Local Beach Access Plan Draws Ire Of Environmental Groups

Environmental groups voiced concerns through postcards and press conferences over proposed rules they claim would restrict rather than enhance access to New Jersey's beaches. A proposed plan would permit local towns to establish access plans that would be reviewed by the State. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would then be able to reduce funding for open space purchases or assign towns a lower priority if they fail to provide adequate access. Pro-access groups claim the proposed rules would permit a municipality to exclude the public from accessing beaches in favor of private property owners with beachfront properties. It is unclear whether the access points would be through existing access or acquired from private property owners.