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The island of Brigantine lies directly north
of Atlantic City. It is 6.9 miles long and consists of 4,000 acres,
1,000 of which are developed, and 3,000 acres of environmentally
sensitive bayside meadow lands. The year round population is approximately 15,000 and the summer population is approximately
30,000. There are approximately 8,000 residential (1-4 family) living units, approximately 150 businesses and two hotels. The tax rate is one of the lowest effective tax rates in South Jersey. The two public schools have an attendance of over 1,000 students, and is considered one of the finest school systems in the area. The library, located at 14th street, is maintained by the County. The City
is governed with a Council-Manager form of government. Six elected
Councilpersons provide local legislation, which is administered and
enforced by the City Manager.
Brigantine has its own water system, which is obtained from four artesian wells 800 feet deep. The City is serviced by Municipal sewerage and is connected to the Atlantic County Regional Sewer System. There are 65 blocks of ocean front development and public beaches and more than 25 lifeguard stations and one bayfront beach where swimming is taught to children and adults five days per week. There are six recreational and play areas throughout the island, including eight public tennis courts. All have been consistently upgraded. Surf fishing is permitted on the beach between 9th Street South and 13th Street South and on the north and south ends of the beach (north of 14th Street North and south of Brandt Road).
Surfing, Hobie Catting and wind surfing on the beach and sailing, water skiing and boating on the bay are popular activities. A fine semi-private 18-hole golf course and clubhouse facilities delight golfing enthusiasts. Brigantine Golf Links recently invested 2.2 million dollars upgrading the club and grounds and is continuing to improve the course on a regular basis.
There are over 150 neighborhood shops and businesses serving local needs on the island. In addition, the "Towne Center" Retail Complex on the south end of the island boasts a 36,000 square foot Shop N' Bag and a number of other fine shops and businesses. Numerous service and fraternal organizations have been established in Brigantine, including Lions, Elks, American Legion, VFW, fishing and hunting clubs and various sports organizations. In addition, the City maintains a year-round Recreation Department with activities for both young and old. There is also an active Senior Citizens Club on the island. |
Brigantine boasts its north end, more than
two miles of beach as natural as when the Indians roamed the island.
While it is part of the state's Green Acres program, it is accessible
on its entire length by recreational walkers, fishermen, and an
unlimited number (with permit) of four-wheel-drive vehicles. Beyond
the natural Green Acres Beach Reserve is an ocean inlet and 19,233
acres of the U.S. National Wildlife Reservation.
The Brigantine Yacht Club and The Brigantine
Rowing Club and more than a dozen marinas offer facilities for all
types of boating.