Navy should give up on EARLE public housing

Early November has proven to be a tragic time for both the Navy and the Army. Two stories, both involving the infiltration of military bases, only serves to prove the validity of the concerns expressed by Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle (NOPE) regarding the unimpeded access route planned and chosen by the Navy; making way for the rental of 300 Laurelwood housing units to civilians.

To safeguard the base, and base personnel from civilians, and civilians from the daily operations of a fully functioning weapons storage facility, a $5 million, 22, 000-foot chain link fence was deemed by the Navy to offer optimum protection.

However, according to an article on Nov. 3, 2009 in the Seattle Times, five protesters associated with an international peace movement were arrested after cutting through three chain link security fences to reach an area where nuclear missiles are stored at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor — the ages of the protesters: 81, 83, 65, 60 and 60 years old.

This is the same type of fencing the Navy claims will keep Naval Weapons Station Earle (in Colts Neck) safe from intrusion.

For over a year NOPE has vehemently opposed the opening of the Laurelwood housing units located on NWS Earle to civilian renters and facilitating that by granting them unimpeded access.

Arrogant disregard and a deaf ear has been the Navy's response to NOPE's assertion that allowing civilians unimpeded access to the facility is by its very nature inviting actions which could ultimately lead to tragedy.

Hopefully the Department of the Navy has learned from these recent tragedies. If not, "foolish pride" will go before the fall.
Diana Piotrowski
Communications Director
Neighbors Opposed
to Privatization at Earle
Colts Neck