Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Open Space Advisory Committee
May 14, 2020 Meeting Minutes
Present: Greg Cox, Maryann Ellsworth, Jim Harris, Anne Lightburn, Glen Paesano and Councilman Dog Vitale
Absent: Kristen Hennessy, Sal Pepe, Kait Greenberg and Councilwomen Arlene Testa
Anne called the ZOOM meeting to order and thanked Doug Vitale for setting up Zoom Meeting. Anne reported that the skate park equipment has been receiving and construction is due to start soon. Doug reported that the proposed public access project to Lake Louise is on hold. He also reported that the Maryland Ave and association beaches will be opening for Memorial Day but there will be a temporary parking ban, without a pass, east of the tracks due to the concerns about crowds and the corona virus. Property owners and residents will be receiving parking passes. He also reported that there will be an audit to determine bike lanes to Atrium school.
The Committee discussed at length the proposal put forward by Glen Paesano for the town to operate Maryland Avenue beach. There was a general consensus that it would be a benefit to the town’s people if the borough operated the beach. Before making a recommendation to the council to explore the feasibility, the committee wanted a clear understanding of state regulations regarding the sale and fee structure for season badges and day use. The committee voted to authorize Glen to research badge and pricing regulations and any others that might be pertinent to municipal operations.
There was a brief discussion on the Coast Guard station and its use. Greg noted that it will be a long process before the town will be offered the station and the current thoughts are for a historic museum of Point Pleasant Beach of the many artifacts currently housed in a small structure. The building also has the opportunity to provide meeting space and/or senior center.
The committee also discussed the need to regularly notify targeted open space property owners of the town’s potential interest in acquiring for open space and recreation purposes. Anne will draft a memo to the council recommending their sending out letters of interest.
The committee voted to meet June 11th to discuss the proposal for municipal operation of Maryland Avenue Beach.
Meeting adjourned 8:15 pm
