Brigantine Declares Local State of Emergency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 13, 2025

Brigantine, NJ — The City of Brigantine has declared a local state of emergency due to severe beach and dune erosion caused by Hurricane Erin and a series of recent coastal storms.

The majority of the erosion is concentrated along the North End of the island, especially between 15th Street North and Roosevelt Boulevard, where dunes have been washed out and the beach width has dramatically narrowed. This erosion has left nearby homes and streets increasingly exposed to storm surge and flooding.

City officials are particularly concerned about the homes located at the end of the Brigantine Promenade. During severe high tides and storm events, the ocean now comes within a few feet of these properties. This proximity puts both private homes and critical City infrastructure in immediate danger.

“Our fear is that the next major storm could drive waves directly into these homes and wash out the streets around them,” said Mayor Vince Sera. “This is no longer a long-term concern, it is an urgent threat.”

To better protect these homes and the surrounding infrastructure, the City has long considered extending the Promenade by building a protective seawall an additional 275 feet to the north. This project has been stalled for some time, and the City is seeking the assistance of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move the project forward.

For years, Jersey Shore communities typically received beach replenishments on a six to eight year cycle. However, due to stronger storms and faster erosion, most South Jersey towns, including Brigantine, now require major replenishment approximately every three years. City leaders emphasize that while beach replenishments are still essential, they are no longer enough on their own.

“Beach replenishments remain critical, but the conditions we are facing today show that we must also pursue additional long-term protective measures,” Mayor Sera said. “Options such as low-profile jetties and offshore wave breaks may help slow the loss of sand, reduce the force of incoming waves, and extend the lifespan of our beach replenishment projects.”

To support that effort, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun a year-long study evaluating the effectiveness of these types of coastal protective structures. Brigantine has formally applied to be included in this study and is currently awaiting confirmation from the Army Corps.

Mayor Sera also thanked Congressman Jeff Van Drew for his ongoing support and leadership.

“Congressman Van Drew is pushing for legislation that would create permanent, long-term federal funding for beach replenishment and other coastal resiliency projects,” Mayor Sera said. “This type of stable funding is essential for Brigantine and for every Jersey Shore community that is facing increasingly frequent and severe erosion.”

The City of Brigantine is working closely with Congressman Van Drew, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in an attempt to secure emergency funding, rebuild lost dunes, and accelerate planning for long-term shoreline protection.

“This declaration is about protecting our residents and safeguarding the future of our island,” Mayor Sera added. “We will continue pushing for both immediate action and long-term solutions that strengthen our coastline.”

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