The iron gates keeping Ocean Grove locked off at night from Asbury Park are being unlocked. The gates are located on two bridges on Wesley Lake - on the Ocean Grove side.

The Neptune Township Council has decided that after 30 years, it’s time for a change.

Wesley Lake separates Ocean Grove from Asbury Park. Since 1995, when the gates were erected by Ocean Grove, they’ve been locked every night from midnight to 5 a.m.

The goal was to keep out crime that might easily cross the lake into Ocean Grove, even though the community can still be accessed by walking around the lake at Main Street or the boardwalk.

Ed Lacombe is a member of the Wesley Lake Commission. He’s an Asbury Park resident who had been pushing for the change.

“I just didn’t think it was something that was necessary anymore and we’re glad that Neptune Township recognized that fact. I think the demographics right now are a little more similar now in Ocean Grove and Asbury. So, it just didn’t warrant being closed any longer,” said Lacombe.

Lacombe says he’d like to see the gates completely removed to improve the overall aesthetic of the bridges.

However, there are some in Ocean Grove who live right along the lake who have suggested a wait and see approach.

Those long-time residents are saying they want to get through a full summer season and see if it’s still a good idea.