Atlantic City’s famous Boardwalk was ranked the No. 1 boardwalk in the country this year, according to ShermansTravel.com. Our Boardwalk is unparalleled not just on the East Coast, but in the nation.

Unfortunately, due to the sand dunes, people are unable to see the ocean and surf from considerable stretches of our world-famous Boardwalk. Visitors do not come to see mountains of sand. They come to see the ocean, feel the breeze, and walk on our famed Wooden Way.

Department of Environmental Protection regulations currently prevent the dunes from being lowered to restore the view. It’s about time that the DEP relaxed its regulations. They are unreasonable and prevent Atlantic City from showcasing its biggest competitive advantage over regional casino competition: the Boardwalk and beach.

Many people share this view, yet mysteriously, no one has been able to convince the DEP, not even our state senator and assemblymen.

It’s time for the people to stand up. My suggestion: have City Council place a non-binding referendum on November’s ballot. The question would read, “Should the Department of Environmental Protection allow the sand dunes to be lowered, so people can again see the ocean and feel the breeze from our Boardwalk?”

A simple resolution from City Council would get this question on the ballot. A “yes” vote would send a strong message to Governor Christie and the DEP. 

As Atlantic City tries to strengthen its competitive advantage over regional casino gaming jurisdictions, we must make the best better, and use all our assets. It’s time to force the DEP to be reasonable in its sand dune regulations.

By Jesse Kurtz

Jesse O. Kurtz is managing editor of The Atlantic City Scoop (http://cityofatlantic.wordpress.com), a blog dedicated to politics in the big city. He can be reached at JesseOKurtz@gmail.com