A Letter To The Editor From The President Of The Berkeley Shores Homeowners Civic Association

By Fred Bekiarian

For many years, The Berkeley Shores Homeowners Civic Association has maintained the Center Island on the corner of Veeder Lane and Ocean Gate Drive with signage and improvements amounting to several thousand dollars.

The last renovation to the island several years ago was assisted by the township and local officials. We are now planning more improvements to the island, voted upon by the board and funded for approximately $2,500.

Lately, we have been the victims of thefts of decorative items placed on the island by our chairman, John Schnitzer. John creates wooden figures and symbols, displayed on the island, depicting our various holidays at his own expense. They are also used for subsequent holidays.

It is disheartening when projects and positive actions are adopted by organizations and individuals, designed to improve upon the community, are frustrated by the selfish acts of people who care little about community pride and only about what’s in it for them.

The Center Island is a gateway to Berkeley Shores and should not be considered a “free shopping area” for items that they think might look good on their lawns or for whatever purpose they think benefits them. The latest items stolen are two wooden stars, painted red, white and blue, made to commemorate our veterans.

Would it be asking too much of whoever stole them to please have the decency to return them to our Center Island? No questions asked. Our current plan will install a lighthouse in place of the deteriorated boat and a flag pole dedicated to our veterans. Must we worry that these items might be hijacked? People who steal from public displays designed to encourage community pride must realize that such actions discourage citizens from participating and joining in such projects.

Our local leadership of Berkeley Township continually reinforces the goal of community pride as is evidenced by their mailings, concerts, golf outings, etc. That goal should be observed and realized by all residents of the township and recognition should be given to all groups who actively participate to further that goal.

Fred Bekiarian, President, Berkeley Shores Homeowners Civic Association