In a recent government meeting, an ordinance was introduced to amend an existing easement at 907 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, to establish a 20-foot-wide area for constructing and maintaining jetty works. The ordinance, referred to as Ordinance 21, aims to clarify the easement's location and purpose, following a zoning board resolution.

During the public hearing, Vincent Lapour, a local resident, raised concerns regarding the historical access rights to the property, claiming that the current owner had illegally obstructed public access with a locked gate and unauthorized structures. Lapour emphasized that the municipal government had failed to act on these violations, which he argued infringed upon the public's right to access the beach.

Lapour also criticized the lack of a comprehensive title search on the property, suggesting that a 160-year search was necessary to uncover potential historical easements that could affect current access rights. He expressed skepticism about the city’s ability to manage the implications of the new ordinance, particularly concerning the general deed easements that may exist.

In response, a city official clarified that the ordinance is part of a settlement related to a pending lawsuit and aims to formalize the easement for the first time since its establishment in 1939. The official asserted that the ordinance does not negate any existing rights but rather seeks to resolve a title issue and improve access to the beach, with the city receiving $10,000 for these improvements.

The discussions highlighted ongoing tensions between property rights and public access, as well as the complexities of local governance in addressing historical land use issues. The council's decision on the ordinance remains pending as community members continue to voice their concerns.