Developer has friend on the inside at DEP

Will DEP allow shore treasure to be destroyed?
[Update: see Star Ledger columnists’ belated take on the Tak – safely after the CAFRA permit was issued: Lifesaving station needs a rescue
http://blog.nj.com/njv_mark_diionno/2008/04/lifesaving_station_needs_a_res.html
The debate over a controversial beachfront development proposal in Long Branch escalated yesterday with the filing of an ethics complaint against a personal assistant to Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson. A coastal permit to allow the development to move forward is now pending before DEP.

Bill WolfeEntrance to historic Takanassee Beach Club, Long Branch, NJ.

The case involves plans by developers to turn the historic Takanassee Beach Club property in Long Branch into a multi-unit residential complex. Historic buildings on the site date back to the U.S. Lifesaving Service, the forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard. The proposed development and DEP permit have drawn considerable opposition by environmental, historic preservation, surfing, and local community groups.
NEW JERSEY AIDE GOT TOO CLOSE TO DEVELOPERS — Ethics Complaint Filed Against Personal Advisor to DEP Commissioner
Trenton — A top aide to the New Jersey environmental agency improperly worked to locate financing, provide coaching and smooth regulatory hurdles for a controversial beach-front development, according to a complaint filed today before the State Ethics Commission by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The complaint requests investigation of a key state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) official, who appears to have broken ethics rules against providing inside information and showing undue partiality to a permit applicant.
(Link to Full text of release and DEP emails with developer: http://www.peer.org/news/news_id.php?row_id=996
I drove out to Long Branch yesterday to get a feel for the place and issues involved. I was blown away by the rustic charm and majesty of the place. Surrounded by wall to wall shore development, it represents the last remaining link to the past. But in addition to environmental sensitivity and historical significance, preservation of the site could provide a very special public space, a rare and much needed resource along NJ’s over-developed coastline. Take a look and see if you agree:

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Bill WolfeThe Beach Club sits on the tip of Takanassee Lake, forming a rich ecosystem and diverse linear public space along the heavily developed Monmouth County coastline.

Bill WolfeView of Tak from across the Lake

Bill WolfeFlume releases freshwater from lake to the ocean

Bill WolfeThe beauty and raw natural power of the place inspires local artists.

This comment says it all – WHO WILL TAK THE BRIBE?

Bill WolfeArt speaks truth to power.

Can the Tak survive, or will it be absorbed by surrounding development?

Bill Wolfe

Will the Tak become a beautiful public place at the beach, or just another gaudy private Idaho?

Bill Wolfe

My thanks to John Weber and the great folks at Surfrider Foundation who have done excellent work in organizing opposition to the DEP CAFRA permit and provided the DEP emails.
Link: https://www.surfrider.org/surfrider_membership/join/membership3.cfm?CFID=318196&CFTOKEN=81147456
For those interested is working on the underlying problems at DEP, see:
NEW JERSEY SAYS SECRET MEETINGS KEY TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY — Petition for New Transparency Rules Rejected the Same Day Notice Is Published
http://www.peer.org/news/news_id.php?row_id=885
Public business done behind closed doors http://blog.nj.com/njv_bill_wolfe/2008/02/public_business_done_behind_cl.html