Community Corner

Belmar Will Not Be Able To Extend Summer, Charge At Beach

Belmar says it won't be able to extend the summer, but the town is working on building a staff to take care of the beach and keep it safe.

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A pedestrian wearing a protective mask walks along the boardwalk and a mostly empty beach, Saturday, May 23, 2020, in Belmar, N.J.
A pedestrian wearing a protective mask walks along the boardwalk and a mostly empty beach, Saturday, May 23, 2020, in Belmar, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

BELMAR – Belmar says it won't be able to extend the summer, but the town is working on building a staff to take care of the beach and keep it safe.

Borough Administrator Ed Kirschenbaum said New Jersey doesn't have enough staff to completely manage the beach like it does in the summer, so the town won't charge.

Kirschenbaum said the town is trying to patch together a lifeguard staff, if that's possible, because people will be swimming.

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"They do get on the beach if the weather is nice," he said.

He said there will be police protection to help maintain social distancing and other issues. He's hoping to get CARES Act funding to help pay for the costs.

But Kirschenbaum said there is not enough to man the gates or even fully take care of the bathrooms.

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He said the town considered opening for the next two weekends, but it wasn't possible.

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