SEA ISLE CITY – Creative minds have coined the term “man-spreading,” which is, as the term implies, especially on public transportation; its gender opposite is “she-bagging,” using shopping bags to stake out space on a bus or subway. Now, the shore is grappling with the issue of “beach-spreading.”
Throughout the summer, including at the most recent City Council meeting Sept. 12, there have been growing concerns expressed by residents about “beach spreading.”
The common thread of these concerns is that beachgoers set up oversized tents and canopies, many times very early in the morning to “stake out” their territory. They then leave and return with food and beverages, including alcoholic varieties, although alcohol is banned from the beach.
“Sometimes, there isn’t even anyone sitting under one of these, I have to call them, ‘structures,’” said one resident. “It’s really a nuisance since they block everyone’s view and take up a lot of space. In fact, I know a couple of friends who started going to Strathmere beaches where it’s not as crowded,” she continued.
Some beach towns have already started to formally ban large tents and canopies. That is because they encroach on other beachgoer’s enjoyment of the strand, and sometimes can even hinder lifeguards’ views.
Belmar, Monmouth County, is one shore town, according to a Star-Ledger story Aug. 10, that considered an ordinance to ban tents more than three feet in height, width, and depth during the summer season. Avon-by-the-Sea, Long Beach, and Seaside Heights reportedly also have similar bans in place.
Belmar’s Mayor Matt Doherty was quoted as saying, “I’m not in favor of more government regulation but it got to the point where people weren’t using common sense and decency.”
Sea Isle City Business Administrator George Savastano shed light on the situation at the resort, saying, “There is no current ordinance that regulates beach tents.
“City council will be considering the merits of enacting an ordinance that would regulate such items, but no decisions have been made thus far.
“I have not been informed by the lifeguards or police of problems on the beach relative to tents,” he continued.
“If there are any changes made to the municipal ordinance, the city administration will enforce such ordinances.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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