SOUTH SEASIDE PARK
HOMEOWNERS & VOTERS ASSOCIATION
Frequently Asked Questions, Myths & Misconceptions
Who are we?
The SSPHVA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association made up of your friends and neighbors. We are both full and
part time residents and homeowners who are concerned about our community and the overall lack of services we
receive from Berkeley Township, our municipal government.
What are we trying to accomplish?
We are seeking to de-annex the community of South Seaside Park from Berkeley Township and become united
with Seaside Park.
Why are we doing this?
After many years of seeing the needs of our community and residents ignored by Berkeley Township and, after
careful consideration, research and professional advice, we came to the conclusion that our community will be
better served by being part of the boro of Seaside Park.
What does Seaside Park have to offer us that Berkeley Township doesn’t?
Roads, roadsides, beaches and bay fronts that are regularly cleaned and maintained. Garbage and recycling
cans throughout town. Activities throughout the year for all age groups. Recreational facilities. Easy access to
municipal offices/departments. Local municipal government that knows and understands the culture, area and
people. Local police force. Timely notifications of weather related issues and garbage collection schedule
changes. Cultural island community connections going back for generations, just to name a few items.
How are we doing this?
Because this is a legal process governed by the State of New Jersey, we have retained an attorney, municipal
accountant and planning consultant who have compiled reports that show the economic and social well-being
affect to the communities and residents of South Seaside Park, Berkeley Township and Seaside Park needed for
the petition process and court case.
When will this happen?
In order to complete the necessary reports to present our petition, OPRA requests have been made to Berkeley
Township which have yet to be received. As soon as the requested information has been received we will present
the petition to Berkeley Township.
How long will this take?
As with any legal process, we are at the mercy of the system and the courts. Once our petition has been
presented, Berkeley Township could have 4 months or more to make their decision. If our petition is denied, we
will then proceed to Superior Court in Toms River, Ocean County.
After the County decision is handed down, it is quite possible we will then have to move on to the State Supreme
Court, Trenton, NJ.
Where does funding come from?
Our members are fully responsible for the funding of our efforts.
How much will this cost?
We are anticipating costs of approximately $75,000.00 for professional services during the process. The SSPHVA
also incurs additional costs for tax preparation, insurance, website hosting, postage, office supplies, etc.
We have relied on the annual membership dues of $20.00 per year, per household to sustain us as we furthered
the de-annexation process.
At this time we are asking for an additional commitment fee $80.00 per member household for the current year.
The more members we have, the less the individual household commitment fees will be over the coming months
and years.
Will Seaside Park accept us?
There is no way to guarantee that Seaside Park will accept our annexation. However, informal conversations
have occurred with members of the Seaside Park community that indicate a positive attitude.
If we become part of Seaside Park…..Myths and Misconceptions
Seaside Park will install sidewalks
While we can’t predict the future, the various setbacks and layout of our community would make installing
sidewalks an engineering nightmare. Considering all that’s occurred, it’s highly unlikely that Seaside Park would
pursue a project of this magnitude anytime in the foreseeable future.
Seaside Park will meter our water
Our water will continue to be supplied by Shore Water Company, a private company, which, as you know, does
NOT meter our water.
Seaside Park has height limits on fences
Both communities have fence height limits. You must apply, pay for and then obtain a variance if you wish to go
higher.
Seaside Park police are overzealous, they pull people over and give out tickets
Whether we become part of Seaside Park or not, we will always have to deal with the Seaside Park police
officers. By land, you simply can’t avoid it. As residents of Seaside Park we will have a voice there and any
problems can be addressed at local council meetings.
Please keep in mind that any speed over 25 MPH is considered speeding and you run the risk of being stopped
and ticketed.
We will have to pay Seaside Park to accept us
The de-annexation and annexation action is a legal action that will be decided in the courts. Seaside Park cannot
demand or request payment from our community in order to accept us.
Seaside Park will have different regulations for rebuilding
We anticipate this action will take several years to complete. Anyone in the process or beginning of rebuilding will
in all likelihood be settled in their homes before the de-annexation - annexation is complete.
I’ll lose my senior freeze and/or discount
The senior freeze, senior discount and veteran’s discount are State issued benefits that will not be affected.
Seaside Park’s municipal government is dysfunctional
Being “attached” to Seaside Park, we hear and know more about what goes on in Seaside Park than we do in
Berkeley Township. Geographically, it’s impossible not to. For example, did you know that Berkeley Township’s
Master Plan (Berkeley Township 2008 Land Use & Circulation Elements) contains a proposal to rezone our entire
community? Unless you’re willing to travel the 35+ miles to Berkeley Township to attend council, planning board,
etc. meetings, most of us are unaware, until it’s too late, of what decisions are being made by our municipal
government that will ultimately affect us. Being part of a LOCAL municipality will enable all of us the opportunity to
be part of the community and have an actual voice with local representation.
What can I do?
If you are not yet a member of the SSPHVA, join us!
If you’re already a member and have not remitted your commitment fee please consider doing so. And be sure to
spread the word and ask your friends and neighbors to join us! Remember, the more members we have the
stronger we will be! Having full support from the majority of the residents in our community (both full and part time)
is important and will lessen the financial burden for each of us!
Let Berkeley Township know about your concerns by attending council meetings. If you can’t attend the council
meetings contact the appropriate Berkeley Township official or department by email, mail or phone. Contact
information and council meeting dates are available on our website, ssphva.com. Please send us a copy of your
correspondence and any reply you receive.