The Borough of Belmar is slated to receive $676,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) for much-needed repairs to the apartment homes of low-income senior residents living at the Belmar Public Housing Building.

            “Built over 50 years ago in 1966, the Belmar Public Housing Building is in dire need of repair,” said Rep. Smith, who personally secured the funds for the project as one of his congressional earmarks that were signed into law on Saturday as part of a negotiated budget.

            “These federal dollars will provide urgent repairs needed to address significant safety concerns throughout the building, including bringing its unreliable elevator—which was damaged in a power outage—up to code as well as repairing water-damaged interior walls,” said Smith.

            The project has widespread support from several non-profit, charitable organizations that support local community programs and people needing assistance.

            According to the Belmar Women’s Club, “the issues of deterioration of the building have been heartbreaking to see…the safety concerns for our residents in that building are many.”

            Another concerned civic group stated: “The safety concerns of the deteriorated brick facade, water damage, continued elevator issues pose an urgent safety concern for these low-income seniors and disabled Belmar residents.”

            “Safety is a priority,” said Smith. “The federal funding for this project will truly be well spent and lead to a significant benefit to the Belmar community for many years.”

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