Three proposals have resulted in three strikes. That is the present view taken by the Red Bank Environmental Commission, which has weighed in on three proposals submitted for Marine Park. And the RBEC has concluded for now that all three have fallen short in securing that the park remain natural and be environmentally sound for visitors to enjoy.
“The RBEC acknowledges the need to revitalize Marine Park. We believe yet-to-beproposed opportunities are available and could add a unique touch to our community,” the commission states in comments submitted to the borough Parks and Recreation Committee.
“Our 1.7-square-mile community has a near extinct resource — open space. The area in and around Marine Park is a parcel of land that, although not completely natural, is open space.
“RBEC acknowledges the financial opportunities inherent within development projects. However, land value increases with natural, open stewardship. It’s no secret that Central Park is the most valuable piece of land in New York City,
“Open land stewardship also acts as a community engagement point whereby all citizens can enjoy the benefits of connecting with their environment.”
Instead of the development proposals submitted, the RBEC calls for Marine Park to remain a natural area with features that connect to the Navesink River.
“The most ideal opportunity from an environmental perspective would be to create additional natural park, create river and land activity programs, and truly utilize and celebrate the great gift the Navesink River is to our town,” the comments state. Of the three proposals that were submitted, the RBEC takes particular issue with Red Bank Harbor, a proposal put forth by Jetsun Enterprises, which, the commission states, would have negative environmental impacts.
The controversial proposal calls for the area of the tennis courts to be replaced with a family oriented miniature golf course and artificial ice hockey rink, as well as paddleboat rentals and a concession stand.
“Through the use of nonpermeable surfaces for the miniature golf and ice skating rinks, Red Bank can expect more pollutant runoff into the Navesink River during rain storms, the commission comments.
“Additionally, the tourist nature of the area would generate more people to the riverfront, exacerbating the need for litter and pollution maintenance efforts.”
Another proposal would restore the badly deteriorated red clay tennis courts with resident Jim Cullen willing to donate $500,000 to the project.
The commission finds this option less harmful to the environment.
“The revitalization of the tennis courts would not increase the carbon footprint of the area and their reintroduction would encourage local outdoor activity. While the area would not be natural, it would be low impact and remain largely undeveloped,” said the RBEC in the comments.
A final proposal for the Marine Park Activity Center would replace the courts with a boathouse with rowing and sailing programs for residents.
According to the environmental group, while constructing a building on the river is not ideal, the proposal would give residents opportunities to interact with the river.
“The Marine Park Activity Center does involve development of the waterfront, which is not ideal. However, it also offers residents accessibility and the opportunity to interact with the outdoors and our local natural resources,” comments the RBEC.
“Unfortunately, from our perspective, none of the current proposals fill this open space stewardship fully,” the Environmental Commission comments. “If a proposal must be chosen, there are aspects of proposal 1 [tennis courts] and proposal 3 [Marine Park Activity Center], which the RBEC is in favor of. Neither are perfect, but both are better options for Red Bank and the environment than option 2 [Jetsun].” According to Councilwoman Linda Schwabenbauer, the Red Bank Parks and Recreation Committee is reviewing the proposals prior to making a final recommendation to the Borough Council. Judging criteria included access to the waterfront, accessibility for all borough residents and uniqueness to the borough.