The island beach motor lodge has been a historic part of South Seaside Park for over 50 years and now faces the threat of closure and subsequent redevelopment with single family homes. The motor lodge is the last remaining hotel in South Seaside Park and serves as a destination for thousands of vacationers every year. These vacationers visit the jersey shore every year with their families and patronize local restaurants, shops and small business and play a critical role in supporting the local economy.

South Seaside Park’s master plan has designated requirements for hotels or motels and with the proposed plan it would leave this shore town without any hotel available for those coming to enjoy the jersey shore affordably. The township’s zoning board is considering a rezone plan to allow a builder to demolish the motor lodge and construct 13 single family homes which will be a disaster for local businesses. New Jersey has had a long tradition of annual tourism to the shore and this move by the town highlights its desire for greed over what its residents and visitors prefer.

To add insult to injury, it seems like this plan is being fast tracked by the political connections afforded by the developer who is a county elected official. The jersey shore has been a place for family memories and a place that has continued to be a destination for visitors who want to come and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Allowing this type of redevelopment to proceed will mean restaurant and shop closures, loss of jobs for residents and the likelihood of diminished property values for existing homeowners and businesses. It certainly appears that the negative aspects of this plan outweigh any positives which begs the question of why would the town ever consider approving this type of plan? Except when you consider the likelihood of increased tax revenue for the town and the guaranteed financial gain for the county elected official who is leading the effort to redevelop this area.  

Help save the Island Beach Motor Lodge by voicing your support for protecting the jersey shore, keeping it affordable, supporting local business and protecting its history.