Chefs’ Marina Plans Wrecked?
Fisherman’s Den on November 4.
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The big announcement from the Belmar Democrats this week is that Chefs International has finally started the $6 (?) marina restaurant project.
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This is what the plan calls for them to build:
It looks like it costs $6.
.
Aesthetics aside, there is an even bigger problem: The new building was never permitted by the state DEP!
Here is what is permitted (Christie recently extended this and a bunch of other permits for an additional five years):
Specifically, this is what is permitted to be built:
Chefs International’s plan is for a single story, 1560 square foot building with the only retail being a bait shop.
The plan below is what is actually permitted and is the only marina building permitted by the DEP to be built on the site. It was approved in July of 2010 by the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Land Use Regulation. 
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And here is an elevation of what a developer proposed to build back in 2012. This would have been in compliance with what was approved by the DEP.
I still really like this design. So sleek and so contemporary! Honestly, I never understood the idea of building a brand new building that on the day it opens looks like it’s a hundred and fifty years old. You know the Victorians didn’t run around building Tudor style buildings so why are we building Victorian style buildings? Doesn’t make sense to me.
Anyway, the approved plan did allow for a Tiki bar on the pier but it would only be about 10% of the size of what Chefs has there. There is no miniature golf course in the plan. None of what has been built was ever approved in a CAFRA permit, but was built anyway.
And now we’ve been busted:
The resident who obtained this complaint called John Hanf of the DEP at the number listed on the cover letter. Mr Hanf informed this resident that as of November 5 the Borough had not responded to the notice of violation. The date of the notice of violation was February 11, 2015.
The DEP is not happy and will be taking action against us. (Tell them to take a number.)
And this is just for what we’ve done so far. If we go ahead with building what we’ve signed on with Chefs to build, it would constitute another seven violations.
So my question is: If Jack Manutti was alive today would he thank the mayor…..or issue him a summons?
70 Comments
The clowns, Mayor and council may have bamboozled their democratic sheeple, but they cant pull the wool over the eyes of the State or the Judge. Way to go… Congratulations!
I am sure these are just “frivolous” violations that we should not be worried about! Why has the state not taken any steps since this letter was sent to Belmar in February? Belmar had only 15 days to respond and 30 days to submit documentation.
This appears to be a prime example of the result of the statement by a certain councilman about a year ago or so, which went something like, “We do what is right for Belmar, whether it is legal or not.”
How convenient …. the regime is relying on a CAFRA permit from the evil previous administration …. better watch-out for the sharp edges …. hi!
Required modifications to the existing CAFRA permit appear “Major” and the public should demand a hearing …. or a complete redo.
Maybe the taxes will have to go up to pay for the fines they incur, they cant get a bond for that. They are a very incompetent bunch and have no idea of Murphy’s Law.
A little off-topic, but fines and violations reminded me that Mrs. Nicolay was subject to large fines regarding past noncompliance with campaign donation reporting. What happened with that? Something else buried in the to-do file?
Its all about getting work for the Union supporters they could care less about anything else. I cant wait for the Park project.
#7. What Maclearie Park Project ? They can’t do that either due to same CAFRA permit 2010 includes Park.
I recall recently, the questions by the Coast Star of our council candidates. Nicolay and Burke felt there was plenty of transparency. Really, why aren’t these plans on Belmar.com? Burke sits on planning board. What role did the planning board play in this SNAFU? I checked all the agendas, no mention 2008 to now about the CAFRA approved plans. During the two Planning Board reviews of Chef’s 2014 and 2015 not one word.
Do we need a new planning board and planning board attorney?
Even I know what a permit is. And if a sign says, “do not walk on the grass”, I do not walk on the grass. Did the council members have to pass an ignoramus test to become candidates? Heck, my IQ is low, but I have good common sense and integrity out the wazoo.
I cannot believe that Nicolay won the election. When I found out that she did not personally build those nice buildings on the glossy mailer, I thought she was not honest. And my newest water bill is the highest I ever got. I thought she was supposed to be getting Belmar a good water deal. Thanks, Jennifer.
