Acupuncture in Belford, NJ
It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Belford, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
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If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Belford, NJ
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
Is Acupuncture in Belford, NJ Actually Legit?
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Belford, NJ?
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
Migraine Headache Relief
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Belford, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
Improved Sleep
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
Better Recovery from Surgery
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Belford, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Belford, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Belford, NJ
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Belford, NJ
Belford Ferry Terminal Will Receive $4 Million For Dock Improvements
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/belford-ferry-terminal-will-receive-4-million-dock-improvements
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This week, Congressman Frank Pallone — who represents North Middletown in U.S. Congress — announced he secured $4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for repairs at the Belford ferry terminal.Monmouth County will use the $4 million to repair dockside equipment so passengers can safely board and disembark the ferry.According to Congressman Pallone, these are "critical repairs" that are needed. It is unknown when exactly work will begin.Just this past fall, NY Wat...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This week, Congressman Frank Pallone — who represents North Middletown in U.S. Congress — announced he secured $4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for repairs at the Belford ferry terminal.
Monmouth County will use the $4 million to repair dockside equipment so passengers can safely board and disembark the ferry.
According to Congressman Pallone, these are "critical repairs" that are needed. It is unknown when exactly work will begin.
Just this past fall, NY Waterway lost its contract to continue operating the Belford ferry service: Monmouth County instead awarded the lucrative contract to competitor SeaStreak, which runs the ferries out of Highlands.
In response, NY Waterway sued Monmouth County in early November, but it appears they lost their legal battle.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
SeaStreak started running the Belford-to-Manhattan service on Dec. 5. Amidst a customer outcry, they will add a route to Jersey City starting Monday, Jan. 23, the Asbury Park Press reported this week. (NY Waterway always provided the route to Jersey City, but SeaStreak did not offer it until customers complained.)
The average one-way Seastreak ticket is $6 more expensive than what NY Waterway charged.
Before Monmouth County Commissioners decided to give the contract to SeaStreak, NY Waterway had been running the Belford Ferry Service for more than 20 years, ever since the Belford ferry terminal first opened in 1999.
But their 20-year contract expired in 2022. NY Waterway had to re-apply before Monmouth County to keep the contract, and they did. So did their arch-rival SeaStreak.
Last July, the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners voted to give the contract to SeaStreak. They said they did that because NY Waterway's proposal did not include a "Consent of Surety," which is proof they have a bank bond to continue the service if they ran into financial trouble.
At the time, NY Waterway told the Asbury Park Press they were "stunned" by county's decision.
In their application, NY Waterway provided a letter that showed they have bank credit to run the service — but they confirmed they did not actually present the precise "Consent of Surety" the county asked for. NY Waterway also argued they clearly have the financial resources to run the service, as they've been successfully running the Belford ferries for years.
NY Waterway also recently invested in much bigger, stronger boats to handle the sometimes-rough waters of Raritan Bay and Lower New York Harbor.
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone thanked Pallone for the $4 million in federal cash:
"These much-needed funds will allow Monmouth County to make the necessary upgrades so we can continue to offer commuters fast and reliable service to and from New York City," he said.
Before the pandemic, the ferry carried 1,300 daily passengers from Middletown to New York City and back. Statistics from the first half of 2022 show ridership is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels.
On this topic: NY Waterway Files Appeal To Keep Running Belford Ferry Service (Nov. 10, 2022)
Seastreak Belford ferry routes, fares, opening set, NY Waterway pushed out of Bayshore
Michael L. Diamondhttps://www.app.com/story/news/traffic/commuting/2022/11/23/seastreak-belford-nj-ferry-routes-fares-opening-day-dec-5/69671729007/
Three-minute readAsbury Park PressSeastreak will begin operating out of the Belford Terminal in Middletown on Dec. 5, Monmouth County and company officials said Tuesday, in a move that allows the ferry provider to expand its reach both in Monmouth County and New York City.In unveiling its schedule and prices, Seastreak said it will offer 22 daily trips among Monmouth County and the east and west sides of Manhattan — along with a slight discount for daily passengers traveling solely from Belford....
Three-minute read
Asbury Park Press
Seastreak will begin operating out of the Belford Terminal in Middletown on Dec. 5, Monmouth County and company officials said Tuesday, in a move that allows the ferry provider to expand its reach both in Monmouth County and New York City.
