Financial Impact Unknown in Proposed South Seaside Park Secession

Hearings continue next week on whether to allow residents of Berkeley's South Seaside Park section to secede from the Township and instead become part of Seaside Park.

There are about 700 waterfront homes in the area between Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park, according to Berkeley Township Planning Board Attorney Gregory McGuckin.

"But a lot of those are not full-time residents, so I believe the petition was signed by about 350 residents who live in that area year-round," said McGuckin.

Those who want to sever ties with Berkeley contend there's a lack of amenities and Township services and cite the geographical disconnect to the mainland.

McGuckin said the hearings are taking place to determine the implications a secession would have on the Township.

"I'm sure there will be some testimony as to the financial impact and the social impact on both the mainland side of the bridge and the other side of the bridge," he said. However, he added, "I think it's safe to say that there would be a negative financial impact on the rest of the municipality to some extent, and the question is how big an extent?"

Allowing a secession would leave Berkeley without a coastline, something McGuckin said is a concern.

"That's also an impact that the Board will be looking at as it makes its review of the matter," he said.

If Berkeley decides to grant the secession, McGuckin agreed it could have a domino effect on other towns with homes on the barrier island, such as Brick and Toms River.

The second Planning Board hearing on the secession issue is scheduled for Thursday, February 5th.