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Beach Haven council approves compromise ordinance on private dune walkovers over public objection
Summary
The Beach Haven Borough Council approved Ordinance 2025-26 revising the borough beach‑protection code on private dune walkovers after months of drafting and public comment; the measure passed 4–1. Residents and ecologists urged stronger protections while some speakers said the revised text is a pragmatic compromise.
The Beach Haven Borough Council on a Tuesday in October approved Ordinance 2025-26, which revises borough code provisions that regulate private dune walkovers and the borough’s dune‑protection rules. The motion to approve passed in a roll-call vote with Miss Anderson, Mr. McCaffrey, Miss Snder and Mayor Lambert voting yes and Mrs. Ball Miller voting no.
The ordinance text repeals and replaces sections of Chapter 57 (beach protection) to set new conditions and limits on private dune walkovers. Council members described the measure as a negotiated compromise developed with attorneys and input from borough staff and outside agencies; one council member called it “middle of the road.” The discussion emphasized protecting the dune system while allowing limited private access under conditions in the ordinance.
Laura Simon, who identified herself as a wildlife ecologist and a long‑time Beach Haven resident, spoke during the public‑comment period and urged the council to reject the change. “I am vehemently opposed to these private walkways,” she said, arguing they damage ecologically fragile dunes and questioning both the legal basis for allowing them and whether approvals could automatically renew.
Other residents voiced a different view. Fran Mleti, who said she has served on environmental committees and reviewed the revised text, told the council she believes the updated ordinance is “more protective of the dunes” than earlier language and praised the compromise. Mleti urged broader dune‑grass planting, suggesting the borough ensure dune grass is available to oceanfront homeowners and the wider community to help stabilize dunes.
Jamie, a borough staff member who spoke during council discussion, said she walked the beach after the recent storm and remained opposed to private dune walkovers but characterized the ordinance as a compromise many could accept. Council members and staff also discussed operational points, including when dune‑grass plantings will be available and how the borough will coordinate distribution.
The ordinance moved from its earlier initial reading and was advanced at this meeting to approval as Ordinance 2025-26C. The council did not record additional amendments on the floor. The borough indicated the dune ordinance language resulted from months of work involving legal counsel and public‑works input.
The council closed the item and proceeded with other business; the public‑comment period continued with related remarks about dune restoration and community planting plans. The council’s action is the most recent procedural step recorded in the meeting minutes.
