A Big Switch at the Shore: Seaside Park Taking Over South Seaside Park

Let's start from the beginning. When Berkeley Township was founded in 1875 from what was then called Dover Township, now Toms River Township, the entire barrier island area, including both Seaside Park and South Seaside Park, fell under Berkeley Township.

Get our free mobile app

Then, in 1898, the northern part split off and became the separate borough of Seaside Park. South Seaside Park, though, stayed behind and remained part of Berkeley Township.

Fast forward 128 years, and finally, Seaside Park and South Seaside Park will be reunited, and South Seaside Park will leave Berkeley Township.

Is South Seaside Park Leaving Berkeley Township?

According to WHYY, Seaside Park announced it will annex South Seaside Park from Berkeley Township. "Seaside Park officials voted Monday night to annex neighboring South Seaside Park from Berkeley Township, a decision that will merge two Jersey Shore communities on the same barrier island after decades of legal fights and local organizing. The borough council approved the measure 6-0, with one abstention, on second reading, clearing the way for the transfer of about 158 acres at the southern tip of the island, just north of Island Beach State Park."

South Seaside Park is home to approximately 400 residents and is about 10 blocks long.

What's next? According to WHYY, "Seaside Park and Berkeley Township now have about 60 days to negotiate how to divide assets, debt and tax revenue tied to the area. If no agreement is reached, a court-appointed panel could decide."

Hopefully this will be a smooth transition and things will be completely finalized in the next 60 days. Is this move long overdue? Let us know what you think.