To the Editor:

In response to “Coercion Continues” (9/26), I would first like to state that it has been my professional experience that solutions to complex issues are most readily solved through respectful personal communication, rather than verbal jousts in the editorial pages.

Beach replenishment is certainly a contentious issue, in which the rights of oceanfront homeowners must be balanced against the protection of the entire community. This has been a long process and certainly many legitimate concerns have been raised by oceanfront homeowners.

In response, the Long Beach Township mayor has worked hard to address these issues and has obtained written documentation from the Army Corps as to the legitimate uses of the easements. I would refer the reader to Mr. Hutson’s excellent summation (“Easement Fallacies,” 8/22), which specifically addresses these issues (bathrooms, access and boardwalks, etc). Suffice it to say the document explicitly details that the easements are to be utilized exclusively for beach replenishment. 

While everyone may not support every decision made at town hall, it is the responsibility of leadership to lead. Certainly there are differing opinions on beach replenishment, however it should be clearly stated that the commissioners of Long Beach Township firmly support beach replenishment, as we believe it is in the best long-term interest of the community. However, we are also sensitive to the concerns of oceanfront homeowners and continue to encourage further dialogue with our residents.

Joseph Lattanzi, commissioner

Long Beach Township