Irace Opposes Lame Duck Legislation On Fort Monmouth's Future

By Councilman Joe Irace, Oceanport

The future of Fort Monmouth has been one of my passions since before I was elected Councilman for the Boro of Oceanport. Unfortunately, Oceanport has been forced to accept many things under the current structure of FMERPA. In fact, Oceanport was one of 2 towns to vote against the Redevelopment Plan in 2008. Many of our residents have been very outspoken in their belief that the redevelopment of Fort Monmouth will not be a benefit for the taxpayers of Oceanport but rather a detriment.

In my position as a Councilman, I have even advocated the possible use of deannexation. Many years ago, the federal government took possession of the land now known as Fort Monmouth for use as an Army base. Deannexation is the process by which Oceanport would refuse reacceptance of this same land. We may be able to simply walk away perhaps leaving the land to another town. Maybe Fort Monmouth would remain it's own entity and become its own community within Monmouth County.

I am deeply concerned about the Fort Monmouth Redevelopment Bill (S10)as it currently stands. This Bill is being sponsored by a Senator from Union (Raymond Lesniak), New Jersey. While the bill is co-sponsored by a Senator from Monmouth County (Jennifer Beck), I can't help but wonder what interest a Senator from Union has in Monmouth County? What's in it for his district?

Why is this bill being pushed through a "lame duck" session rather than waiting for the new Administration? I believe the voters of New Jersey have spoken and therefore, new legislation should be held until January of next year inorder to insure that the wishes of our State residents are respected. If the voters had wanted the current form of government, I believe our current governor would have been reelected.

My concerns regarding this bill are numerous:

The Bill calls for 5 votes by appointees of the Governor and 4 votes from the towns and County most affected by its passage. Why does the State need a majority? Shouldn't the local communities have a majority say in what occurs in our communities? Again, the voters have placed their trust in Governor Elect Christie. Shouldn't we wait for him to make any/all appointments?

Why does the Governor appoint the Chairman of the Committee? Subsequently, the chairman would appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Chairman should be voted on by the members of the Committee and approved by a majority vote inorder to insure fair representation of the local entities.

What exactly is a Fort Monmouth Special Improvement District? Why do we want this? What exactly is a Transportation Improvement District and why do we want one? What exactly is an Infrastructure District and why do we want one? Do these "districts" involve ratable sharing and COAH sharing across the Fort Monmouth communities? Why can't each community operate on its own within the confines of the plan?

How is COAH going to be handled? While probably not specific to this bill, we would want each town to handle it's own COAH obligations and not share among the "redevelopment district."

Why is the potential use of Eminent Domain included?" Is there a plan for future use? As we've learned from neighboring towns, residents don't look favorably on the use of Eminent Domain by Federal, State or Local Government.

There is no mention of when or how this new Committee will "expire." Do we really need that much oversight here or can each town handle it with the help of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority? Are they trying to create more levels of Government?

I will not stand by while Oceanport gets the short end of the stick. I stand ready to do whatever it takes to stop this from bill from passing in its current form.

I have posted additional information on my Facebook page.

We need your help to stop this Bill from moving forward. Please call Senator Beck and voice your concerns. Her office number is 732-933-1591 or email SenBeck@njleg.org.