Vol. 4, No. 6, June 2007
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Brigantine
An island you’ll love for life
As summer settles in, the town of Brigantine Beach emerges out of winter hibernation. Along the business district, lounge chairs, towels, sunscreen and beach buckets fill the stores as residents and visitors anticipate the summer season.
Brigantine’s thriving summer dates back to the 1500s, when the Lenape Indians referred to the tiny island as their “Watamoonica” or “summer playground.”
Summer doubles the island’s population with a long list of community events, including the popular outdoor summer concerts, senior activities and youth recreation. Residents unanimously agree the most popular amenity is the free island transportation.
“Pick up and phone and say ‘I need a ride,’ and you have the mini-bus or trolley. Then, there is always the option of a paid cab,” says Director of Tourism and Economic Development Ron Staller. “Brigantine has resources to get you wherever you need to go.”
The 6.39-square-mile island features waterfront views from long stretches of beach to the bayfront docks. The best view on the island can be found at the north end observatory. Those who wake up early enough can view the spectacular sunrises from the north end before embarking on a morning bicycle ride through the serene neighborhoods.
“This is absolutely my favorite stretch of beach in all of New Jersey,” says visitor Pat Bair from the beachside promenade. “You look and all you see is beach and ocean; it’s just lovely. I lived in Stone Harbor for years and I keep coming back here.”
Aside from the breathtaking views and peaceful beaches, the area offers excellent fire, police and public works departments. In addition, the Brigantine Beach Patrol, composed of 83 guards, protects five miles of beach as well as overseeing aquatic events such as the Lion's Club Mile Swim, the Elk's Club Bayfest and Mile Swim, the Red Cross Triathlon, and the Brigantine Wave Riding Association's Surf Contests.
“There are many activities and services sponsored by civic organizations and the city for residents and visitors of all ages,” says Mayor Philip Guenther. “Also, Brigantine enjoys the lowest tax rate of any full-service community in Atlantic County.”
With low taxes, outstanding dining and excellent educational facilities, it is the residential community that really sets Brigantine Beach a step above.
“We are a beachfront community and in the end, everyone wants to be by the beach,” says Ethel Hermenau, sales associate for Brigantine Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors.
From La Samana and condominium complexes to single-family homes worth more than $3 million, the town offers a range of quiet and beautiful residential living. Families make up the population majority. However, nearly 10 percent of the residents are either single or elderly in the seaside town.
“Brigantine is a seashore destination, and when you live here you are fortunate enough to have a great residential community that just happens to be at the shore,” says Staller.
A full day qualifies as soaking up the sun at the beach or shooting par at The Links at Brigantine Beach. If that isn’t enough, the Community Education Recreation (CER) program offers a variety of activities from trips to sports camps and clinics for various ages. In June, CER holds the 2nd Annual Mini Golf Classic as well as the Annual Bicycle Rodeo.
As the town motto says, “Brigantine Beach: An island you’ll love for life.”
City Hall Address
1417 W. Brigantine Ave
Brigantine, NJ 08203
609-266-7600
Mayor: Philip J. Guenther
City Council: April “Sue” Schilling, John Murray, Robert Solari, Richard Cassamento, Sam Storino, James Frugoli
Population: 12,500 year-round; 25,000 seasonal
Tax Rate: (per $100): 3.909
Schools:
Brigantine Elementary School (K-4)
Brigantine North Middle School (5-8)
Atlantic City High School (9-12)
FUN FACTS
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has the skull of a 29-foot-long humpback whale that washed up on shore in 1991.
Brigantine beaches allow vehicles with four-wheel drive to off-road onto the beach as long as a valid permit is obtained.
By taking the recently added $330 million Brigantine Connector, which links the Atlantic City Expressway to the city, travelers reduce transportation time and allow faster access between Brigantine and South Jersey’s shore communities.
Rita’s Water Ice in Brigantine offers a “puppy cup” to any patrons that comes with a furry friend. Every puppy gets a free dog treat topped with custard.
Nearly 2,000 of Brigantine’s residents are casino employees with 600 working at either Borgata or Harrah’s.
Rick Gazda Polka Band performs at the 26th Street Park on Wednesday, June 20, as part of the Brigantine summer concert series.
The Brigantine Lighthouse was originally built in 1926 as a sales attraction. Over the years it was used as police headquarters, gift shop and museum but as circle traffic increased the structure had to be abandoned. Today the lighthouse is illuminated nightly as a centerpiece for the island.
The Brigantine community comes together for an exciting night of Surf baseball on Saturday, June 2 at Bernie Robbins Stadium. Tickets are $7 and the first pitch is at 7 p.m.
