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Residents praise annexation of South Seaside Park and criticize Berkeley Township cooperation
Summary
Residents used public comment to commend the council's annexation of South Seaside Park while raising specific complaints that Berkeley Township removed benches and picnic tables and has not cooperated on shared services; councilors said intermunicipal talks occurred but no agreement was reached.
Several residents used the public-comment period to praise the council's annexation of South Seaside Park and to raise concerns about cooperation with neighboring Berkeley Township.
Don White thanked the mayor and council for annexing South Seaside Park and for increased police presence in that area, but said Berkeley Township had removed benches and picnic tables: "Berkeley took everything. They took our benches. They took our picnic tables. They took everything." He said he did not see cooperation occurring with Berkeley and urged the council to continue pursuing local interests.
Jim Fokommer thanked Mayor Peterson and called the annexation decision important, referring to the mayor’s role in the process. Later, Chuck Appleby recommended Berkeley Township relinquish responsibility for Pelican Island and Island Beach State Park if Seaside Park will continue to provide services there.
Council leaders said a three-member committee from Seaside Park met with a three-member committee from Berkeley but that "no agreement was reached." Officials said Seaside Park participated in good faith and will continue discussions.
Other public commenters suggested civic improvements—such as mural panels to improve the beach-control building and partnerships with the local vo-tech culinary program for summer events—but these suggestions did not require council action at the meeting.
The council closed public comment after hearing remarks and proceeded to adjourn after routine motions.
