Shore’d be nice to reopen – pols

ALBANY — Beach-loving lawmakers want Gov. Cuomo to craft a plan to safely open New York’s seashores this summer.

Sens. Todd Kaminsky (DNassau County) and Diane Savino (D-Staten Island), along with a bipartisan group of nine fellow senators representing oceanfront communities, penned a letter to the governor Thursday calling for the creation of a task force to coordinate and execute the safe reopening of beaches.

The lawmakers say they want to ensure beaches don’t become breeding grounds for a new spike in coronavirus cases as people seek sun and sand after months of self-isolation.

“Droves of oceangoers streaming to our shores in search of relief and relaxation following months of isolation will require unprecedented levels of planning and cooperation in light of our newfound health challenges,” the senators wrote. “We must immediately begin to develop a comprehensive approach which will allow New Yorkers access to their beaches without endangering their lives and the lives of others.”

The letter stresses the need for beachgoers to limit physical interactions and be able to safely distance themselves from one another.

The senators also believe added protections must be put in place for lifeguards and first responders whose jobs put them in contact with a large number of people.

“By working with Gov. Cuomo and taking a well-thoughtout approach to reopen our state’s beaches, we will be able to create a safe environment for residents that will benefit surrounding businesses and localities,” Kaminsky said.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced earlier Thursday that he will be reopening Jersey Shore beaches in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The Garden State will keep restrictions on capacity and admission limits in place. Contact sports on the sand, special events and concerts will be banned, according to Murphy. Playgrounds, arcades, rides and picnic areas must remain closed.

In New York, lawmakers say they are concerned about beachfront communities that rely on the summer season to bolster the economy and keep local businesses afloat.

“We need a plan — this summer New Yorkers will once again flock to our beaches from Coney Island to Montauk,” Savino said. “We need a comprehensive plan that will address public safety as well as the economic concerns of seasonal businesses.”