One of the Jersey Shore’s most famous, and busiest, boardwalks will not open by Memorial Day weekend.

 

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra says the boardwalk is simply too narrow to safely accommodate the number of people who would be present. The mayor says that without the extra class 1 and 2 police officers patrolling, there would be no way to enforce social distancing.

Kanitra says the police shortage is due to the police academy being closed.

Businesses along the boardwalk remain closed, including Jenkinson’s and Martell's. Seventy-percent of the beaches are also owned by them, so with the boardwalk closed, the beaches also remain shuttered.

Maryland Avenue, just south of the boardwalk, is the only public beach open in Point Pleasant Beach, and to park anywhere east of the train tracks, people will need a temporary parking pass, issued to all residents last week. 

The parking passes are not without controversy. Beach access advocate groups say it restricts access. The mayor says open the police academy, get them officers, and they can reopen the boardwalk, which may not happen until next month. 

Jenkinson’s has not issued a public statement as of Wednesday afternoon.