Tourism commission could be in the works

BRICK TOWNSHIP - With its 52 miles of waterfront property, more than a dozen marinas and three beaches, Brick Township has the assets that can make it one of the state's top tourist destinations.

To capitalize on these and other township's various recreational amenities, Councilman Brian DeLuca has proposed forming a tourism development commission to attract vacationers here.

"What we're looking to do is lower taxes for our residents by using the properties that we already own," DeLuca said recently. "With the state cuts to our funding,we have to find other ways to generate income without raising taxes. There's a lot of money to be made."

By forming a commission - which would consist of volunteers from the township and local businesses - Brick can apply for more federal and state grants to promote tourism, he said.

"Our goal is to generate money, not spend money," DeLuca said. "We're not looking to hire anyone."

The timing is right for a tourism commission, he said.

In addition to the township's beaches and marinas, the redevelopment of two properties- Traders CoveMarina onMantoloking Road, and the old Foodtown site on Route 70, is under way.

Traders Cove will house a new marina, a public park and amaritimemuseum. The most talked-about plan for the old Foodtown site is for a major hotel chain to be built on the property.

But even without a major hotel, the township can still be an attraction for visitors, DeLuca said.

"With the economy being what it is right now, we certainly can reap funds from day trippers," DeLuca said.

The commission is still in the early stages of its formation. Township Attorney Jean Cipriani is preparing a report on the legal requirements needed to establish it, DeLuca said.