It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Jersey Shore House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lavallette, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Jacobsen Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Poached Pear or visit Cedar Bridge Tavern County Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lavallette, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lavallette, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lavallette, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
LAVALLETTE – Combine family fun, community spirit and a love of literature and big rigs, and you have the big picture for the Second Annual Summer Reading Kickoff at the Ocean County Library Upper Shores Branch, 10 AM until 1 PM Friday, June 27.A Touch-a-Truck event will be the fun gateway to ...
LAVALLETTE – Combine family fun, community spirit and a love of literature and big rigs, and you have the big picture for the Second Annual Summer Reading Kickoff at the Ocean County Library Upper Shores Branch, 10 AM until 1 PM Friday, June 27.
A Touch-a-Truck event will be the fun gateway to OCL’s 2025 Summer Reading program. Youngsters can explore a Lavallette fire engine, police car, ambulance, Department of Public Works vehicles and a truck from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and learn about the special gear they contain and how they function.
The Branch will provide crafting materials for children while supplies last, and will have plenty of applications to join the OCL Summer Reading Program. All kids who register will be entered into a drawing to win a special prize. Two lucky winners will be chosen at random.
The Friends of the Upper Shores Library will also be on hand with a special puzzle sale. All proceeds go directly to the volunteer group’s support of Library programs.
Please register at https://tinyurl.com/UPSummer for this free program for all ages. For more details, please visit or call the Ocean County Library Upper Shores Branch, 112 Jersey City Avenue, Lavallette, (732) 793-3996. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.
OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and https://theoceancountylibrary.org.
Photo: 2024 Summer Reading Kickoff, OCL Upper Shores Branch
Seaside Heights is gearing up for the upcoming Independence Day holiday with a number of events scheduled in town, but revelers should note that the fireworks display to mark the occasion will be held two days later, on July 6, 2025. Lavallette will also host its display on July 6.The “Fireworks Extravaganza” will begin at 9:30 p.m. and should be visible along the entire length of the boardwalk. The show is weather-permitting. Before the fireworks display, Seaside Heights will present its “Movies on the Beach” ...
Seaside Heights is gearing up for the upcoming Independence Day holiday with a number of events scheduled in town, but revelers should note that the fireworks display to mark the occasion will be held two days later, on July 6, 2025. Lavallette will also host its display on July 6.
The “Fireworks Extravaganza” will begin at 9:30 p.m. and should be visible along the entire length of the boardwalk. The show is weather-permitting. Before the fireworks display, Seaside Heights will present its “Movies on the Beach” series with JAWS – celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer – being screened beginning at dusk on the sand in the vicinity of Beach Patrol North Headquarters at Kearney Avenue.
Leading up to the holiday, the borough will also host the “All American Variety Show” on the Franklin Avenue stage at 7 p.m. June 30, 2025.
The borough’s historic carousel is also now operating on its summer schedule. The carousel, housed in the Carousel Pavilion on the boardwalk at Carteret Avenue, is open for the rest of June through July 4, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 noon to 9 p.m. On July 4, specifically, the carousel will be open for rides from 12 noon to 10 p.m.
Beginning July 5 through Aug. 31, the carousel will be open for rides Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
After Labor Day, the carousel will return to a weekend-only schedule.
In Lavallette, the borough will host its annual Patriotic Bicycle Parade on Thursday, July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The fireworks display, launched over Barnegat Bay, will be held July 6, 2025 beginning at 8 p.m. A live band will perform before the display. The rain date for the fireworks is the following day, July 7, 2025 at the same time and location.
The New Jersey Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a controversial 295-foot dock in Lavallette’s West Point Island section – a decision that a local environmental advocacy group celebrated as a “major step forward for coastal protections and community rights” on Monday.The structure, which has been approved by the state’s Tidelands Resource Council (TRC), has sparked widespread concern from residents and environmental advocates over its “unprecedented length, navigation hazards, and di...
The New Jersey Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a controversial 295-foot dock in Lavallette’s West Point Island section – a decision that a local environmental advocacy group celebrated as a “major step forward for coastal protections and community rights” on Monday.
The structure, which has been approved by the state’s Tidelands Resource Council (TRC), has sparked widespread concern from residents and environmental advocates over its “unprecedented length, navigation hazards, and disregard for legal planning requirements,” the organization Save Barnegat Bay said in a statement.
Lavallette officials have long had concerns about the proliferation of particularly long docks stretching out from properties on the north shore of West Point Island, and litigation in the matter even drew a response from former celebrity neighbor Joe Pesci. On several occasions, officials have floated the idea of requiring some type of hazard lighting or navigational aids in the area to alert boaters to the existence of the elongated docks at night, but legal counsel for the borough has consistently held that municipal government does not hold jurisdiction over the issue.
According to information previously provided to Shorebeat by officials with the state Department of Environmental Protection, the unusually-long docks were not favored by the property owners, but were required because docks must extend out to a minimum-prescribed depth in order to protect submerged aquatic vegetation – colloquially known as sea grass.
As the litigation moved through the court system, Save Barnegat Bay filed an amicus brief in the case, arguing that the dock’s approval violates New Jersey’s riparian law because the structure extends well beyond the pierhead line established by state law in 1891, codified within N.J.S.A. 12:3-19. The pierhead lines are the legal boundary beyond which no permanent obstruction is permitted be constructed. The boundary “protects public waters by prohibiting development that interferes with safe navigation and ecological balance,” Save Barnegat Bay argued.
