Barrier Island Beach Opening Plans Under Discussion: Brick Mayor

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — If you've been waiting to go walk on the beaches on the northern barrier island, it looks like you might get your wish soon, as officials in the barrier island towns are working on a plan to reopen them.

Beaches up and down Ocean County have been closed for about a month as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy increased efforts to enforce social distancing and the stay-at-home order he issued on March 21 amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

"We are working on a way to open the beaches together," Brick Township Mayor John G. Ducey said Tuesday evening during the township council meeting, noting that the intent is to prevent the possibility of one beach or another being overwhelmed if they open haphazardly.

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Ducey said a meeting is scheduled for Monday for officials from the affected towns.

"These are only discussions," said Christopher Vaz, the Seaside Heights business administrator. "Each town has its own unique circumstances, particularly Seaside Heights, that have to be considered when the governing bodies hold their council meetings and make final decisions."

Discussions about when and how beaches will open come as Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra said there are plans in the works to open the beaches and boardwalk in the borough, possibly in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The shutdown of beaches and boardwalks has been a frustration for many seeking ways to get some fresh air during the shutdown. Parks throughout the state and the county have been closed as well, because of continuing issues with people congregating in groups.

On Wednesday, Murphy issued an executive order allowing for some reopening of state parks for passive recreation. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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