In unveiling its schedule and prices, Seastreak said it will offer 22 daily trips among Monmouth County and the east and west sides of Manhattan — along with a slight discount for daily passengers traveling solely from Belford.
“The new contract between the county and Seastreak will provide significantly more options to residents traveling to and from New York City,” Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said in a statement.
The contract nearly clears the way for Seastreak to take over a route that had been operated by NY Waterway for more than 20 years. NY Waterway has appealed a state Superior Court judge's decision upholding the contract.
While the case continues in court, Monmouth County and Seastreak are moving ahead.
Seastreak will continue NY Waterway's routes and connect Belford with the West Side, while it will continue its existing routes connecting Atlantic Highlands and Highlands with the East Side. The company will begin a free shuttle service between Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, and Belford. It means a passenger can leave from, say, Atlantic Highlands, return to Belford, and still get back to their car.
Seastreak's new schedule doesn't include a stop in Jersey City that NY Waterway provided, which would leave those passengers searching for alternatives. Seastreak officials didn't respond to requests for comment.
Seastreak will use one ticket and prices vary. For example, a 40-trip book will cost $720. Seastreak will offer Belford-only passengers a discount on one-way and round-trip tickets. For them, a one-way ticket will cost $24 instead of $28, while a round-trip ticket will cost $48 instead of $49.
"Our team looks forward to working with Monmouth County to serve the county’s residents and provide the Belford commuter community with the same high level of service and commitment that the company has provided to its riders for over three decades,” John J. Bevins, Seastreak's vice president of operations, said in a statement. “We are committed to providing safe and reliable transportation in the years to come and thank our riders for their continued support.”
The transition would end NY Waterway's 20-year run operating the Belford-to-Manhattan route. NY Waterway bid on the contract, offering a lower price than Seastreak, but Monmouth County officials ruled it didn't comply with the mandate that it get a $2 million performance bond, ensuring it could continue the service in case it ran into financial trouble.
Ferry vs. ferry:NY Waterway claims in court Seastreak improperly won Belford bid
NY Waterway filed a lawsuit, arguing the Request for Proposal was confusing, and it had a letter of credit instead that essentially provided the same assurance. State Superior Court Judge David Bauman sided with the county, ruling the proposal clearly spelled out that the bond was mandatory.
NY Waterway loses in court:Judge clears way for Seastreak to take over Belford ferry route, raising rider prices
NY Waterway is appealing the decision and has asked Bauman for a stay to prevent Seastreak from starting the service until the Appellate Division can rule on the case.
Bauman has scheduled a hearing for Nov. 28, a week before the Seastreak service is set to begin.
Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.
Belford Terminal to get $4M from feds for ferry service upgrade
Michael L. Diamondhttps://www.app.com/story/news/local/monmouth-county-bayshore/2023/01/24/belford-terminal-in-middletown-nj-to-get-4m-for-dockside-repairs/69832812007/
Monmouth County has been awarded $4 million in federal money to repair dockside equipment at the Belford Terminal and improve passenger safety, officials said Monday.The county expects to use the grant to update floating docks, barges, bulkheads and pilings for the ferry terminal that has been in operation since 2002, officials said.“This funding will help improve efficient and reliable transportation options in Monmouth County, help reduce vehicle traffic, and ensure that the ferry remains a reliable form ...
Monmouth County has been awarded $4 million in federal money to repair dockside equipment at the Belford Terminal and improve passenger safety, officials said Monday.
The county expects to use the grant to update floating docks, barges, bulkheads and pilings for the ferry terminal that has been in operation since 2002, officials said.
“This funding will help improve efficient and reliable transportation options in Monmouth County, help reduce vehicle traffic, and ensure that the ferry remains a reliable form of transportation," Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said in a statement.
The Belford Terminal is owned by Monmouth County and has been home to ferry service between the Bayshore and Manhattan for more than 20 years. Its ferry operator, Atlantic Highlands-based Seastreak, has 20 arrivals and departures Monday through Thursday, and 14 on Friday.
The repair project comes as ridership is returning to its pre-pandemic level of 1,300 passengers a day, officials said.
