How can Downbeach communities safely open beaches this summer?
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – Downbeach officials are grappling with how to safely allow beaches to open this summer and Longport is no exception. The Board of Commissioners May 6 held a lengthy discussion and heard from public safety officials about how to ensure its residents and visitors can be protected from the spread of COVID-19.
“Everything is subject to change,” Commissioner Dan Lawler said about decisions that will be made about opening the beach by Memorial Day.
Lawler and Commissioner Jim Leeds said they went to the beach during last weekend’s warm weather and noticed there were more people there than they expected.
“I don’t want to take away the people’s right to sit on a beach towel and relax,” Lawler said. “I think people need it after being cooped up and they start to rebel. It could be more detrimental for their health not to get out. But we need to control it, subject to change. We can try it. If it doesn’t work out, we can close it.”
Leeds presented New Jersey statistics, which he said were the second most-deadliest in the nation.
“When I think of the number of people coming to the beach, we must think about limiting access to walking, running, fishing and surfing, dawn to dusk.” he said. “But no stationary activity, which I observed some of last weekend, people sitting in chairs and blankets, coolers on the sand together.”
He said the borough could consider providing limited access to the beach for the next few weeks into June in the hopes the number of coronavirus cases comes down.
“I have concern about opening restrooms and keeping them cleaned. After every person goes in there, it should be cleaned,” he said.
He also expressed concerns about allowing short-term rentals.
Mayor Nicholas Russo said most adults understand the severity of the virus, but families who are currently under quarantine may be able to sit on the beach without social distancing.
“It’s all about awareness and education,” he said. “Our challenge will be the young people.”
Solicitor Michael Affanato said that if the governor believes local governments are not enforcing social distancing measures, he will close the beaches.
Public safety officials in all three Downbeach communities are meeting to discuss how to protect the public and prevent them from “jumping town to town” to find a beach where they can sunbathe and gather in groups.
Downbeach municipalities have discussed posting similar signage at all beach access points.
Longport tasked Beach Patrol Chief Matt Kelm with coming up with a short bullet-pointed list of activities that are and are not permitted.
“Whatever the governing bodies decide to do on Absecon Island, we should share best practices to address issues consistently and send a message that no matter where you go, this is how protection will be approached by the beach patrols,” Kelm said. “We are looking to be consistent across the island (south of Atlantic City).”
People should go to the beach they normally go to, Kelm said.
The board passed a resolution to allow Russo to issue regulations by executive order before the holiday.
Resident Roy Law applauded the commissioners for taking the time to carefully study how to safely open the beach this summer and prevent “beach shopping.”
“Regardless of what you do, a segment of the population won’t be happy no matter what you come up with,” he said.
In other beach related business, the board passed resolutions to set Beach Patrol staffing for the season, designate 12th, 22nd, 28th and 32nd avenues for surfing, and beaches between 14th and 15th, 22nd and 23rd, 27th and 29th, and 32nd and 33rd avenues for kayak launching.
Additionally, Administrator A. Scott Porter said Paul VanDeRijn of Jack and Jill Ice Cream of Egg Harbor Township failed to send a check to seal the deal on this year’s beach vending contract. Earlier this year, VanDeRijn opted to extend his 2019 contract for another year at a cost of $26,565, which was 5% more than he paid last year for the exclusive right to sell ice cream and water on the beach.
“Technically, he’s in default,” Porter said.
It was unclear if the borough would rebid for the concession, but commissioners discussed the possibility of installing a vending machine at Lifeguard Headquarters once the beach is fully opened.
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