I do not drink kool-aid, don’t like the artificial ingredients. Fake, like the phonies who run this town.
As I stated in my letter to the editor… Dave, would you please inform us if Nicolay or Tom Burke thanks you for providing them with this insightful information that their wonderful transparent Doherty regime has failed to informed anyone about?
I thank you.
#11 Jim they would never do that. They are so blinded by their myopic and biased view,thank god they will not go further in the political theater Monmouth county people are smarter in numbers. For now they are just aiding and abetting shame on them,but they have no shame or conscience.
February 15, think of all that has transpired since then. IF the coast star is still interested in transparency they [or some more enterprising news org] might take a look at why this has been bottled up since then. Does anyone aside from myself think that the Mayor thought that disclosure might negatively impact his pavilion scheme, Nicolays election race and other issues dealing with legal compliance by the Boro? And how much more will taxpayers shellout in engineering fees as a result? and to the people [Maser Engineering/Consulting which is incidently headed by a Brielle councilman] who went hand in hand with the Mayor door to door[reported on this site] to sell the pavilion bond that they are making big fees off of? Where is Mr [I think they have been transparent] Burke? Where is Brian on all this or Claire? Why have we outsourced Belmar to the crowd from Edison and cronys?
Anyone else find it a slap in the face to year round places w a liquor license that now have additional competition based on a permit issued by the town to Chef’s ? Summer at 9th Ave is one thing but does the town need another year round to send more places out of business ? Already being dominated by Asbury Park in terms of a destination spot for people to eat and drink
About the admin’s question at the end, I think Mr. Manutti might want the marina renamed Shenanigan Marina. No disrespect to the gentleman.
#9. piecing it all together, it all went south in 2011 ( gee a new mayor!).
That summer, the administration unveiled a revised Seaport Redevelopment Plan ( Maser Consulting, Dave Roberts ). I just checked and nothing about the CAFRA permitted Marina, L-Street Beach and Maclearie Park. Nothing.
Knowing the Chief and the fact he was raised in Belmar I think he would have talked first and then would have done what the law required if he didn’t get cooperation.
#11. Thought you left town. Any reason why taxpayer Bean not at meetings on the other microphone? Many of us stood at that very mic to support you on the dais.
Off topic but I saw a great bumper sticker today, it read, milk cows not taxpayers.
Belmar Democrats need to hire a someone to write their posts and campaign literature or at least someone to proof it. Shameful that Blog Administrator has to be a detective to find out what should be public info.
#20 That will never happen. At least we have a babysitter for them, the Judges!
Read quickly through above documents. It appears to me that the Permit expired July of this year. Am I reading it wrong?
Christie extended it. You know, Sandy and all.
I don’t think everyone understands the gravity of these violations. Now however it’s going to be interesting how the mayor worms his way out of this one. Maybe he’ll throw Colleen under the bus like he did Dupont. Notice how the violation letter was sent to him and not the borough. tell everyone who reads this blog to read the FEP letter carefully, it’s loaded.
I have a question regarding the restaurant. Will the roadway in front of the restaurant remain? It isn’t shown in the rendition picture. If it isn’t kept, will all access will come from 7th Ave entrance under the high bridge?
#25 …. Tom …. it appears that vacation of a portion of Marina Avenue would be necessary to construct Chef’s.
The street in front of the restaurant will be closed permanently ,so the restaurant can put tables for outside dining Marina parking will about 30 parking spots.
I believe that is why they want to convert the soccer field at Maclearie Park to a parking lot. So wrong!!!
#28 More than likely overflow parking for the restaurant employees to park,and fishermen that can’t find a spot.
#27,#28 There are many reasons for the CAFRA approved 2 story building. Restaurant second floor about 200 people.First according to CAFRA the building must be set back from the water CAFRA and Green Acres multiple issues. The latest design by Chef’s is a small single story that with outside decking sprawls to water’s edge and connects with pier operation (seating expanded to ? ). Hence at the Planning Board hearing, Chef’s stated inside dinning 200 and outside 234. Chef’s wanted parking so the mayor behind the backs of all , including the planning board, put exclusive use of K-Street parking ( boat trailers ) to Chef’s for valet parking. No matter how you cut it there will be a parking war and of the mayor’s making. To get approval, the mayor said to the residents and planning board that Chef’s would valet from municipal lots in town. But they never built the deck and they fill up fast.
