A major decision that was made by the New Jersey Supreme Court this week will now allow people living in the Berkeley Township section of the barrier island to leave the township and join the borough of Seaside Park - if Seaside Park wants them.

It's a fight that's lasted decades in the courts.

Don Whiteman’s father started the push for this tiny section of Berkeley Township, known as South Seaside Park to break away - and join neighboring Seaside Park to the north. The land area is less than one square mile - but worth a lot.

“We are a beach community. We do different things than they do on the mainland,” said Whiteman.

A disappointed Berkeley Township Mayor John Bacchione tells News 12 that if the 450 or so full-time residents de-annex from Berkeley and join Seaside Park, challenges await.

“South Seaside Park represents 10.43% of our readable tax base, which is a nice piece of our revenue needed for our budgets,” said Mayor Bacchione.

“It's a bit disappointing how three courts: the lower court, the appellate division and the Supreme Court saw this case. It's just a bit disappointing,” he said.

Driving from Berkeley Town Hall to the island is around 16 miles and on busy days could take 45 minutes. Seaside Park’s borough hall is just a few blocks away, a few minutes' walking distance.

The New Jersey Supreme Court’s decision would also grant Seaside Park control of White Sands Beach, the four blocks of public beach access just north of the gates of Island Beach State Park.

At Bum Rogers, the decision was the hot topic over lunch and a round of drinks. Laura Clark lives on the mainland section of Berkeley Township.

“It makes sense for them. It will cost us more money. I heard that it would be $147 a year more but for them to have to go all the way to Double Trouble Road to go to the police station. It makes sense that day do something on this side,” said Clark.

“Seaside Park has to take time to think about it. Digest all that has taken place. Read over everything,” added Whiteman.

The mayor of Seaside Park says they will need some time to go over the Supreme Court’s rulings. Mayor John Peterson says the governing body will meet next week and many discussions will be had in the near future.