Police Checkpoints Ended For South Seaside Park And Pelican Island

While Berkeley Township police will continue patrolling the streets of South Seaside Park and Pelican Island, the police checkpoints on Route 35 have been removed, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

"Many resident have repopulated these areas and have started the rebuilding process," Amato said today. "It is time to get back to some level of normalcy."

Residents began a slow trickle back into their homes shortly before Christmas. But the two sections were closed to the general public, except for contractors during the daytime.

Residential stickers and work entry permits are no longer needed to gain access to both areas, the mayor said.

However, the 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew remains in effect and ocean beaches and bayfront areas will remain closed, Amato said.

"Residents who see any suspicious activity, no matter what time, should immediately report it to the Berkeley Township Police Department: (732) 341-6600 or use the anonymous tip line: (732) 341-1132 ext: 611, Amato said.

Neighboring Seaside Park is also now open to the general public, officials there said.