Bradley Beach will raise 2027 badge fees to help pay for major upgrades

With progress comes a price. Major project, funding of over $5 million. The last unprotected 1,500 feet of beachfront between Asbury Park and Belmar will soon have a new wall and promenade here in Bradley Beach. We have to invest, and part of that investment we need to recoup from raising the beach badge prices a bit. To help cover the cost, adult seasonal badges are going up by $10 to $100. Seniors and children's badges will increase by $5 to $40. Jamie Quelley has a front row seat at her Boardwalk Bandits shop. Hopefully if we get a beautiful new promenade here, it's done in the off season. And everyone's happy, and it's a lovely place for people in Bradley Beach to come to. Most folks, like Lydia, don't mind paying more as long as it's for the right reasons. She goes to Belmar, where prices will remain at $80 next summer. I live right here, so I always go here, and I don't really look at the price because I know I'm going. All shore towns must follow the state's public trust doctrine. That means revenue generated from beach badges and parking can only be used for beach expenses and upgrades. We make sure when we're looking at our budget that we're charging enough to cover all of those operating expenses. Make improvements and also save for a very rainy day like Sandy. Most Jersey Shore towns will post their 2027 badge prices by the end of winter. Folks, keep in mind, a lot of towns like here in Bradley Beach offer discounts if you buy those seasonal badges before summer next year. Here in Bradley, next month, they only cost $80 a pop, and they make great stocking stuffers. We're in Monmouth County. I'm Jim Murdoch, News 12, New Jersey.