If the boaters cant park safely they will go to Atlantic Highlands Marina, plenty of parking for the trailers.
Guarantee that You reap what you sow in this town.
Oversight is ubiquitous. Just sit back, don’t warn and it will wither and die.
Thank TOM BURKE for everything wrong in Belmar. He plays the real goat in this scenario with ad nauseous gas transmitted through the microphones at the council meeting much like a broadcast virus.
And that is the point. If you pay yearly,
you matter for now. But eventually you will pressure for permit parking. Its a civil rights thing. Green Acres public access discourages by law favoring the haves v the have nots. Green Acres park land laws serve to protect the day user, the visitor. The marina is essentially Green Acre park land, Belmar has entered into contract to preserve it for open space and public recreation. You can’t have it both ways, though this administration keeps trying. The same issue regarding daily beachgoers paying for the Taylor Pavilion, same argument, legally.
By adding a structure the is a code for the number of parking spaces required per square foot of building. Do they comply with that or make up their own rules???? I addition to the pier 9 and the boat owners and party and charter boat owners.
#33. Cute blaming a self-elected pawn.
Blame the voters, if you have to blame.
“Everything in Belmar is wrong” because
our votes count.
Message for #13-Took me a while to research these issues with CAFRA…since you mentioned me-….you ask me what I thought of the situation…all has been dealt with-borough and engineer reps have resolved concerns posted……#9-Don’t you think it’s ironic that you use transparency in your title, yet don’t use your actual name? You’re not being transparent Seems odd…..using the retaliation defense? Standing for what you believe in takes courage-hiding behind a fake titile is cowardice….
Gene Creamer-Who are you referring to-evil previous administration? Me?
My water bill is highest it has ever been. What happened to this deal that Jenn negotiated with American water? Anyone?
Claire, Gene was referring to the depiction by those who currently control the Belmar Democratic party of Ken Pringle and his administration as “evil”.
Please tell me how Belmar’s multiple legal violations, or “concerns” as you call them, were resolved.
Lets see I am paying several thousand dollars a season to have my boat in the Marina and have to work to find a parking spot? This will be the beginning of the end of the Marina there are lots of Marinas available that have parking for the boaters and their guests.
#40 Admin if we did not have such an incompetent, and ethically corrupt Mayor and Council there would be Nothing to “resolve”.
Claire Deicke states that all these violations have been resolved. Can anybody confirm this ?
#4, #38 & #40 …. The referenced Coastal Area Facility Review Act Permit was secured by Mayor Pringle and it is the only defense the current regime can offer for its actions …. and they violated the conditions of the permit …. just more disregard of the law.
Dave-#40-Never heard of any Democrat referring to the Pringle administration as evil-my husband (during the ’90’s) and I (more recently) served with him as council members-and never heard any Democrat of late reference his administration as evil-especially since so many of us “old time Democrats” were very much involved under Ken’s leadership-so that’s a very false concept, but I guess it’s just Gene’s sarcasm-I get it…to your second point-apparently there was communication between CAFRA reps, our engingeers and our borough reps-problems were being worked out-Hey-someone on this blog asked me what I thought about the CAFRA issues, and I did my research-
It doesn’t matter if the building passes code. The Mayor will change the laws to make it pass code. The Home By Summer house doesn’t pass code by any means. But with the Mayor as boss and Mike Campbell as his minion and on the planning board anything can happen. Look at Ocean Ave. To make the sidewalks and a place to plant the dead palm trees Belmar got rid of 60- or 70 parking spots. Mad Matt has no fear to break any law and doesn’t care if its right or wrong.
Good, Dave-You’ll get all of the info….good follow-up…..all things are “a go” in the vicinity of the marina…the latest information I received is that the borough and CAFRA have an excellent relationship….it’s my impression is that there were meetings (face-to-face) about CAFRA/Belmar issues….
