Waterfront Property Preserved in Fair Haven

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: William D. Kastning, Executive Director

Oct. 31, 2014 (732) 671-7000

wkastning@monmouthconservation.org

MONMOUTH CONSERVATION FOUNDATION CELEBRATES PRESERVATION OF

OF WATERFRONT LAND IN FAIR HAVEN

FAIR HAVEN, N.J. – The Monmouth Conservation Foundation today celebrated the preservation of a waterfront property in the Borough of Fair Haven thanks in large part to funding from New Jersey’s Green Acres and Blue Acres programs and the Monmouth County Open Space Grant program.

The property is located at the end of DeNormandie Avenue and fronts the Navesink River. It is known as the Charles Williams Robard Estate and dates back to the pre-Civil War era.

“With the preservation of this property, children and families will now have direct access to the magnificent Navesink River,” said William D. Kastning, AICP, the Executive Director Monmouth Conservation Foundation. “This is why we need to vote Yes on Public Question 2 on Tuesday so we can continue to preserve our waterfronts and the quality of life they provide for all of us.”

Public Question 2 asks voters to dedicate existing state funds to protect clean water and ensure that future generations continue to have access to parks, open spaces, farmland and historic treasures. The funding will replenish the now-depleted Green Acres, Blue Acres, farmland and historic preservation programs, and continue funding to improve water quality, remove and clean up underground storage tanks, and clean-up polluted sites.

The $1.2 million preservation of the DeNormandie Avenue property was made possible through a combination of funding from Green Acres, Blue Acres, Monmouth County, Fair Haven Borough and the Monmouth Conservation Foundation.

“Without state funding, we may have lost this land forever,” said Fair Haven Mayor Benjamin Lucarelli. “Now, residents in Fair Haven and New Jersey will be able to enjoy the beauty of the river for generations to come. I am voting Yes on Public Question 2 because it will ensure long-term funding for Blue Acres, which is critical to purchasing properties that have suffered repeated flooding, and restoring them to provide natural buffers against future flooding and storms.”

The Borough has been interested in acquiring the property since 2009 and plans to turn it into a passive park with benches where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

“This project demonstrates what can happen when state, county and local governments come together with private organizations to protect our open space,” said Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry. “If any one of these pieces was missing, we may not have been here today. It is critical that on Election Day we vote Yes on Public Question 2 for future park projects like this.”

Public Question 2 ensures stable funding for the preservation and care of open space, parks, farmland, historic sites and flood-prone areas by reallocating 4 percent of existing corporate business tax revenues that are already dedicated to environmental programs through fiscal year 2019 and dedicating an additional 2 percent of existing corporate business tax revenues from fiscal year 2020 going forward.

Open space, farmland and historic preservation programs received an average of $200 million annually under the 1998 Garden State Preservation Trust. Under the ballot question, preservation programs would receive approximately $71 million annually the first four years, and then $117 million annually thereafter, providing reduced but critical baseline funding without raising taxes. In addition, approximately $30 million annually will be provided for programs to improve water quality, remove underground storage tanks before they leak, and clean up polluted sites.

Additionally, for the first time ever, a provision for stewardship is included that will require some funds to go toward helping take better care of the parks and natural areas New Jersey already has. It will fund critical repairs, restoration and improvements to parks, natural areas and lakes, rivers and streams across New Jersey – making it easier for the public to visit and enjoy them.

According to a report by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, more than 650,000 acres still need to be preserved to protect natural and water resources and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities to a growing population. At least an additional 350,000 acres of farmland must be preserved to maintain a viable agriculture industry, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

“We congratulate Monmouth Conservation Foundation on the preservation of this important piece of waterfront land for future generations,” said Kelly Mooij, coordinator of NJ Keep It Green. “Not only is this property beautiful, but it also part of our natural infrastructure, which helps keep our drinking water clean and prevent damage from storms and floods. This is a true example of why New Jersey residents need to Vote Yes on Public Question 2 to replenish funding for Green Acres and Blue Acres and protect our drinking water, ensure our children and families have parks where they can play and to safeguard our historic treasures.”

About NJ Keep It Green NJ Keep It Green is a coalition of more than 185 park and conservation organizations working to create a long-term, dedicated source of funding for the preservation and stewardship of New Jersey’s natural areas, waterways, parks, farmland and historic sites. NJ Keep It Green led successful campaigns to pass statewide ballot measures in 2006, 2007, and 2009 generating $600 million for state open space, farmland and historic preservation programs. For more information visit www.njkeepitgreen.org.

About Monmouth Conservation Foundation Monmouth Conservation Foundation is the county’s only continuing land-trust organization. Over the last 37 years, we have successfully preserved over 6,500 acres and collaboratively 22,500 acres throughout Monmouth County. Our mission and challenge is to protect our spectacular open space, natural habitat in perpetuity and keep Monmouth County’s uniqueness preserved for future generations. For more information visit www.monmouthconservation.org.