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The first step will be relatively modest, encompassing 38 new condo/townhouses, 9,500 sf of ground-floor retail space and 76 covered parking space. The combined uses encompass a site at 800 Main St. formerly occupied by an auto dealership in this oceanfront community. The dealership's buildings were razed in the fall.

"This is a good example of how redevelopment should be a partnership between the public and private sectors," says Thomas Walsh, managing principal of Gale Belmar. "We met with municipal leaders, business groups, property owners, business owners and citizens to make sure that everyone's thoughts on this project were heard. We're thrilled that the first part of the plan is ready to proceed."

A series of design workshops led to the adoption of the Belmar Seaport Village Design Guide, which will govern all future development of the area. Additional meetings also resulted in a green design program.