The Tidelands Resource Council is required to fix these marine property lines through comprehensive surveys, in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the DEP, before approving licenses. The environmental group contends the line was unilaterally re-established by the council to accommodate the dock. The appeal before the Supreme Court challenges the council’s authority to do so on an ad-hoc basis.
While the West Point Island docks – especially the 295-foot dock in question – have raised the most visible concerns, Save Barnegat Bay has said the issue is one that is beginning to pop up coast-wide in New Jersey.
“This dock is not just an outlier—it’s a symptom of a dangerous pattern,” said Britta Forsberg, Executive Director of Save Barnegat Bay. “State agencies are issuing approvals for private structures on public waters without following the law. The result? A chaotic, piecemeal approach that threatens the safety of boaters, damages our fragile ecosystem, and ignores the voices of coastal communities.”
The structure at issue was built at 83 Pershing Boulevard, jutting nearly 300 feet into Barnegat Bay — more than double the length of surrounding docks. According to state officials, the dock’s length was necessary to reach four feet of water depth, a policy meant to protect submerged aquatic vegetation. But residents and SBB have both held that rationale is “deeply flawed.”
“Barnegat Bay is a naturally shallow estuary having an average depth of 5-feet,” said Forsberg. “You don’t protect the bay by encouraging bigger boats and longer docks. You protect it by planning carefully, following the law, and adapting to its natural conditions—not forcing it to adapt to us.”
Environmental and boating safety advocates have compared pierhead lines to development zones for the water — they are designed to keep public waterways navigable, scenic, and safe. Changing them can lead to “chaos,” according to neighbors such as Janine Morris and the Hazard family, who own the neighboring property at 85 Pershing Boulevard.
“This has nothing to do with personalities — it’s a moral issue,” said Morris. “This dock sticks out so far, someone is going to get decapitated. If we all built docks this long, the bay would be a maze of obstructions. It’s unsafe and completely out of character for this neighborhood.”
The hazards are amplified by inexperienced boaters and jet-skiers who may be operating on the bay during the summer, said Diane Kwitnicki, another neighbor who fears a deadly crash is all but inevitable with the unlit docks extending so far into the open bay.
“Knowing the irresponsibility of jet-skiers, in particular, children, I have an immense fear that some will be going on a fast joy ride near the shore and come upon this dock without time to self-correct,” Kwitnicki said. “This is an accident waiting to happen.”
Save Barnegat Bay holds that beyond the immediate safety issue in Lavallette, keeping the policy as-is exposes surrounding properties to lasting economic harm and regulatory uncertainty, and sets a bad precedent for other coastal towns statewide.
“This is not just about one dock—it’s about who controls our public waters,” said Forsberg. “This has been in the courts now for many years and there have been other long docks that have been approved but not built pending this ruling which will set a precedent statewide. Do we let state agencies sidestep their obligations and give away public resources on an ad hoc basis? Or do we demand transparency, planning, and respect for the law?”
Before retiring to California, Pesci – then a resident of Pershing Boulevard – sent his own comments to the state.
“More than doubling these docks undoubtedly would block views of the Bay currently enjoyed by other homeowners. More importantly, these extensions also force boaters, kayakers, and paddlers—including children—to operate in waters farther from land, in the wakes of larger watercraft,” the actor wrote.
The case is expected to be heard later this year.
The Rite-Aid store on Grand Central Avenue (Route 35 North) in Lavallette is one of the largest buildings in town, prompting officials to consider how to deal with such a large empty structure after learning the pharmacy chain will close the store in the near future.Built on a 100-by-100 foot lot, the building measures 8,272 feet in area and is located at 702 Grand Central Avenue. According to county tax records, it is owned outright by Rite-Aid, however it is currently for sale for approximately $3 million. The exact asking price was...
The Rite-Aid store on Grand Central Avenue (Route 35 North) in Lavallette is one of the largest buildings in town, prompting officials to consider how to deal with such a large empty structure after learning the pharmacy chain will close the store in the near future.
Built on a 100-by-100 foot lot, the building measures 8,272 feet in area and is located at 702 Grand Central Avenue. According to county tax records, it is owned outright by Rite-Aid, however it is currently for sale for approximately $3 million. The exact asking price was not published by the brokerage firm handling the sale.
While Lavallette officials have no control over who buys the building, there is an open question as to what type of business would move in to such a large building in what is otherwise a small downtown area. More realistically, the building would likely be divided so multiple businesses could operate, however the borough’s zoning code may preclude such a plan, depending on how it is proposed. This question has led officials to begin considering how to manage the situation.
“We’re open to suggestions,” said Mayor Walter LaCicero. “We may have to adjust our ordinances in order to fit additional tenants into that space.”
A marketing deck for the building provided by its broker lists several categories of businesses that might be interested in purchasing the building, including a “variety store, department store, bikes and sporting goods, pharmacy, card and gift store, home improvement store, hardware store, seasonal goods, health club, or other retail use.”
According to county tax records, the building is assessed at $1,650,300, and last year paid $15,611 in property taxes. The deed was last issued for the property in 2003.
Rite-Aid has announced the closure of stores across the country, with the actual closures estimated to occur in “mid-2025.” The company has not announced specific closing dates for individual stores. LaCicero, at a borough council meeting Monday night, said Rite-Aid will be selling and transferring its existing prescriptions to other local pharmacies, though the company has yet to announce those locations. With the closure of Rite-Aid, local residents will be left with just two options on the island: the Acme supermarket pharmacy in Ortley Beach and the CVS store in Seaside Heights.
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