Fences Don't Always Make Good Neighbors - State Vs. Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Beach officials are adamant that a four-feet fence along a blind curve on Route 35 south isn't coming down, according to the Ocean Star.

But the state Department of Transportation says the fence is on state property, lacks a permit and must be removed.

“DOT personnel informed Point Pleasant Beach officials that the fence installed along Route 35 is on department right-of-way and impeding the progress of a safety improvement study which the borough had requested,” said Kevin Israel, a public information officer with the DOT.

But Point Beach officials say the location of the fence is a public safety issue.

“What was happening was people would get off the Maryland Avenue beach and it was getting really dangerous,” Councilman Bob Santanello said. “So what we did was we put the fence up to funnel people [to the crosswalk]. We have been asking for well over two years for some kind of slow-down device here, whether it be speed bumps or flashing lights.”

The DOT rejected the request for traffic calming measures.

Borough officials have no plans to take the fence down, said Borough Administrator Christine Riehl said.

Point Beach had asked for paperwork to put the fence up, but the state did not respond, she said.

The DOT is trying to improve public safety in the area, Israel said.

“There are signs marking both crosswalks and an investigation is underway to improve pedestrian safety in this area," Israel said.

To read the entire story, click here.

Image: Patch file photo.