FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2009

County wins award for summer population study
Number of people in coastal areas more than double on peak holidays

FREEHOLD – Monmouth County’s Summer Coastal Population Study has been selected as a winner of a 2009 New Jersey Planning Officials’ “Achievement in Planning” award.

Relying on differences between summer and winter wastewater flows, and augmented by results of firsthand research conducted at the beach during the summer of 2008, the study estimates the seasonal increase in population in Monmouth County’s shore region in summer.

“I applaud the Monmouth County Planning Board for its innovative approach to this study,” said Freeholder John D’Amico, who is also a Planning Board member. ““Monmouth County’s coast is a prime summer attraction, and now we have a better idea of the number of people coming to enjoy our beaches, restaurants, boardwalks and other recreational amenities.”

The population of the county’s oceanfront and bayfront areas draw large crowds during the summer months, and it can m ore than double on peak holidays such as the Fourth of July, according to a recently updated summer population study.

The average population of the county’s shore region during the summer was determined to be approximately 762,000. This includes the area’s year-round, permanent population of 439,331, as well as overnight visitors and day trippers. This represents an increase of about 73 percent over the region’s year-round population and represents an average of weekdays, weekends and holidays.

The peak summer population of the county’s shore region, which is only attained on some weekends and holidays, was determined to be about 908,000, including the year-round, permanent population of 439,331 as well as overnight visitors and day trippers. This represents an increase of 107 percent over the region’s year-round population, or more than double, the year-round population.

“The summer population estimate has practical value, because it is needed for the Monmouth County Coastal Evacuation Routes Improvement Study,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, who is also a Planning Board member. “It also helps us plan for the needed services to accommodate the tourists that visit our coast each summer. I am pleased that the professional community in New Jersey has acknowledged this very useful study.”
 
The Shore Region includes those regions of the county between the Garden State Parkway and the coastline (including both the Raritan Bay and Atlantic Ocean coastlines), as well as those municipalities traversed by the Parkway.

The estimates were developed by the staff of the Monmouth County Planning Board.  The complete study can be found on the Planning Board’s web site at www.monmouthplanning.com and the project manager, Russell Like, can be contacted at (732) 431-7460.

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