A Long-Fought Battle for Independence
A small community on the Jersey Shore has finally won its long-standing battle to break away from its township. South Seaside Park, a peaceful neighborhood with approximately 500 residents, has been granted permission by the New Jersey Supreme Court to secede from Berkeley Township after an 11-year struggle. The decision marks a significant moment for the community, which has long sought to distance itself from Berkeley and join another township—Seaside Park.
Geographical and Social Disconnect
South Seaside Park is geographically isolated from the rest of Berkeley Township, which includes over a dozen towns and unincorporated communities. The neighborhood is separated by Barnegat Bay and requires a 13 to 16-mile drive to reach other parts of the township. This isolation has led to a sense of disconnection among residents, who feel they are not receiving adequate services or resources from the township.
Residents have also expressed concerns about their tax burden. Despite making up only one percent of the township’s population, South Seaside accounts for roughly 10 percent of its property tax base, according to court records filed in 2024. This disparity has fueled frustration among the community.
Lack of Essential Services
As the only ocean-front neighborhood in Berkeley, South Seaside residents argue that the township has failed to properly develop its beach, provide ‘adequate’ sanitation services, and offer sufficient police and emergency services. As a result, the community relies heavily on services provided by Seaside Park, which is just a mile away and shares a boardwalk with Seaside Heights.
Economic Considerations
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that South Seaside could secede without causing economic turmoil. The court’s decision, made on June 10, stated that denying the request would be ‘detrimental to the economic and social well-being’ of the residents. However, the move could have financial implications for the rest of Berkeley Township.
During a recent board meeting, experts estimated that property owners in the remaining part of the township would see their taxes increase by about $148 annually if South Seaside left. Now, it is up to Seaside Park Township officials to decide whether they are willing to welcome the new community.
Process and Next Steps
Seaside Park must conduct a thorough review process before officially accepting South Seaside. According to Seaside Park Mayor John Peterson, there are specific procedures that need to be followed. He mentioned that the plaintiffs (South Seaside residents) would likely file a petition, but no formal request has been received yet.
“We will make a request of Seaside Park,” said Joseph Michelini, the attorney representing South Seaside residents. “At that point, it’s Seaside Park’s decision.” Michelini expressed confidence that the township would welcome its neighbor.
Challenges in Secession
Secession in New Jersey is a complex and rarely successful process for small communities. In recent years, several attempts have been denied. For example, in 2019, Strathmere’s effort to leave Upper Township was turned down. Similarly, in 2016, Seaview Harbor Marina’s request to join Longport was also rejected.
Despite these challenges, South Seaside Park’s victory highlights the power of persistence and the importance of addressing the needs of isolated communities. The next steps will determine whether this small neighborhood can finally achieve its goal of joining Seaside Park and gaining greater control over its future.
