SOMERS POINT — Somers Point City Council met Sept. 28 and the members divided on a few things.
Two draft ordinances were introduced and the vote was split down the middle.
The first was about trees in residential zones. There is a suggestion to mandate a certain number of trees in a certain amount of space per homeowner. Some council members stated there was no point to this while a few concluded it could be further discussed.
The big issue of the night was the second draft ordinance, which would require all new businesses to add a bike rack outside. It would not require established businesses to do so.
Council was very divided on this issue. On one hand, some members concluded it would be fairly easy for businesses to do and would be good for the community since Somers Point is a family town where children and adults often bike around.
Other members argued that there is too much pressure on new business owners as it is and that it should be up to them what goes outside their place.
After much passing around and interruptions, both draft ordinances were advised to be sent to the Planning Board to review and feedback.
The meeting started with a flag salute, roll call of all present and then went into the mayor’s report.
Mayor Jack Glasser mentioned a few upcoming special events for the public to be aware of, such as Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day and the city’s Trunk or Treat Fest. All events are listed on Somers Point website, somerspointgov.org.
Along with the mayor raising awareness of a few local events, he shared two more serious proclamations.
The first proclamation was that the city, along with New Jersey, is marking Oct. 6 as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription and black market opioids.
The second was proclaiming September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Reading of the ordinances was next on the agenda and this part of the meeting went by smoothly and without any back and forth.
Ordinance 22-2023, granting authority to establish restricted parking zones in front of residences occupied by a handicapped person, was adopted.
Ordinance 23 amended and supplemented the Somers Point Municipal Code on overnight parking.
Under new business, council approved three social affair permits for the American Legion, Cape Shore Chorale and St. Joseph Church.
By DELANEY CRAWFORD/For The Sentinel
