Fact Checks Letter Opposing Beach Path Improvements

To the Editor: 
The following is a review and response to a letter to the editor in the Feb. 3 Herald. A PowerPoint is on the township’s webpage, so anyone can see the plan for themselves.
The letter states, “I am deeply troubled by the continued efforts of the township to “oceanize” the Bayfront beaches. The current proposal to widen all the access paths to 8 feet, lay down compacted gravel and put up split rail fences seems a terrible waste of township money and resources.”
None of the beach paths will be widened. Twenty four of 31 will be narrowed to 4′ to 6.’ The plan calls for I-5 soil aggregate. 
“Widening the paths will cut into the dunes disturbing the balance of the delicate ecosystem.”
Dunes will not be cut into; work is limited to the area of existing beach paths. Seven mid-block beach paths will be closed to reduce dune trampling and traffic conflicts.
“By reducing nesting and feeding areas, you would be limiting the number of shore birds, butterflies and other creatures which migrate through our area.”
No vegetation will be lost. The plan contains supplemental dune planting where necessary. Maintenance plans will work to eliminate unauthorized cutting of dune vegetation that is destroying wildlife habitat and dune stability.
“Additionally, this will add to sand blowing up onto the road and into the yards of bay front residents.”
The wind tunneling of sand from the beach into the adjoining neighborhood will be reduced by the I-5 base paths and the re-orienting of the paths with southwest dog-legs.
“Widening the paths also leaves the dunes vulnerable to the winter wind and high tide which are already washing up the existing, narrow paths.”
No paths will be widened. The plan will reduce this vulnerability.
“Wider paths also open up the potential for ATVs and personal watercraft to be launched from our bay beaches.”
No paths will be widened. Narrower paths and fencing should prevent this potential activity.  
“We’ve already seen large truck tracks on the beach off of Lincoln Blvd.”
The township sometimes accesses the beach for maintenance activities.
“I cannot imagine that a fire truck or ambulance would ever venture onto the beach…”
Two emergency accesses already exist and will be maintained.
“Why are we considering 8-foot-wide paths when a maximum of 2-3 feet will provide adequate access?” None are 8′, they will be 4′ to 6′ wide. ABA accessibility guidelines recommend a 5′ minimum width, which can be reduced to 4′ on some dune crossings.
“Basket stretchers are used on most beaches to transport injured or ill individuals.”
Town Bank fire chief commented in favor of the improvements for cases of emergencies on the beach.
“Split rail fences won’t last past the first storm either and certainly won’t keep people off the dunes.”
Other shore communities successfully maintain these fences. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) beach management guidelines recommend pathway fencing.
“We need to be building up the dunes with drift fences and/or the use of old Christmas trees as other towns do.”
Sand fencing is not recommended on narrow beaches. Christmas trees do not create a stable dune.
“It will cost a phenomenal amount of money to maintain this proposed plan year after year.”
The plan will reduce costs for removing sand from streets, sidewalks, driveways and storm inlets.
“I can only speculate that this latest plan by Hatch Mott MacDonald is a precursor to bringing back the proposal of a sidewalk on the west side of the street and eventually, the entertainment peer.
Lower Township hired its engineer to investigate the issues and prepare a plan.
“Residents firmly told you this was not wanted in May 2014.”
 A show of hands affirmed 80 percent of the audience supporting the plan.
The author works for Hatch Mott MacDonald.