Long Branch gives teens a pass on beach fees

BY CHRISTINE VARNO
Staff Writer

LONG BRANCH - The City Council adopted an ordinance last week that will allow teens age 17 and younger to access city beaches without paying an admission fee.

Council adopted ordinance 23-07 by a vote of 3-2 at the June 12 meeting, with two council members protesting that the free pass for teens would place a burden on the taxpayers of the city.

"I believe the foundation of our city rests with our youth," said Councilwoman Mary Jane Celli.

"I also believe all the beach revenue is needed for our budget," she added, before voting to reject the ordinance.

According to Celli, teens ages 13-17 generated an estimated $61,000 to access the beach last summer.

Councilman David Brown said he had similar concerns.

"Yes, it would be nice for Long Branch and the whole coastal line of New Jersey to be free," Brown said. "Also, our fiduciary responsibility is to teach the youth.

"I am not against free access," he said, adding, "Giving free access to the youth without just compensation.

"I think our youth could work with the recreation department for compensation," he said.

The ordinance was first introduced in April and included setting costs for teens ages 13-17.

At the request of Councilman Brian Unger, the ordinance was tabled and reintroduced last month and extended free beach access to the teens.

"I spearheaded this part of the ordinance," Unger said last week at the meeting before voting in favor of the ordinance.

"This resulted in almost no cost to city taxpayers," Unger said. "We are an urban city of working-class families and a city of the youth.

"I did this for the kids who can't afford to go to the beach," he added."

Councilmen Michael DeStefano and Anthony Giordano also voted in favor of the ordinance.

According to the ordinance, admission to city beaches will be charged for the summer season, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 3.

In addition to teens under the age of 18, senior citizens over the age of 61 will also be admitted on the beaches without paying a fee.

The rate for ages 18 though 61 is set by ordinance at $5 for a daily pass and $35 for a seasonal pass.