@Debbie, while your point is partially valid, an argument exists that if local taxpayers / residents are getting the burden of the debt to rebuild, they should be given free access. Charge the out-of-towners, rowdy renters and dailies if you want, but we're the one's who are facing tremendous tax bill increases. A small "perk" to living in a beach town would be to actually get to use the beach you pay for.

@Dom - you missed my point, as I said I partially agreed with Debbie. Local taxpayers (residents and business owners) are going to get hit much harder than all of our federal taxpaying counterparts. Sure, all of our dollars in part go to FEMA, which does work in LA, FL, CA, TX, etc. You get my point. But the BS items most municipalities want to bond for are purely for local benefit, and paid for by (primarily) locals. Those tourists who come to our towns can pay to use the beach and in turn THOSE funds can pay for lifeguards and services commensurate to the revenue generated. That might also put a quick halt to the rampant nepotism in all the plush beach jobs that are handed out as favors to families and friends. Don't know about other places specifically, but the taxes could be very problematic in Belmar and Manasquan. If people fight their assessments, and rentals don't get repaired - the revenues generated won't cover the cost of the money. Not to mention, who wants to wade out into that filthy shoreline anyway?

Before Sandy... you want the Benny's to stay home...
After Sandy... you ask that they come back and pay for the rebuild...
AS LONG AS IT BENEFITS YOU... LOCAL

I am a senior so I have that, a Golden Age Passport. Free acess is like a train coming at you in a tunnel. Like or not. The only question is, how to limit the damage.
Ron

I've been on beaches up and down the east coast and they are clean, guarded and free. Towns that have lower property tax rates and states like FL that do not have state income tax are able to keep their beaches in great shape and safe for swimmers but for some reason here in NJ that seems to be impossible for us to accomplish.

I agree 100% all beaches that take funds to replenish and design the beach should be free to all. If a beach owner wants to dig into his pocket and make the necessary repairs/upgrades to his privately owned beach then so be it, but don't say it's a private beach renewed by state and fed funds and charge the public for access to the same beach.

Don't worry, getgoing, you can keep yours.

As expected, you showed your true potential, "get going." Listening to the masses has always been your downfall. Who personalized it to Manasquan? That was you. BTW, between your public salary, taxpayer-paid benefits, stipends AND summer beach job, you can't complain. Potential? 200x / hour your wild dreams. Grow up. Or, just keep "keeping Manasquan, Manasquan."

@Dom, it's not about you - don't make it. Nor, allow others to use your name because they know you through association and tournaments. Bottom line, I didn't say anyone was "getting rich," nor imply it. That was your boy JP. What you need to remember is what was the original topic....who would pay the lifeguards and beach cleaners? Answer hasn't changed, those who buy badges, ie tourists and bennies. Isn't it time that locals give locals a break, especially when it's locals who pay their base and full time wages in the first place? Pick your battles....you don't want this one.

Hahaha @getgoing. "We'll said?" He said what you asked him to, or should I say, that which you typed in using his permissive name. I've read your prior posts on varied subjects. You have real aggression issues. Rub one out.

"anonymous blogger." "over-opinionated cyber bully." "underachiever." You describe yourself well; your prior posts confirm all 3 - repeatedly. And threaten someone online with a "taunt?" Grow up; stick to the subject matter - which is, should beaches be free? Do you have an opinion on the headline, or do you not understand the subject matter?