Some Problems Reported as Manasquan Beaches Boom

Crowds are bigger than ever this summer on Manasquan beaches, but the extra visitors and revenue haven't come without their share of problems.

On Monday evening, Councilman Jeff Lee, who chairs the governing body's beach committee, reported that badge sales and revenues are up for the year when compared to 2011.

"We're doing well," Lee said, crediting a number of sunny weekends.

This year, Manasquan has sold a total of 10,700 adult seasonal beach badges, up by 300 from last year.

Total beach revenues are up by $50,000 from the 2010 season as well, Lee said.

While badge sales have soared, it hasn't stopped some from trying to buck the system.

Lee reported that a "rash" of imitation beach badges have been spotted by gate attendees at Manasquan beaches.

Six adult badges and one junior badge were apparently counterfeited in an attempt to gain free access to borough beaches.

"Our folks are on guard for that," Lee warned, noting that, if found guilty, a beach badge counterfeiter could face fines under borough ordinance of between $300 and $500. 

"All violators are going to be prosecuted," Lee said. "There's no forgiveness."

The councilman also reported some vandalism to borough facilities, notably the bathrooms along the beachfront after hours. No arrests have been made, but Manasquan Police will be watching the area, he said.

While the vandals may still be at large, the Manasquan Police Department has kept busy this season.

Councilman Joe Lucas, speaking as the governing body liaison to the Manasquan Police Department, reported figures from the department gathered between July 18 and July 31.

During that time, officers handed out borough ordinance violations for a number of infractions. There were eight alcohol violations, 15 public urination violations, five littering violations, four over occupancy violations and 39 other ordinance violations reported.

On the traffic side, the borough issued 104  moving violations during the reporting period as well as 183 parking violations. They also had two DWI arrests. Manasquan Police took 13 criminal complaints and made eight criminal arrests.