|
Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., announced today that the National Park Service terminated the lease agreement between Sandy Hook Partners (SHP) and Fort Hancock at the Gateway National Recreation Area's Sandy Hook Unit. The lease was declared null and void because SHP, which is owned by James Wassel, was unable to provide a sufficient financial plan for the project.
Under the terms of the now terminated lease, SHP agreed to renovate 36 of Fort Hancock's 100 buildings. The conceptual plans indicated that redevelopment would include the opening of private businesses, such as bed and breakfasts and cafes.
It was this over-commercialization of the fort that initially led Pallone to oppose the redevelopment plan. For years, the New Jersey congressman has fought to have NPS deny any further extension of the lease agreement with SHP because of their inability to finance the project, which has stalled renovation plans at the fort.
"The National Park Service's decision today is a major victory for New Jersey and the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Park," Pallone said. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the state, the federal government, local universities and other public entities to become engaged in the restoration of Fort Hancock. It is important that any redevelopment plan does not include commercialization of our national park."
On September 26, 2008, the Third Circuit Court ruled in favor of the lease granted to Sandy Hook Partners. After the court's decision, the National Park Service gave SHP 90 days to come up with funds for the proposed renovation project. SHP submitted their proof of financing documents in March.
After reviewing the documents, NPS found multiple insufficiencies and therefore, the proof of financing was returned to SHP with a 15-day deadline to make technical corrections. Upon review of the corrections, NPS determined that the financial plan was insufficient and voided the current lease.
In the coming weeks, Pallone will be meeting with Barry Sullivan, Superintendent of the Gateway National Recreation Area, to discuss options for restoring Fort Hancock without commercializing our national park.
|
