Bridge advocates face off against state 'Goliath'

This is an open letter to praise mayor, Jo- Ann Kalaka-Adams of Sea Bright along with the Sea Bright Borough Council for exhibiting strong leadership, courage and forward thinking in the fight against the N.J. Department of Transportation to stop the destruction of the historic Highlands/Sea Bright Bridge. Kalaka-Adams and the council did not fall prey to fear tactics used by the NJDOT creating visions of motorists plunging into the river, and accepting that the bridge may have to be closed off to traffic sooner, more so than later.

Unfortunately, the mayor of Highlands and one council member bought into the hype that the NJDOT created, and after a private, (now well-publicized) meeting between them and a representative of the NJDOT, Mayor Richard W. O'Neil and Councilman John Urbanksi conveniently changed their positions in support of the NJDOT plan.

Both now believe the bridge is unsafe and subsequently announced they would vote to support the NJDOT in demolishing this historic bridge regardless of public outcry or any past position held because there was nothing more they could do.

Highlands' own lack of leadership, courage and forward thinking illustrated to so many constituents that the best interests of its people clearly were not served. The municipal government of Highlands did not believe enough in their own values and crumbled, accepting whatever the NJDOT had to offer.

The question is, was it truly a "take it or leave it" offer from the NJDOT as the Highlands mayor and council member said it was? Or was it because the NJDOT hit a wall when they discovered they grossly miscalculated local resident's reaction and had already spent $14 million on the bridge replacement project?

Why is it that the residents of Sea Bright and Highlands recognized immediately the bridge replacement proposal called for the construction of an unimaginative, "cookie-cutter," turnpike - bridge? A bridge that will serve to devalue not only the character and aesthetics of the area but our property values as well.

A 73-foot fixed span bridge simply does not fit in this historic ocean community. Many people like Kalaka-Adams, the Sea Bright Council, the Citizens for Rational Coastal Development, along with countless surrounding communities and so many silent individuals recognize that the NJDOT is asking us to accept not only the wholesale destruction of our cultural character, but to abandon our very own sense of community for their short term convenience.

Where does that leave Highlands residents? The current mayor whose fear of the bridge falling down forced him to vote in favor of the destruction of the Highlands/Sea Bright Bridge has announced that he will not run for re-election. How convenient!

Good luck and many thanks to the Sea Bright government, the Citizens for Rational Coastal Development and all other citizens for their hard work, leadership, and courage in facing the modern day "Goliath" known as NJDOT! Please keep up the good work.

Michele and Bo Pezzullo

Highlands