POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ – Last week, Jenkinson’s closed off their private beaches to the public for the season. This week, the New Jersey DEP has warned the company they are violating state law and infringing upon the rights of the people and must unlock the gates guarding beach access along their privately owned beaches.
Under New Jersey law, the company is violating the Coastal Area Facilities Review Act Permit it was issued by the state that allows it to operate a private beach.
“All the beach access points on the site have been blocked, gated and/or chained, preventing public access to the beach area,..The purpose of this warning is to advise you of the above violations and provide you with an opportunity to voluntarily take corrective actions and to engage in discussions with the DEP,” the letter states.
The letter comes days after the NJDEP conducted a site inspection after the company’s decision to close beaches was reported in the media.
“The permittee cannot limit vertical or horizontal public access to its dry sand beach nor interfere with the public’s right to free use of the dry sand for intermittent recreational purposes connected with the ocean and wet sand,” the letter stated. “A site inspection conducted on Sept. 14, 2023 determined that all beach access points on the site have been blocked, gated and/or chained, preventing public access to the beach area..”
The DEP also cited Jenkinson’s for signage that attempted to dissuade the public from entering the beach.
At this time, the agency is allowing Jenkinson’s to voluntarily reopen beaches.
Today, a message on the company’s website still reads, “The Beach is CLOSED for the season. There is absolutely no swimming allowed with Lifeguards Off-Duty. Thank you.”