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Politics & Government

Dogs On Boardwalk Break Rules In Belmar

Resident tells council beach-goers often flout prohibitions on dogs, bikes, skateboards

Dogs, skateboards and bicycles are typical elements of a summer day by the beach but in Belmar, they are forbidden on the boardwalk. For one resident in particular, Maria Florio, the only solution is to add more signs.

According to Florio, people are either not seeing or not regarding the signs on the boardwalks that do not permit the admittance of dogs, skateboards and bicycles along the planks.

“The signs are so small,” Florio said. “Spring Lake has on their steps ‘no dogs allowed’ on a big sign.”

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“How big do you think the signs should be,” Mayor Matt Doherty asked Florio.

“Big enough so people can see them,” she responded.

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According to borough Administrator Robbin Kirk, the signs that display the rules of the borough’s boardwalk have changed throughout the years.

“We came to agreement that we would create a sign where it says ‘no’ on one side and the other said ‘dogs and bikes’ et cetera,” Kirk said. “Another sign said ‘no smoking’ and we alternated them down the boardwalk. We tried alternating them so it’s not a blast of ‘you can’t do this.’”

“We used to have the big ‘don’t do this’ sign on the boardwalk,” she continued.

“I think we should ask the board if we should put additional signs at the steps,” Councilwoman Jennifer Nicolay said. “I think people see them, it’s just whether or not they abide by it.”

“I don’t believe the problem stems from the lack of signs,” Councilman Richard Wright said. “I think people know what the rules are, they are just ignoring the rules. I don’t believe adding more signs will change that.”

“Maybe we can ask the board if we can repeat a sign maybe coming up the steps or on the front of the steps or something like that,” Nicolay said.

“The dogs just shouldn’t be allowed on the boardwalk,” Florio said. “I have an interest in the town I live in and I would like to see it respected.”

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