TRENTON — Opponents of New Jersey's proposed beach access rules plan to deliver more than 1,000 postcards to Gov. Chris Christie's office today. The cards ask Christie to scrap the proposal in favor of one that ensures better access to the state's coast. More than 40 groups oppose the proposed rules, which would allow towns to decide what level...
Children frolic on the beach in Point Pleasant in this 2008 file photo.TRENTON — Opponents of New Jersey's proposed beach access rules plan to deliver more than 1,000 postcards to Gov. Chris Christie's office today.
The cards ask Christie to scrap the proposal in favor of one that ensures better access to the state's coast.
More than 40 groups oppose the proposed rules, which would allow towns to decide what level of public access is appropriate, subject to state approval.
Environmental, fishing and beach access groups say they don't trust the Environmental Protection Department to protect the public's right to get onto ocean, bay and river beaches. They fear the state will allow towns to side with wealthy oceanfront homeowners who want to keep outsiders away.
The state says it can achieve better overall public access by working with towns instead of threatening them.
Related coverage:
• New N.J. beach access rules to impact urban and industrialized areas, environmentalists say
• N.J. beach access advocacy groups urge Christie to scrap public access plan