Beach Haven council agrees to draft ordinance for two proposed stop intersections after safety debate

Beach Haven — After extended discussion on July 31, the Borough Council agreed to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to consider adding stop signs at two intersections: Ninth Street & Delaware Avenue and Beach Avenue & Pearl Street.

Chief Marcos and multiple council members said the requests originated with residents. Supporters argued stop signs would slow vehicular traffic and reduce conflicts with pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly near the Pearl Street market and tennis courts. One resident and a council member specifically cited visibility problems for drivers waiting to turn into the main parking lot at Ninth & Delaware.

Concerns raised included the potential for traffic to back up toward Seagull Lane, that bicyclists are less likely to comply with stop signs, and uncertainty whether the Pearl/Beach location is on a county road and therefore would require county approval. Council discussion also covered tradeoffs seen after earlier stop‑sign installations where traffic slowed but intersections became more orderly.

After the discussion, Mayor Lambert asked for a simple go/no‑go direction; several members answered they were "okay" with staff drafting an ordinance for the next meeting so the measures can be studied and any county permissions investigated.

The decision at this meeting was to direct staff to draft the ordinance; council did not adopt an ordinance or take a formal vote on installation at this session. Staff will return with a draft ordinance and any technical analysis for council consideration.