group opposed to
Fort Hancock proposal
Pallone meets with
group opposed to
Fort Hancock proposal
SANDY HOOK — Gov. James E. McGreevey and Rep. Frank J. Pallone Jr., D-N.J., have jointly called for an independent evaluation of a private developer’s proposal to lease 36 buildings at historic Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook for use as offices, educational centers and restaurants, pubs, and bed and breakfasts.
McGreevey and Pallone said Monday, during the governor’s visit to the Shore, that they wanted an objective evaluation of the plan put forth by Sandy Hook Partners, LLC., before the National Park Service enters into a 60-year lease with the firm.
An environmental assessment of the proposal was prepared by the National Park Service and Sandy Hook Partners, the two parties to the lease, and was the subject of two hearings scheduled in response to public pressure.
Pallone met with Judith Stanley Coleman, leader of the newly formed Save Sandy Hook, on Tuesday to get her input on the idea of an independent evaluation of Sandy Hook Partners’ proposal. Save Sandy Hook opposes the proposal.
The congressman said afterward that he had asked the group to outline in writing what issues it would like the independent evaluation to examine.
"Among the issues likely to be addressed in an evaluation would be what impact increased traffic would have on the area, as well as the financial viability of the project and an overall environmental evaluation," Pallone said.
Once Save Sandy Hook outlines what issues it wants addressed, the congressman said, he would then explore the possibility of federal funding for the evaluation.
"I’m very encouraged by our discussions," said Stanley Coleman.
"He’s encouraging us (Save Sandy Hook) to try to get an independent evaluation."
She said the citizens group is in the process of determining what the scope of the evaluation should be and gathering the names of experts who could carry out the study.
"We will try to get the best qualified experts, to keep it as independent as possible," she said, "and Save Sandy Hook intends to oversee the evaluation process."
Pallone said he wanted an independent evaluation "to look at everything that’s being proposed" by Sandy Hook Partners.
McGreevey said he would talk with Brad Campbell, state commissioner of environmental protection, about how to go about setting the evaluation up.
"They haven’t made a decision," the governor said about the Park Service.
According to Sandy Hook Superintendent Russel J. Wilson, the park service is currently reviewing public comments on the proposal and will respond when the review is complete.
Based on the review, the agency will decide whether to let stand the environmental assessment’s finding that the proposal’s impact will not be significant, or initiate a more comprehensive environmental impact statement.
"I just want to publicly express my gratitude for Judy Stanley’s efforts," the governor added.
"Judy Stanley has provided strong leadership to protect this valuable resource."
McGreevey previously stated during a summer visit to Monmouth University, West Long Branch, that he was appalled at the development planned for Fort Hancock and would do everything he could to stop it.
He called Sandy Hook "a precious resource" that should not be desecrated.
"It’s nuts," he said at the time.
Stanley Coleman, who is president of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, said Save Sandy Hook will step up its efforts to block private development on Sandy Hook.
The group, which met this week, will begin meeting every two weeks and will increase public outreach, she said.
On Sunday, Stanley Coleman will address a general meeting of the Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Meeting House on West Front Street in Lincroft.
Pallone, meanwhile, received an eight-page letter from Wilson in response to questions he submitted.
Responding to Pallone’s queries, Wilson explained that a 60-year lease term is appropriate in view of the substantial investment Sandy Hook Partners will make in the project and will allow the developer to qualify for historic tax credits.
The developer will have to submit proof that financing has been secured prior to a final lease signing.
He also wrote that lenders have the right to manage leases if the partnership fails, substantial changes in the developer’s plans would touch off a new public review, and that leases are transferable subject to Park Service review.
In addition, Wilson said the Park Service will continue to rent buildings to nonprofits and educational institutions already located at Sandy Hook, and that those entities would benefit from the hospitality aspects of the proposal.
He wrote that the Park Service will use revenues to create day-use space for other groups within the 43 buildings it will retain.
It is currently renovating a group of buildings for a housing/hostel/education hub that will include rental space for those groups.
Wilson said that the public currently has access to only two of the buildings proposed for redevelopment.
In response to Pallone’s request to specify use of Fort Hancock’s buildings, Wilson said that, of the 100 usable buildings, 42 would be retained for use by the Park Service, two would have shared use, and 20 buildings will continue to be used by current partners.
Sandy Hook Partners would rehabilitate 34 buildings for education, research, office, conference, and meeting and hospitality uses, and two — the theater and chapel — will be shared with the Park Service.
No demolition is planned, Wilson said, and the Park Service has proposed construction of a new maintenance building and possibly a replacement for the hospital building which was lost in a fire.
To allay Pallone’s concerns about the preservation of historical artifacts, Wilson said the visitors’ center will be relocated to Building 25 where it will be expanded to an interpretive and education center where artifacts will be housed. The current center will be rehabilitated for use as a museum on lifesaving service history.
Although Pallone and others have been critical of a traffic impact study conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, Wilson cited the study’s finding that the project will have only minimal impact.
Replacement of the Highlands Bridge on Route 36 will be entirely federally funded and unaffected by the state’s fiscal problems, he said.
In addition, Wilson said, traffic congestion is seasonal and the proposed office and educational uses on Fort Hancock will not exacerbate traffic at peak periods.
He said development along Route 36 would have a greater impact than the proposed development, and pointed out that Pallone has secured $1 million in federal funding for construction of a permanent ferry dock, which will provide an alternate means of transportation to and from the park.
— Gloria Stravelli and Sherry Conohan