Even if they talked face to face any agreements would still need to be memorialized.
True…..I’m sure you’ll receive confirmation that all is well….
Remain Calm! All is well!
I look forward to Maser’s revised plans and the conservation easement filing …. all will be well when the public participates in the Coastal Area Facility Review.
MACLERIE PARK as in green acres?
“When they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh.”
1 Thessalonians 5-3.
#39 We were told by Doherty in a meeting at Turnstile Coffee that all of our water bills would go up in order to pay for the work done for the brown water situation. It doesn’t matter what kind of “deal” was struck.
Claire thanks for the update.
Being told anything by administration representatives is meaningless, that is, according to the response received by the Court in Defendant, Belmar’s Brief.
#56. Mike. You do have a phone, right?
And I recall, the phone number to call is mentioned on Dave’s post. I am sure you can get the appropriate update from the person who answers.
????? If you need any information about Belmar that you can’t read in any media sources one should go to a Belmar democrat functionary for updates, answers, etc ????
Does that make sense??
#59-Actually, I was answering a question that #13, also titled Anonymous, posed to me…..was that you, or a different Anonymous ? I’m so glad that you view me as a great source of information-anything I can ever do to be of assistance . ???????????????????????
59-I responded to 13 titled Anonymous…is that you, or a different Anonymous? 13 asked me a question, so I responded …and researched the topic at hand …you could have do be the same ..That said, I’m pleased to provide information and assist in any way I can…..as a Democrat Functionary….???????????????????
Actually, 61 is me……Claire Deicke-I sometimes have difficulty posting on this blog….my computer is at fault-that’s why comments are about the same….posted twice-for 60 and 61….Mike Seebeck-#56-very polite message-very different from a previous one about me with your “some educator” and President remarks…and what a horrible person I am….what’s with the change of heart?
Dave got a response to his OPRA after Claire’s statements on this blog. There were no face -to-face meetings. The only response and eventual excuses for the borough not responding to the 2012 violations were memorialized in emails dated 1Monday 11/9/2015 ( 5 days after the main marina building was demolished.)
Bottom line is that Belmar is to send the proposed changes for the building in a new permit application to CAFRA.
Thanks Ted. I’ll try to publish tomorrow.
There was a meeting between the engineer and CAFRA reps at one point……so resolutions have been established-project will be moving forward….
I can read. Nowhere is it stated by DEP that the situation ( notice of violation) is resolved at DEP.The emails reflect that there was silence-non responses to case manager John Hanf:
July 23, 2015 “Nicolas: It has been four months since our on-site meeting..advise that status on corrective measures”
Nov. 9,2015 “I apologize for delay”
Nick DeCotiis states reason for delay-that Belmar is revising the particulars in the permit plan and seeking approval because the borough wants to include a new marina project.
The question now is, what new marina project that is not in the CAFRA Plan
is being proposed and how come we don’t know about it after nine months in the planning pipeline?
I don’t see it the way #66-Ted.. OPRA request postedmdescribes the sitution-resolved are issues of moving forward..the enigneer had ongoing dialogue/communications with the CAFRA rep-I can read, too..seems that there were face-to-face communications..it’s all good…according to those dealing the redevelopment at the site, everything seesm to be working well-
Whatever transpired, it was all kept secret from the public. Even after it was exposed, nobody will even admit they did anything wrong.
Claire, I think that’s great. I am very pleased that Belmar will finally correct the 4 violations. Do you know by when that will happen? The first was for the expanded 9th Ave. Pier Bar and the unpermitted kitchen and restrooms.
( Should not be a problem, since the operation is closed for the winter.) The second was for the miniature golf- again closed for the season. The third was for the parking area Block 118 which is currently used by the boaters/trailers and will require installation of grass pavers. ( might be a delay there ) and the fourth the non-permitted storage shed, sailing club Block 225, Lot 1 ( nobody there off season so it could be moved soon.
If you see something, say something. Apathy wins when SHEEOPLE walk in lockstep.
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