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Prior to the court action, the town enforced strict blue laws with their own theocratic police force. Cars and shopping were strictly forbidden in town on Sundays and, of course, the beach was closed until 12:30 PM.
Today, residents pay both a leasehold fee to the OGCMA and property taxes to Neptune Township. The township never made a claim on the community's open spaces including several parks and the beach, but it does provide all municipal services including police protection, road maintenance and garbage disposal.
I believe the OGCMA should remedy this situation in one of two ways: Abjure their New Jersey Green Acres Tax Exemption and pay all their back taxes. This would allow the organization to run the beach anyway they wish within the confines of state beach access law. Or, allow beach access, paid or otherwise, on Sunday mornings.
I am disappointed that the ACLU, which has done so much to preserve our constitutional freedoms, made a decision to forego this important case where taxpayer money is used to the public detriment.
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