[WickedQuiver]

N.J., Monmouth County beach clubs agree to expand public access
By MaryAnn Spoto/The Star-Ledger
January 13, 2010, 6:58PM

TRENTON -- Six private beach clubs in Sea Bright have agreed to allow public access to their beaches under agreements reached today with the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The settlement does not close the book on the state’s lawsuit against the clubs — there is one holdout — but it does conclude most of the ongoing feuding since the state sued the Monmouth County borough for greater access in 2006.

The private clubs settling separately with the state are: Chapel Beach Club, Surf Rider Beach Club, Driftwood Beach Club, Sands Beach Club, Water’s Edge Beach Club and the Ship Ahoy Beach Club.

The general public had access to a 15-foot swath of sand closest to the water in front of the clubs. The public was allowed only to walk by and was prohibited from setting down chairs or towels.

The settlements call for the clubs to make at least half their oceanfront beach — the portion of the sand closest to the ocean — accessible to the public. In some cases, that will be up to 150 feet, said acting DEP Commissioner Mark Mauriello.

The remainder of the beach closest to the clubs’ buildings will remain private and for the exclusive use of members, he said.

The public will get to these areas through the existing public access areas and will be required to have a municipal beach badge.

Three of the nine private beach clubs in the borough were not part of the settlement approved today by Superior Court Judge Thomas Cavanagh in Freehold. Donovan’s Reef and Tradewinds beach clubs have resolved their dispute with the state by opening their beaches to the public. Litigation is continuing with a third private facility, the Seabright Beach Club.

The borough, also named in the 2006 suit, has settled the case by agreeing to spend $556,00 to provide more public beach access amenities, Mauriello said.

Sea Bright Mayor Maria Fernandes hailed the settlements as a way for the borough to get on with planned beach improvements stalled because of the litigation.

"I think it’s good for Sea Bright and I think it’s good for public access," she said. "We’ve always done what the DEP said as far as public access goes."

[SeaCliff]

I saw this the other day, WQ..what do you think of it? Does it go far enough??

[myxamatosis]

I know this club isn't named in the suit but what about the club on phillips ave in Deal. Are they excluded because they have unguarded beaches in Deal?

[BOB]

I know this club isn't named in the suit but what about the club on phillips ave in Deal.

Deal Casino is a municipal club - whereas the ones in SB are private. You have to be a Deal resident to be a member which gets you access to the amenities like the saltwater pool, lockers, showers etc. BUT like every town beach in most urban areas in the northeast,  the general public is free to buy a day pass for $8 or 9 whatever which gets you on the beach and usage of the restroom and the opportunity to patronize the snack bar.

[myxamatosis]

Bob,
 
I dont want to use the pool or their showers but I have been known to enjoy a snack or two. What I meant was can you surf in front of the club during the summer provided you are careful around the bathers or would they call the police? I have only surfed in front off season with no hassles of course.

[BOB]

find out for yourself