Chairwoman thanks supporters of Save Sandy Hook

To all those that attended, donated to and worked so hard to make Save Sandy Hook’s May 1 first fund-raiser a very successful event, the board of trustees extends its sincere appreciation and many thanks for your efforts to help save Sandy Hook.

More than 100 enthusiastic guests came out for this event and were eager to get actively involved in the Save Sandy Hook quest to protect our public national parkland from the looming threats of commercialization by a private real estate developer.

Many in attendance were elected officials that took the time from their busy schedules to address their constituents’ concerns first-hand. Fair Haven’s Mayor Joseph Szostak and Tinton Falls Councilman Brendan Tobin were among the welcomed guests for the evening. Rep. Frank Pallone devoted a great deal of time to discussing the privatization issues and the process that the National Park Service (NPS) has initiated for a private developer. Rep. Pallone appeared to conclude there should be a better way for the park service to take care of buildings without encroaching on the environmental sensitivities of the Hook.

Red Bank’s Assemblyman Michael Panter — as a member of the state’s environmental subcommittee — promised he would approach Gov. James E. McGreevey and seek his support for saving Sandy Hook. The time they spent with the Save Sandy Hook guests was not just a quick hello but an actual hands-on intimacy that offered hope for alternatives other than the National Park Service’s plans to sign over a 60-year lease for Fort Hancock’s facilities to a private real estate speculator.

Many wanted to know what they could do more as individuals to help Save Sandy Hook. The Save Sandy Hook (SSH) board of trustees strongly recommends letters to newspapers, calls/e-mails to elected officials, carrying the SSH petitions (estimated 3,000 signatures thus far) and staying vigilant of the process that would put our public lands in private hands are all effective ways for the people to say they do not approve of nor want the NPS to give away our property.

As the taxpayers become aware of the NPS’ ill-conceived and poorly planned procedures that have brought Sandy Hook to the dangerous brink of being a threatened open space and endangered ecosystem, the groundswell of opposition mounts day by day. The outcry of protests by the people will be heard and really can/will make the difference for the Hook.

For further information on how you can help Save Sandy Hook please go to Svsndyhk@aol.com or write to us at Save Sandy Hook, P.O. Box 265, Lincroft 07738.

The Save Sandy Hook board of trustees welcomes all to this fight for the public’s right to total access and enjoyment of its public lands.

Judith Stanley Coleman

Save Sandy Hook

chairwoman, board of trustees