HALIFAX – July 14, 2026 – The Halifax Select Board voted unanimously to reinstall a controversial security gate at the 4th Avenue beach through Labor Day weekend following a public outcry over out-of-town jet skiers, rowdy crowds, and an overwhelming lack of municipal oversight. Frustrated lakeside residents packed the Great Hall to condemn the Parks Commission for failing to maintain order, prompting town officials to launch an aggressive title search and land survey to determine who legally owns the waterfront property.
The Full Story
The seasonal peace at Halifax Beach completely collapsed over the early summer weeks, culminating in what locals and town officials described as an unmanageable crisis. Neighbors recounted an influx of out-of-town visitors who heavily abused the area, bringing alcohol, fighting, loud profanity, and reckless jet ski behavior directly adjacent to the public swimming zone.
“When the jet skis came in, the quantities with the alcohol, the fighting, the swearing... it was just a very bad situation. The more you control access through that ramp, the less you will see abuse.” [54:20] — Mark Dillon, Resident
Parks Commissioner Mike Schleiff admitted that the situation had entirely deteriorated, citing severe staffing and budgetary limitations. Schleiff revealed he was the only commissioner actively trying to manage the area, frequently using his personal truck to haul overflowing trash while the department returned nearly $2,000 in unspent funds to the town due to operational gridlock. Neighbors strongly contested the Parks Commission’s defense, stating that the singular parking attendant was completely ineffective at stopping the influx of non-residents.
The primary catalyst for the bad behavior was identified as the 4th Avenue boat ramp, which allegedly serves as a gateway for organized out-of-town jet ski groups coordinating enforcement workarounds on social media. Seeking an immediate deterrent, the Select Board approved re-establishing a temporary blocking gate through September 7, 2026.
