Avalon/Stone Harbor mayors provide COVID-19 update, announce limited beach access

In an open letter to the communities of 7 Mile Beach this morning, Mayor Martin Pagliughi of Avalon and Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour of Stone Harbor announced a uniform plan to institute limited access to their towns' beaches.

These measures are similar to those currently in effect in the Wildwoods...

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We want to personally thank and congratulate all members of our communities for their understanding, consideration and recognition of various executive orders from the state and municipal level regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone in our community - residents, property owners, businesses, renters, volunteers and visitors - have made unbelievable sacrifices in order to reduce the expose on 7 Mile Beach.

These sacrifices continue to be necessary in order to reopen our towns in a safe, responsible manner. We join with you, hoping we can get back to normal as quickly as possible.

We are announcing that, as of the morning of Friday, May 8, the Boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor on 7 Mile Beach will be uniform in a beach access policy. There will be access to our beaches for walking, running, fishing and surfing, from dawn to dusk. There will be no stationary activity on the beach for the time being (chairs, blankets, etc). Social distancing regulations must be followed.

The beaches will be patrolled to make sure that social distancing practices are followed and there are no large groups of people gathered. All regular beach regulations continue to apply. We ask that you follow these temporary rules; unfortunately, if they are not followed, we will again close our beaches.

All other public spaces in our communities will remain closed, including playgrounds, tennis/pickleball/basketball courts, boardwalk, libraries and recreational centers/fields. This limited beach access accommodation is intended to provide an open space for individuals to get exercise, see the beach and ocean, and have a relaxing experience. At a time to be determined, complete beach access will be allowable for stationary activities, swimming, picnicking and other activities.

Please understand the Public Health Emergency and the State of Emergency both continue in New Jersey, and stay-at-home orders and other restrictions on non-essential travel embodied in gubernatorial executive orders remain in effect and may only be rescinded or amended by the Governor himself.

We all look forward to the time where we can come together and enjoy our communities, and of course, enjoy each other's company. Until that time arrives, please enjoy this limited access plan to the beach and we remain hopeful that you and your family remain healthy and safe through this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Martin L. Pagliughi
Mayor
Borough of Avalon, NJ

Judith Davies-Dunhour
Mayor
Borough of Stone Harbor