Murphy pitches millions for NJ Boardwalk Fund. What could Jersey Shore towns get?
Seastreak, which recently took over the route from long-time operator, NY Waterway, began service in early December with 149-passenger vessels. But it could use some of its larger ferries out of the Belford terminal as more commuters return to work, Seastreak spokesman James D. Baker said last week.
Money for the repair project comes from the U.S. Transportation Department's Passenger Ferry Grant Program, which was part of the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act, funding capital projects that support current service, establish new service, and upgrade boats, terminals, facilities and equipment.
Last year, Carteret received $6 million from the program to build a new terminal for ferry service between the borough and Manhattan. This year, in addition to the Belford grant, NJ Transit and NY Waterway will receive $7.3 million to convert four ferries from diesel engines to a hybrid technology, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, both D-N.J., said Monday.
It isn't clear when the Belford project will begin, but Monmouth County will provide a $1 million match.
The county also plans to upgrade handicap ramps and sidewalks at the terminal to comply with Americans with Disabilities regulations, and it will add charging stations for up to 50 electric vehicles, Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said.
"These much-needed funds will allow Monmouth County to make the necessary upgrades so we can continue to offer residents and commuters fast and reliable service to and from New York City," Arnone said.
Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.
NY Waterway Files Appeal To Keep Running Belford Ferry Service
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/ny-waterway-files-appeal-keep-running-belford-ferry-service
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — NY Waterway is not backing down in what has become quite a heated fight over who gets to provide New York City ferry service from Belford.Last week, Monmouth County Superior Court judge David Bauman issued a verdict, saying the Monmouth County Commissioners were correct in giving the Belford ferry service contract to Seastreak.However, just this Thursday, NY Waterway filed an appeal of Judge Bauman's decision."We have filed our appeal," said a spokesman for NY Waterway Thursday afternoon....
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — NY Waterway is not backing down in what has become quite a heated fight over who gets to provide New York City ferry service from Belford.
Last week, Monmouth County Superior Court judge David Bauman issued a verdict, saying the Monmouth County Commissioners were correct in giving the Belford ferry service contract to Seastreak.
However, just this Thursday, NY Waterway filed an appeal of Judge Bauman's decision.
"We have filed our appeal," said a spokesman for NY Waterway Thursday afternoon. "Ultimately, we know we can offer Belford riders the most frequent service and the lowest ticket prices."
The average one-way Seastreak ticket is $6 more expensive than what NY Waterway charges, and NY Waterway would also run more frequent departures out of Belford.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The back story:
Ever since the Belford ferry terminal first opened in 1999, NY Waterway has run the service there.
But their 20-year contract expired this year. NY Waterway had to re-apply before Monmouth County to keep the lucrative contract, and they did. So did their arch-rival Seastreak, which runs the ferries out of Atlantic Highlands/Highlands.
In July, the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners voted to give the contract to Seastreak. They said they did that because NY Waterway's proposal did not include a "Consent of Surety," which is proof they have a bank bond to continue the service if they ran into financial trouble.
At the time, NY Waterway told the Asbury Park Press they were "stunned" by county's decision.
In their application, NY Waterway provided a letter that showed they have bank credit to run the service — but they confirmed they did not actually present the precise "Consent of Surety" the county asked for.
NY Waterway also argues they clearly have the financial resources to run the service, as they've been successfully running the Belford ferries for years. NY Waterway also recently invested in much bigger, stronger boats to handle the sometimes-rough waters of Raritan Bay and Lower New York Harbor.
The head of the Monmouth County Commissioners seems very intent to follow through with the board's unanimous vote to award the contract to Seastreak.
“The twenty-year contract between the county and NY Waterway expired at the end of October 2022," said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone on Thursday. "The county went through a formal procurement process earlier in the year to secure a qualified vendor to provide ferry services, and subsequently awarded the contract to Seastreak. The fares and routes are still being negotiated between the parties and have not been finalized yet. The county will continue to work with NY Waterway and Seastreak to ensure a smooth transition for customers.”
The county's decision is what prompted NY Waterway to sue Monmouth County, and last week Judge Bauman sided with Monmouth County.
The case will likely now head to the state appeals court.
Prior: Battle Over Belford Ferry Service: Seastreak Set To Take Over Jan. 1 (Oct. 17)
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