Ocean Grove is so much more than the trivial beach closure issue. Paul Goldfinger photo looking at Founders’ Park. 2024
Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor Blogfinger.net
We all know the story about the Sunday morning beach closures and we all know that the matter is being debated in court. And we all are aware that the DEP of New Jersey is threatening fines of $25,000.00 per day if the CMA fails to comply.
Somebody at the Associated Press noted a change in the CMA’s rules about the beach and so they put up a “news alert” today.
This is what they say
“The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, which has kept beaches closed until noon on Sundays, has deleted that restriction from its website. Item 4 under “Beach Regulations” used to outline the Sunday morning closure. Now, just the number “4″ remains on the site, followed by blank space.
“The association and its lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for clarification Wednesday, and the state attorney general’s office said it was looking into the matter.”
This is from the 2023. CMA site oceangrove.org:
AFTER: GENERAL BEACH AND BATHING REGULATIONS
1. Access to the beach shall be gained only through designated entrances on the boardwalk.
2. Bathing at guarded beaches only.
3. All persons on beach over age 11 must display valid Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) beach tag. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
4.
5. And more…
It sounds like the CMA may be caving into the DEP threats. But as far as today’s “news alert” is concerned, it’s a pretty flimsy report. They waste half of their text reviewing the history of Ocean Grove.
In the article the AP interviews a number of Grovers on either side of the controversy, but it’s all recycled opinions with the same individuals being quoted again and again about their antipathy regarding a few hours of closure each season.
The 3 Grovers who complain in this article identify themselves as Jewish, but going down that road is a mistake—this matter will be decided according to NJ law.
And let’s hope it is resolved soon before the media shows up to again interview the same people as they try to foolishly and obnoxiously force their way onto the beach each Sunday morning in season.
Meanwhile, now that Michael Badger is gone, there is no one from the CMA to publicly step into the fray. But the CMA has been keeping issues close to the vest for years—it’s how they are.
Let’s see if the NJ media can get past speculation and keep us informed when this matter is finally finalized.