It is actually, and there are benefits for sales tax and such:
https://plainfieldnj.gov/departments/economic_development/starting_your_business/uez_(urban_enterprise_zone).php

It is not your parent's or grandparent's Plainfield.
Park Avenue is bustling, as are the Xth Street shops going up towards 22.

I don't know if the designation is applied, but it is an urban enterprise zone; lots of shops and many different countries are represented.

I would imagine getting a return on the cost of the initial purchase and upkeep of the beach would be the reason.

People don't respect public property; you see how they litter and some actually vandalize, so who would want that on a place they pay good money for to enjoy the view.

This is the reason for gated communities and cul-de-sac layouts instead of grids, to limit access. People on the common causeway litter, let their pets do their business and are loud and obnoxious on their phones and blast their music.

Another prime example public transportation versus private transportation. Would you take a public conveyance today if you didn't' have to? Especially in crime ridden cities?

Entitlement isn't an argument for access in my book nor is equity. Even the Soviets had Dachas for the fortunate to escape the press of humanity if only for a bit.

In my opinion, find a way to join a beach club, get a timeshare or purchase a property if you so desire a nice beach getaway versus the public venues.

It could be. I moved in 2021, just when they were finishing it. It looks pretty fancy from the park though, in a 1930s WPA way

They also converted Roosevelt hospital across Parsonage road into apartments.
I know there is the Veteran's home behind where Target is and the Nursing home on the hill, I don't recall the mental hospital behind the the Rickles site though.

My dad spent many a Sunday morning browsing those aisles.

Thanks for the memory.