There was a request this week by New Jersey State Senator Mike Doherty to hear the possibility of a new law that would require free access to Jersey shore beaches that accept Federal Funds to rebuild from the effects of Hurricane Sandy. According to NJ.com, there are only five beaches in New Jersey that currently allow visitors without beach tags – Atlantic City, Strathmere, Wildwood Crest, and North Hollywood. Admission to others can range from $5 dollars a day to $15, however, season passes are available for most.
Dohrety believes that the beach tag system unfairly limits access to a now Federally Funded resource. He was quoted as saying that the damage inflicted by the hurricane illustrates that point on an ‘unprecedented scale’. He went on to say that he is currently drafting the legislation and that any proposed bill would also not allow for charging individuals to use public bathrooms.
The articles noted that this would not effect the amount of Federal funds available to rebuild beaches and it was not meant as a deterrent to ocean-facing municipalities accepting Federal funds.
What do you think?
Do you think that it’s enough that New Jersey resident pay State and Federal taxes to fund the clean up following Hurricane Sandy? Do you think the the decrease in revenue to counties and shore towns is good for those municipalities? Many townships located in Atlantic, Ocean, and Monmouth counties, take in enough from the beach access revenue to enjoy surpluses in their budgets. In recent years there has been quite a bit of flack about how the townships are allowed to spend those surpluses to benefit their residents. Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments.
If you are in need of a lawyer in South Jersey
If you live in any of the townships at the South Jersey shore and are seeking legal representation, I invite you to contact me. I have been representing individuals with matters pertaining to claims made against insurance companies, traffic matters, criminal matters, and family law matters since 1993. I have represented clients in every township and municipality in Southern New Jersey, including Atlantic City, Brigantine, Vineland, Glouchester, Cape May, Toms River, Egg Harbor, and Winslow. If you have been injured, arrested, or have a family law issue, I offer free initial consultations in which I will sit down with you and explain in easy-to-understand terminology exactly what legal issues you are facing and what a reasonable expectation of outcome could be. Contact us today at (609) 445-4300.
