Beach access advocates call foul as Jersey Shore borough introduces another parking ordinance

    A beach in Deal, N.J. on Oct. 4, 2015. (Corinne Cavallo/FotoCavallo)

    A beach in Deal, N.J. on Oct. 4, 2015. (Corinne Cavallo/FotoCavallo)

    A Jersey Shore borough is once again proposing legislation that would restrict parking on some streets near the beach, a move that’s causing a stir in the surfing and fishing communities.

    Deal, an affluent enclave situated north of Asbury Park in Monmouth County, introduced similar restrictions in 2015 and 2016.

    But both were ultimately tabled after they were met with fierce opposition when critics claimed that these ordinances violated their beach access rights guaranteed under state law. 

    The proposed ordinance would require a permit to park along the entire stretch of Monmouth Terrace and a portion of Monmouth Drive, Hathaway Avenue, Sydney Avenue, and Neptune Avenue. Permits would be required from Memorial Day until Labor Day, costing $100 for the season or $50 per month.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    Andrew Chambarry, an attorney and the leader of the “COBRA: Citizens in Opposition to Beach Restrictive Access” group, says he’s gearing up for another fight. 

    “These roads are vital access points for surfers, fisherman, and the general public alike,” he said. “The proposed ordinance is another slap in the face to local taxpayers, given that Deal’s beaches were recently the benefactor of a $40 million taxpayer-funded beach replenishment project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”

    Last year, a state Department of Environmental Protection spokesman said the agency had concerns that the ordinance could limit public beach access and conflict with an agreement with the Army Corps.

    A call this afternoon to the borough requesting comment was not immediately returned. 

    The Board of Commissioners will introduce the ordinance during a meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at 190 Norwood Avenue. A public comment period will continue through May 10, 2017 prior to the final vote on the Ordinance.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal