
Leader of a raiding party argues with the staff and then “gains access” by climbing over the chain and then pulling it up for others to enter. 8:45 am 7/30/23 Sunday morning at an Ocean Grove beach entrance. Paul Goldfinger Blogfinger action photo.
Here are two reports about the Sunday Beach closures:
And here is an item from June 13, 2024: ![]()
As far as we know, the OG beach must remain open on Sunday mornings pending a CMA appeal. We found this news item from June 2024 by Lauren Albrecht of “Tap Into:”
“OCEAN GROVE. 6/13/24: – In accordance with the decision issued May 21st by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette that Ocean Grove beaches must be open beginning at 9:00 AM on Summer Sundays, NJ Superior Court Appellate Division Judges Robert J. Gilson and Avis Bishop Thompson have denied Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association’s request for a stay of appeal.
The Court’s most recent decision finds “there is no showing that religious services have recently been conducted on Sunday mornings on the beach or that any relections that are conducted need the entire beach. Therefore, on this record, the only ground for the restriction is the (OGCMA)’s desire for quiet reflection by selected residents and guests. There is no showing in the current record that a resident’s or guest’s ability to quietly reflect on Sunday mornings would be inhibited or infringed on upon by the public accessing the beach during that same time.”
In Commissioner LaTourette’s initial decision from May, he states “The Association’s ability to practice its religion has not been burdened in any way…OGCMA has not shown how reasonable public access on Summer Sundays has adversely impacted or would adversely impact or limit opportunities for quiet reflection or prayer.”
According to the most recent decision, OGCMA may continue their appeal to Superior Court but in the meantime, the DEP ruling stays in effect. “
A Facebook comment from Feb 8, 2025 by J.P. Thompson of OG:
