Jean Mikle

@jeanmikle

SEASIDE HEIGHTS - A rally in support of President Donald Trump is scheduled to take place on the boardwalk Saturday, even through Mayor Anthony Vaz initially denied the MAGA March group's request to hold an event here.

Vaz said he had asked the group to find a different location for the Make America Great Again march because he feared that there could be clashes between Trump supporters and those who have been protesting the president's agenda.

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The council approved a permit for the event last week after organizers of the rally pointed out that the Constitution's First Amendment grants them the right to peacefully gather and express their ideas.

The event is scheduled to take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25, although the exact location of the rally has not yet been revealed by organizers.

"We weren't in favor of this because we know what could happen," Vaz said. He said Seaside has only 23 full-time police officers in the off-season, and borough officials were concerned about the potential cost of providing police protection for the rally.

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"Even though I believe in Trump, when you watch what's happening on television, you see the violence of some of these groups," said Vaz, a Republican.

Since the borough approved the permit for the rally, borough officials have received "numerous inquiries, comments and complaints" about the event, Borough Administrator Christopher J. Vaz said in a prepared statement. He is the son of the mayor.

Make America Great Again marches, in support of Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, members of the military and first responders, are scheduled to be held throughout the country on Saturday.

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The title of the march refers to Trump's popular campaign slogan, which is emblazoned on the signature red hats worn by many of the president's supporters.

The Seaside march is the official New Jersey event.

"Standing up for America," reads the description of the New Jersey March on its Facebook event page. "We love our country and owe the men and women who put their lives on the line to ensure our freedom and those who keep us safe and protected. We are marching for our president, vice president, military and first responders."

"After the borough attorney reviewed pertinent constitutional law requirements, the governing body was advised that denying the application could potentially result in litigation," Administrator Vaz said. "Therefore, the event was approved and our goal right now is to assure the safety of participants, bystanders and boardwalk visitors."

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Police Chief Thomas Boyd said he expects about 800 Trump supporters to attend Saturday's rally. Police officers from surrounding towns, as well as State Police and officers from the Ocean County Sheriff's Department, will assist with security and crowd control, Boyd said.

"I think we're going to be OK," the chief said.

Mayor Vaz and the council approved the MAGA rally permit with the following restrictions:

Marcher/rally participants must stay on the east side of the boardwalk.

Event organizers must keep the west side of the boardwalk open and clear for other boardwalk visitors/walkers who are not participating in the rally/parade.

Marchers/rally participants cannot block the entrances/exits of any boardwalk businesses or facilities and fire hydrants.

Use of the Franklin Avenue stage is not authorized.

No vehicles of any kind are permitted on the boardwalk.

Jean Mikle: 732-643-4050, jmikle@gannettnj.com