Resolution against county control of ocean beaches passed by Ocean County Freeholders

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Ocean county towns oversee their own
beach maintenance, and it should stay
that way, Freeholders say.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is against proposed state legislation that would transfer the task of caring for area beaches from local municipalities to the counties. On June 18, the board passed a resolution reaffirming its position against Senate Bill 2171, which would authorize Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May and Monmouth counties to assume complete responsibility for the operation and control of ocean beaches within the respective county. The resolution states that Ocean County believes municipal control of the operation and maintenance of Ocean County beaches best serves the public, including both visitors and residents.

“No one knows the beach better than the local officials that oversee the maintenance of them,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to tourism in Ocean County. “We are opposed to this legislation for many reasons,” he added.

Vicari noted that Ocean County is home to 44 miles of the 127 miles of ocean beaches in the four counties mentioned in the proposed legislation.

“Our municipalities, whether it be Seaside Heights, Seaside Park or Long Beach Township, do a great job with taking care of the beaches,” Vicari said. “From making certain they are cleaned and maintained daily to providing professional lifeguards that make sure everyone is safe as they enjoy the ocean, our towns are equipped to be the caretakers of our beaches, and it should stay that way.”

The resolution is being sent to Gov. Chris Christie, members of the state Senate and Assembly and the mayors of Ocean County’s oceanfront communities.

–Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.