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Upper Township considers $45 beach tag, hears revenue model and public concerns; committee approves consent agenda and several permits
Summary
Committee discussed a proposed $45 beach tag with an estimated $260,000–$340,000 revenue model (committee member cited ~$320,000), heard public concern about access and parking, and approved the consent agenda, raffle permits and introduction of Ordinance 13-2026 (sale of land).
Upper Township officials discussed a proposed $45 beach tag at their July 10 meeting and presented preliminary revenue modeling while residents raised questions about equity, enforcement and parking alternatives.
Mayor Corson said the proposed tag price is $45, a figure the committee described as consistent with neighboring towns. "The proposed figure right now is $45," the mayor said. A committee member who modeled revenues said a $45 tag could generate roughly $320,000 a year under the assumptions used, while noting the figure depends on several assumptions about household and visitor behavior.
"I think the numbers I've come up with is about $320,000 a year based on beach tag sales at the $45 price point," Committee member (speaker 6) said, adding the estimate ranged between roughly $260,000 and $340,000 in different scenarios. Residents questioned whether a parking‑meter alternative would be more appropriate and raised concerns about enforcement cost and fairness. One resident cited state law limiting preferential pricing and urged officials to consult the state assembly if changes are desired.
Officials said the township has no parking meters or a parking authority and that earlier studies concluded meter deployment would require new staffing and administration. The committee noted that Strathmere’s narrow streets make identifying marked parking stalls impractical and that traffic studies undertaken in 2021–22 supported beach‑tag-based revenue rather than a parking meter program.
On routine business, the committee approved the consent agenda by roll call and carried multiple new‑business items including raffle and bingo permits for local organizations. The committee also introduced Ordinance 13 of 2026, authorizing the sale of land, and scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 10; the motion to introduce passed on the first reading.
Officials urged residents concerned about larger redevelopment proposals (notably a discussion about Beasley's Point that arose during public comment) to participate in forthcoming planning‑board and redevelopment‑plan hearings. Committee members said redevelopment plans would be subject to public hearings and planning approvals if developers submit proposals.
The meeting also included a brief presentation of a volunteer fire/EMS grant by a corporate representative and a report that an online surplus-asset auction had yielded $62,225 from nine assets; the committee thanked public works and staff for organizing the sale.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved (roll call: Casaccio yes; Palumbo yes; Corson yes). - Resolution authorizing demolition and municipal lien (Item 29): approved (see separate coverage). - Ordinance 13 of 2026 (introduction, first reading; sale of land): motion to introduce passed; public hearing set for Aug. 10. - Raffle/bingo permits (various community groups): motions carried on roll call. - Claims and payments: approved with one abstention noted for bill 26‑00175.
The committee adjourned after discussing upcoming public hearings and scheduling matters.
