Residents urge committee to pull several parcels from auction, citing wetlands, wildlife and flood risk

During an extended public comment period the committee heard repeated appeals from residents to pause or rescind a township auction that lists multiple small lots for sale. Speakers said parcels near Bodmin Park and in Port Monmouth—specifically Block 974 Lot 4 and other lots near Bayside Parkway—contain wetlands, vegetated dunes and important wildlife habitat and that development could worsen local flooding and coastal erosion.

"Selling this land to a private developer will cause severe consequences to our community," said Peggy Figuely, listing habitat loss, damage to wetland root systems and increased risk of local flooding and erosion. Residents asked the committee to remove at least some parcels from the auction, provide title history and deed/will documents (including references to a 'Bodmin' will), and consult the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for wetlands and coastal-area reviews before proceeding.

Township staff and committee members responded that the auction process applies to lots that are not on the RASI (recreation and open-space inventory) and that properties are sold "as is" with buyers responsible for title checks and DEP approvals. Staff emphasized there is no guarantee a lot is buildable: a buyer must secure DEP letters of interpretation and any necessary permits, and the township retains discretion to accept or reject bids. Officials also said anticipated sale revenue was included in the current municipal budget.