What’s Open & Closed in Margate, Ventnor & Longport

After a 3-month lockdown, the Downbeach towns of Ventnor, Margate and Longport are slowly coming back. Not fast enough for most, though. This comes amid NJ Governor Murphy facing intense criticism for joining large groups of protesters recently.

At the same time, Gov. Murphy accused of ignoring struggling small business and those they employ.

Murphy: We completely understand the economic impact. Look at the loss of jobs, the crushing impact on small businesses, especially those in hospitality.

What’s open in the Downbeach towns of Ventnor, Margate and Longport?

• All beaches & boardwalks are OPEN. Some public bathrooms are not.
• Ventnor Fishing Pier & bathrooms closed due to construction. (will open VERY soon)
• Ocean swimming is OPEN.
• Non-essential (we hate that phrase) retail is curb-side pick-up only. June 15 will open all retail.

• Some playgrounds, like in Ventnor, are open.
• Tennis & pickleball are open. But not basketball.

• Gyms closed tfn.
• Outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses permitted to reopen immediately.
• Amusement parks and water parks are still closed. 
• Movies or concerts subject to restrictions on outdoor gatherings.

• Indoor gatherings are limited to 25% of room capacity or no more than 50 people.
• Outdoor gatherings limited to 100 people. (unless you are protesting something)
• Outdoor swimming pools can open Monday, June 22.
• Beauty salons, barbers & nail salons open June 22

• Limited in-person retail begins on June 15
• Child care centers reopen on June 15
• Non-contact organized sports restarts on June 22

• Limit on outdoor gatherings will rise to 250 on June 22
• Limit on outdoor gatherings will rise to 500 on July 3
• Youth summer camps and programs begin on July 6
• In-person graduations are set to begin on July 6

Here is what has opened already:

• Fishing charters and watercraft rentals
• Batting cages and golf ranges,
• Elective and invasive surgeries

NJ Governor Phil Murphy: Restaurants, bars, hospitality have been crushed.

Reporter: Many people, including those with lower incomes rely on libraries for books, music and DVDs. Health experts are saying there’s less risk in getting the virus from touching surfaces. If stores are open for no-contact curbside pickup, why can’t libraries do the same? Chief Counsel Platkin: We’re hoping to have that resolved shortly.

Governor Phil Murphy: World Health Organization and CDC revisited a couple of gospel truths here. One of which is the surface question and how long the virus lives on a surface. We beg to differ, particularly as we’ve mentioned in long-term care facilities.

Downbeach towns will re-open their municipal buildings starting Monday & Tuesday of next week.

• Margate, Ventnor & Longport City Hall employees will report to work on Monday.
• Ventnor City Hall opens to all on Tuesday morning.
• Margate Municipal Building will reopen 9a on Monday with restrictions.

NOTE: Shore town City Halls were not legally required to stay closed. But most voluntarily kept them closed for safety.

Longport Commissioners will meet June 17 in commission chambers with 25% room capacity limit. This could block potential attendees.

Restriction not sitting well with summer residents, a group that swells during the summer months.

It’s unknown why Longport decided against using ZOOM video conferencing for their commission meetings. Towns like Ventnor, Brigantine and Atlantic City having great success with ZOOM. Resident participation often exceeds 100+.