Brigantine Enforces Beach Closures Due to Safety Hazards

Brigantine Enforces Beach Closures Due to Safety Hazards

Brigantine city officials have announced increased restrictions on access to the Cove Beach erosion area due to ongoing and unpredictable changes in conditions.

The decision aims to ensure public safety in light of the hazards recently revealed by shifting tides and erosion.

Earlier this summer, the City installed signs warning the public about potential submerged and hazardous conditions in the Cove Beach erosion area.

It has come to light that a large structure, demolished and discarded into the water nearly a century ago, is now being uncovered by the changing tides and erosion.

Brigantine was incorporated as a city in 1890. The island was originally used for fishing, farming, and as a resort destination. Because of it’s age, it was bought up in a time where there weren’t many regulations when it comes to dumping of it’s trash.

More than likely, this building was demolished and left there as a breakwater for the houses and businesses. Breakwaters made out of house debris and ships were very common.

The Port, located at 954 Ocean Drive in Cape May is a great example of this. Under the restaurant was an old ferry that was sunk. You can learn about that in the video at the bottom of this page.

Also See: FIRST LOOK: Major Development on Wildwood’s Pacific Ave

Mayor Vince Sera emphasized the importance of public safety in this decision:

“We understand that closing these beach paths and the erosion area may cause an inconvenience but, our number one priority is to maintain and protect public safety. There is a lot of concrete and other debris on the beach and under the water, and conditions continue to worsen with each passing tide. The area will remain closed until the City can fully assess the situation and develop a plan to remediate these hazards.”

As the new erosion pattern reveals more of the structure’s remains, the City has decided to further restrict access by completely closing that part of the beach.

Public Works has already blocked all beach access paths leading to this area, impacting access from Bay Court and Renaissance Cove.