Resident: Access to beaches is inadequate Cites lack of access points for seniors, those with disabilities BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer LONG BRANCH - Redevelopment of the city oceanfront has not brought improved access to beaches for people with disabilities and the elderly, according to a resident. At the Jan. 23 council meeting, Austin Gelzer of Ocean Boulevard said there are limited access points for handicapped people to gain access to city beaches, and disabled residents are unable to access the beach from Pier Village south to Brighton Avenue. "[On Jan. 23] the stairs at Brighton Avenue were blocked off and the nearest place to get onto the beach was Bath Avenue or Cottage Place," said Gelzer during the public comment portion of the meeting. "I recommend that the City Council take timely action so that all of the people of Long Branch can enjoy our beautiful beach and ocean," he said. Gelzer said that in addition to disabled persons, a number of elderly and infirm persons, including him and his wife, are also restricted from accessing the beach. "Nor can my wife and I and other relatively able persons who live in our apartment house safely negotiate the steep, crumbling stairs that are the only way to get to the beach," he said. Gelzer contends that according to Title Two of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), handicapped persons must have access to public places. "Where such access is not provided, the responsible government agency, in this case, the city of Long Branch, may be in violation of the ADA law and subject to prosecution by the Civil Rights Division of the United States Justice Department," Gelzer said. Council did not respond to Gelzer's comments. Councilman Brian Unger acknowledged Gelzer's concerns during the miscellaneous business portion of the council meeting. "I want to thank Austin for speaking on beach access and bringing it to our attention," Unger said. "My hope is that [the administration] looks into it and has some feedback for the next [council meeting on Feb. 13]." Gelzer said he read a newspaper article that developer K. Hovnanian, who has developed the Pier Village and Beachfront North Phase I redevelopment zones, will continue work on the oceanfront in September. "It would be regrettable that another summer would pass with many residents unable to enjoy the beach and the ocean," he said. Although dissatisfied with the access points on the oceanfront, Gelzer did extend gratitude to the city's Department of Public Works for the fast work in replacing rusty hand rails on the boardwalk.