Beach Erosion in Brigantine Raises Safety Concerns Ahead of Hurricane Season

For the past year, Jim Ottinger and his neighbors in Brigantine have witnessed significant erosion of the beach behind their homes. As the height of hurricane season approaches, their concerns about the shrinking beach are growing.

Ottinger noted that what used to be the beach is now covered by water during high tides, with waves reaching beyond the rocks into backyards. This alarming situation is a clear sign of the worsening erosion problem.

At Cove Beach, the situation has become hazardous enough to warrant caution signs at the start of summer, warning beachgoers of submerged dangers.

Recently, orange fencing was installed, closing off beach access from Bay Court to Renaissance Cove. Mayor Vince Sera highlighted that ongoing erosion and shifting tides have exposed dangerous debris, including concrete, asphalt, and sharp rebar, making the area unsafe for the public, especially children.

Residents like Jim Tye, who has lived near the beach for 30 years, are shocked by the extent of the current erosion. Historical factors contribute to the problem, as Sera explained that the south end of the island was once a dumping ground for demolition debris from old structures, possibly including an old hotel or the Brigantine Bridge. This legacy of dumping has left hazardous materials buried under the sand, which are now being uncovered by erosion.

Given the increasing exposure to hazardous materials, Sera decided to close the beach completely to ensure public safety. Residents, meanwhile, are calling for actions to protect their homes and clean up the beach. Ottinger expressed skepticism about simply adding more sand, emphasizing the need for measures to safeguard their properties from the encroaching tides.

The city has responded by stating that the beach will remain closed until a thorough assessment and remediation plan can be developed. However, the nearby 4×4 vehicle access beach remains open, providing some limited beach access while the situation at Cove Beach is addressed.