A controversial resiliency measure spearheaded by former Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration took effect on his last day in office, despite the efforts of many Jersey Shore officials, including a considerable push from Island officials, to stop it.

“It was mean-spirited,” Long Beach Township Mayor Joseph Mancini said earlier this week of the Jan. 20 effective date of the Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) coastal flood rules. “It needs to be rescinded.”