Harvey Cedars
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Harvey Cedars
Harvey Cedars is a small coastal borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, located on the southern tip of Long Beach Island. The community is notable for its dramatic history of coastal erosion and development challenges, as well as its unique name tied to local folklore. Once a thriving summer resort, Harvey Cedars now faces ongoing struggles with land loss and legal disputes over property rights. The borough was officially incorporated in 1894, but its fate has been shaped by natural forces and legal battles in the decades since.
History
Harvey Cedars was incorporated as a borough on December 15, 1894, by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. It was formed from portions of Union Township (now Barnegat Township), reflecting the area’s growing popularity as a seaside destination in the late 19th century. The name "Harvey Cedars" is said to derive from a local figure known as "Harvey," who reportedly lived in either a cave or a shack beneath a grove of cedar trees. According to local tradition, Harvey was a hermit or fisherman who inhabited the area before permanent development took hold. [1]
The borough’s early growth was tied to its appeal as a summer retreat, with visitors drawn to its sandy beaches and proximity to the ocean. By the early 20th century, Harvey Cedars had developed a modest collection of vacation homes and boarding houses, catering to families seeking respite from urban life. However, the community’s future would be dramatically altered by natural forces and legal conflicts in the following decades.
Geography and Natural Features
Harvey Cedars is situated on the southernmost tip of Long Beach Island, a barrier island that stretches along the Jersey Shore. The borough is bordered to the north by Barnegat Light and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean. Its land area is particularly vulnerable to erosion, with steep cliffs—locally dubbed **"Harvey Cedars Bluffs"**—forming in some areas due to the relentless action of waves and storms. [2]
The borough’s geography is defined by its proximity to the water, with much of its landmass consisting of sand dunes and low-lying areas. Over time, coastal erosion has claimed significant portions of the borough’s original shoreline. Historical photographs from the early 21st century show homes and automobiles partially submerged in the bay or upended along the sand flats, a stark reminder of the area’s vulnerability to storm surges and rising sea levels. [3]
Development and Legal Conflicts
In the mid-20th century, efforts were made to develop Harvey Cedars further. In 1960, approximately 250 acres of land between Harvey Cedars and Barnegat Light were purchased by the **Island Estates Corporation** for potential residential or commercial development. However, these plans were never fully realized due to a combination of environmental concerns, legal disputes, and the borough’s ongoing struggles with land loss. [4]
among the most significant legal battles in Harvey Cedars’ history involved a couple who sought compensation from the borough for damages caused by coastal erosion. In July, the New Jersey Supreme Court overturned lower court decisions requiring the borough to pay $375,000 in compensation. The case highlighted the complex legal and financial challenges faced by municipalities along the Jersey Shore, where natural disasters and erosion often leave property owners and local governments in contentious disputes. [5]
- Environmental Challenges
Harvey Cedars has faced repeated environmental challenges, particularly from storms and erosion. The most devastating event in recent memory was **Hurricane Sandy**, which struck the area on October 29, 2012. The storm caused significant flooding, with portions of the borough submerged underwater. In the aftermath, residents and officials struggled to assess the long-term impact on the community’s infrastructure and habitability. [6]
Efforts to mitigate erosion have included the construction of temporary measures such as sand dunes and seawalls, though these have been described as "Band-Aid" solutions that provide only short-term relief. The borough’s location on a barrier island makes it particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and increased storm intensity. These factors have led to ongoing discussions about whether Harvey Cedars can sustain long-term development or if it should focus on preservation and adaptive strategies.
- Current Status and Future Outlook
As of the early 21st century, Harvey Cedars remains a small but resilient community. While some homes and businesses have been lost to erosion, others have persisted, particularly along **Maiden Lane**, where structures from the borough’s early days still stand. The borough’s population is relatively small, with most residents likely being seasonal visitors or long-term residents who have chosen to remain despite the risks.
The future of Harvey Cedars is uncertain. Legal battles over property rights, environmental regulations, and the feasibility of further development continue to shape the borough’s trajectory. Some residents and officials have advocated for stricter building codes and more aggressive erosion control measures, while others argue that the borough’s unique character should be preserved rather than altered by large-scale development. The ongoing debate reflects broader questions about how coastal communities can balance growth with the realities of a changing climate.
- Notable Sites and Landmarks
Despite its challenges, Harvey Cedars retains a few notable landmarks that reflect its history. **Maiden Lane** is among the most recognizable streets in the borough, featuring a row of historic homes that have survived decades of erosion. These structures serve as a reminder of the area’s past and the resilience of those who have called Harvey Cedars home.
Additionally, the **"Harvey Cedars Bluffs"** are a distinctive natural feature, formed by the relentless erosion of the coastline. These cliffs are a testament to the power of the ocean and the constant struggle to maintain the borough’s landmass. While they pose risks to nearby properties, they also serve as a visual representation of the area’s unique geography.
- Economic and Social Life
Harvey Cedars has historically relied on tourism and seasonal housing as its primary economic drivers. The borough’s small size and limited infrastructure have made it less attractive for large-scale commercial development compared to other Jersey Shore communities. Instead, its economy has been driven by vacation rentals, local businesses, and the presence of seasonal workers who support the area’s hospitality industry.
Socially, Harvey Cedars has long been a tight-knit community, with residents often knowing one another through shared experiences of living in a place constantly shaped by nature. The borough’s small size fosters a sense of camaraderie, though it also means that any major challenges—such as a natural disaster or legal dispute—can have a profound impact on the entire community.
- See Also
References
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