The Manasquan Borough Council and Mayor have put forth a proposal for development of Sea Watch Beach .

The land at Sea Watch is protected via Green Acres regulations that dictate that future use needs to be in support of  outdoor recreation and in compliance with Green Acres regulations (NJAC 7:36).

 In 2018, concerned neighbors presented a petition with over 100 signatures that  adamantly opposed development at Sea Watch property, purchased with Green Acres funds 
1. For any purpose other than outdoor recreation in compliance with Green Acres Regulations (NJAC 7:36).

2. For any other purpose that would cause a nuisance, interfere with the right of quiet enjoyment or disturb the integrity of the Sea Watch neighborhood as a quiet family-oriented neighborhood.

3. For any purpose that would result in increased traffic, reduced parking availability and congestion. 

4. To permit any buildings to remain on site.

We proposed that the land be returned to original plan of open space. 

Clearly they have not heard us. 

During the two years that it has taken them to develop this plan, the Borough purchased property on Osborne Ave to build a new Community Center to include multi - functional meeting space to serve the needs of the community and support recreation. This is fully approved and will cost upwards of $2.9M.

We are a small community of approximately 5,000 full time residents. How much meeting space is really needed? How much more do we want to see our taxes increased? We do not need more indoor meeting space.

Living now in a pandemic we are reminded that open space is more important than ever, community gathering space has gone unused and businesses are struggling to stay alive. There is no need to build another large building to house food services, retail business and meeting space.

We NEED more open space. 

To propose a large-scale project ( 3 stories-  45 ft high when Manasquan building code only allows for 38ft high) , such as in the proposed site plan is not consistent with the aesthetic of our the residential neighborhood and preserved beachfront. The building does not look like it belongs in Manasquan and with the services they want to include, it would have the potential to end up as a 'destination', not just a beachfront concession stand! 

No budget or estimates have been disclosed and while it was stated that Beach Utility currently has a surplus of funds that are  supposedly going to pay for construction, at the end of the day the Borough funds are Borough funds . They belong to us all. 

Take the time to sign this petition and send a note to the Mayor and Council. Please ask them questions and let them know how you feel about this. 

The goal of 'Keep it Simple at Sea Watch' is to voice our collective concerns and to protect our interests in preserving the quiet family neighborhood beach here at Sea Watch. The Borough should want to listen to concerned and affected residents and  provide  the services and open space that we, the people in the neighborhood want!  

By signing this petition, you will be letting the Manasquan elected officials know that:
We NEED and WANT more parking - handicapped and public access
We NEED and WANT  a better drop off solution for beach goers to alleviate congestion
We NEED  and WANT more bicycle parking 
We NEED  and WANT open space access to the beach
We NEED  and WANT Seasonal concession (Food Trucks come in May and leave in Sept leaving - no footprint on landscape)

We DON’T WANT OR NEED another new building on this preserved beachfront.

Please join with concerned citizens for  ' Keep it Simple at Sea Watch' and sign this petition.

 PLEASE join your neighbors and let the Borough elected officials know your position. Call or send your emails or letters to Mayor Donovan and all Borough Council Members.

Send to the Town Clerk and Registrar, 

Barbara Ilaria <bilaria@manasquan-nj.gov 

Ask her to forward to the Mayor and all the Council or go directly to the Council Chairperson, Michael Mangan at mmangan@manasquan-nj.gov  , Mayor, Ed Donovan, edonovan@manasquan-nj.gov

Please feel free to forward to neighbors!
Councilman Mangan stated that they are taking comments and questions for the next couple of weeks. Perhaps this will be an agenda item on the next Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Thank you,
Keep It Simple at Watch Committee