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Point Pleasant Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Ocean County Backs Purchase of Channel Drive Property
The county will spend $2.86 million to acquire the 0.59-acre site in Point Pleasant Beach.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:34pm
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The county's acquisition of the Channel Drive property will help preserve public access to Point Pleasant Beach's scenic waterfront.Point Pleasant Beach TodayThe Ocean County Board of Commissioners has accepted a recommendation to purchase a 0.59-acre property on Channel Drive in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. The $2.86 million acquisition, funded through the county's Natural Lands Trust account, comes after months of discussions between the county and the borough, which has been seeking to prevent development at the site and preserve it for public use and passive recreation.
Why it matters
The purchase of the Channel Drive property is seen as an important step in revitalizing the area and ensuring public access to the waterfront. Point Pleasant Beach has been working to shape the future of the site, which has been a topic of discussion for over five years, and the county's support helps solidify the borough's efforts to prevent private development and maintain the character of the local waterfront.
The details
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners voted to accept the recommendation of the county's Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee to purchase the 0.59-acre property at 113-115 Channel Drive. The county will spend $2.86 million for the site, plus up to $6,500 in property tax adjustments. The next step is for the commissioners to appropriate the funds through an ordinance, which typically happens within 60 days of accepting the recommendation. Point Pleasant Beach had previously considered bonding to purchase the site, but opted instead to put the proposal to a public referendum, which residents approved in November 2025 by a vote of 1,414 to 818.
- The Ocean County Board of Commissioners accepted the recommendation to purchase the property at their March 25, 2026 meeting.
- Point Pleasant Beach residents approved a referendum on the borough's proposal to acquire the site in November 2025.
The players
Ocean County Board of Commissioners
The governing body of Ocean County, New Jersey, which accepted the recommendation to purchase the Channel Drive property.
Point Pleasant Beach
The New Jersey borough that has been seeking to acquire the 0.59-acre property on Channel Drive to prevent development and preserve public access to the waterfront.
Doug Vitale
The mayor of Point Pleasant Beach, who announced the county commissioners' vote and said the borough will continue to advocate for the property to be used as passive recreational space.
What they’re saying
“While the County has not yet provided definitive plans, we will continue to strongly advocate for this property to be utilized as passive recreational space for our residents and visitors.”
— Doug Vitale, Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach
“This property offers direct access to our borough's beautiful waterways. Securing it provides space for passive recreation. It will create direct public access to the water for kayaks, fishing, and scenic enjoyment. And most importantly, it will ensure that this prime location remains in public hands — not redeveloped in ways that restrict access or change the character of our waterfront.”
— Doug Vitale, Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach
What’s next
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is expected to appropriate the funds for the $2.86 million purchase through an ordinance within the next 60 days.
The takeaway
The county's support for acquiring the Channel Drive property is a significant victory for Point Pleasant Beach's efforts to preserve public access to the waterfront and shape the future development of the area. This purchase will help ensure the site remains in public hands and is used for passive recreation, rather than being redeveloped in a way that restricts community access.