Public Comment On Eagle Ridge Settlement Extended: Report

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Opponents of a scaled-down proposal to build 1,000 homes at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course have more time to get opposition comments filed with the state Department of Environmental Protection, according to a report.

The Asbury Park Press reported the public comment period on the settlement has been extended to Dec. 20 from its original deadline of Nov. 30.

The DEP had reached a settlement with GDMS Holdings on plans for housing at the site of the golf course off Cross Street in Lakewood after initially rejecting the developer's request for permits in August for an 1,800-unit development, on the basis of threats to animal life and the expected effect on traffic in the area, where Route 9 already is a nightmare.

GDSM Holdings appealed the decision, and Michael Gross, an attorney for GDMS, told the Asbury Park Press the negotiated settlement with the DEP was the result of a few months of work, according to the report.

Comments regarding the settlement or requests for a copy of the project plan should be sent to Coastal Bureau Manager, Bureau of Coastal Regulation, Division of Land Use Regulation, NJDEP, Mail Code 501-02A, PO Box 420, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0420, or the office may be reached by telephone at 609-633-2289.

More than 2,500 letters already have been mailed and dozens more are expected to be sent, opponents of the project told the Press. In addition, there are plans to mount a legal challenge, the report said.

The opposition isn't only coming from Lakewood; Toms River officials have spoken out against the project, especially its impact on traffic.

Comments regarding the settlement or requests for a copy of the project plan should be sent to Coastal Bureau Manager, Bureau of Coastal Regulation, Division of Land Use Regulation, NJDEP, Mail Code 501-02A, PO Box 420, Trenton, NJ, 08625-0420, or the office may be reached by telephone at 609-633-2289.

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