King’s decisions are the King’s decisions, and it’s not nice to disagree. They should have been lighthearted and enjoyed what they had ’cause now what do they have? – oh now wait a minute – let me get back to you TF…..I’ll think of something….
Not Claire
#72 Makes no sense. Claire is not the only one who could figure that out.
“Makes no sense.” “She” uses that line also. Pointless to preach to the other choir. Principles/ethics/morality? When you’re right, you’re right, at least if you believe it to be so. According to my own principles, I boycott most places that have supported Doherty and his ilk, even though some may seem nice, like Stay Gold. A Democratic fundraiser was held there, so that cafe does not receive my funds. Hold something at the Taylor Pavilion that I am interested in? I may go, even though the place is ugly and an abomination. Relative principles, depending on need and interest. Gotta stay fluid sometimes, unless the old saying about cutting off the nose to spite the face can apply. Jeesh.
#74- I think #72 was using a comical rendition of historical injustices to make a point. It’s tongue in cheek. But you knew that, right? Right?
The pavilions are trash and everyone knows it. If you are defending them you are either part of the Kool Aid Crew or simple.
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