Inquirer Editorial: Shore too important for N.J. to take back seat

State control of beach development was proposed by Gov. Thomas H. Kean in 1987. Unfortunately, he met enormous resistance from beach towns whose zeal to maintain "home rule" took precedence over intelligent planning.

Barnes is right to worry that towns would allow post-Sandy rebuilding to proceed haphazardly. Although there are state building standards, enforcement is up to the local jurisdictions. A state Department of Community Affairs review in 2005, sparked by disgruntled condominium owners in the Wildwoods, found more than 100 buildings were not built to code. Many lacked fire walls, alarms, or proper fire exits.

As it raises construction standards, New Jersey should also stop leaving it to the beach towns to protect the Shore. They can't afford it, which is why Wildwood, one of the last free beach towns in the state, is thinking about charging beach fees.

Margate and Belmar also considered raising beach fees to cover costs, but are waiting to see what happens with a bill backed by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) that would ban towns accepting state or federal storm aid from charging beach fees.

It makes sense to place the 127-mile Atlantic Ocean coastline under the care of the state park system so uniform standards can be enforced. Barrier-island communities should pressure the state to take over beach cleaning, maintenance, and life guarding.

The beaches and Shore towns account for the bulk of a $38 billion tourism economy that benefits the entire state, so it should be the state's responsibility - not the towns' - to protect the Shore by rebuilding it smartly with an eye toward a safer future.