The mayor of Point Pleasant Beach is laying out a partial-reopening plan which may see some restrictions lifted as soon as this Friday.  

Mayor Paul Kanitra is calling it a "common sense" plan to slowly open the popular beach destination.  

“I think there's a common-sense approach to doing this the right away, for instance outside, you're 19 times less likely to get COVID,” says Mayor Kanitra.

Mayor Kanitra says he will begin lifting parking restrictions along the Manasquan Inlet on Friday. Certain spaces will remain closed to maintain proper social distancing.  

Kanitra also says once more Class 1 and 2 police officers become available, he will open the Maryland Avenue Beach to local residents and second homeowners only as a trial run - similar to what several towns on Long Beach Island now allow. He will also reopen the town's parks and recreational spaces.  

But the towns offering restricted access only could be challenged. Attorney David Cronheim says "under the Public Trust Doctrine, the beaches belong to all the citizens. It’s well-settled law that all citizens of the state must have equal access. Open for one must be open for all. We respectfully suggest these shore towns turn their energies towards Drumthwacket to convince Gov. Murphy not to needlessly destroy the thousands of small businesses that make the Shore so special.”

Mayor Kanitra says he's still going forward with offering beach access to locals only, possibly as soon as the middle to end of May, after consulting with his borough attorneys.

Kanitra said he wants to see retail businesses in the downtown district reopen with restrictions, once Gov. Phil Murphy gives his approval.