Developer Wants To Build Sandy Hook Apts.; Congressman Opposed

HIGHLANDS, NJ — The National Park Service revealed this week that it is in talks with a private developer to convert 21 existing structures at the tip of Sandy Hook into residential apartments, and possibly a convenience store, as well. The federal parkland may be converted into a site for destination weddings and events, too, as there is a chapel on the property, which the developer seeks to also utilize.

But Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ6), who represents this area, has come out swinging against the plan, saying the natural beauty of Sandy Hook should be preserved.

Sandy Hook is part of Gateway National Recreation Area and it is owned and maintained by the National Park Service. The developer is Stillman Development International, who wants to convert 21 historic buildings at Fort Hancock into apartments and a food/liquor store.

"Stillman Development International proposes residential use of the buildings on 'Officers Row,' a promenade of stately historic officers’ quarters overlooking Sandy Hook Bay," announced the National Park Service in a statement this week. "Other proposed uses include a sundries store as well as other services in support of events and functions at the chapel at Sandy Hook."

The 21 homes on Officers' Row would be converted into apartments, with three units in each home. The sundries store would also have a liquor license, according to the Two River Times. There would be 93 apartments once complete. When the work is done, the exterior of the historic homes would look the same as it does now, but each home would house three apartments.

On Thursday, Pallone sent a letter to the Superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area expressing his opposition to the plan.

“I am adamantly opposed to any development for residential purposes and strongly encourage you to prevent this private development at Sandy Hook,” Pallone wrote in the letter, which you can read here.

Jeff Tittel, president of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said Trump is behind the deal.

“This project is an outrageous example of our government giving away public land for private purposes," said Tittel. "Instead of giving away our national heritage to private developers, we need to look at other alternatives that will help renovate Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook. Our biggest concern is if you lease out all of the buildings you begin restricting access to the public. Not everyone can afford to go to Yosemite National Park, but we can go to Sandy Hook."

“It is my fear that allowing private residential development at the Hook, even with the intent of historical preservation, would only encourage future development and the ultimate demise of the Park’s natural surroundings," said Pallone.

The homes are known locally as "Officers' Row," pictured above. They are a collection of World War I and II-era officers' homes when Sandy Hook was Fort Hancock, the U.S. Army base. These are waterfront properties that are just steps away from the beach, bay and biking and walking trails, plus feature stunning views of the sunset over Sandy Hook Bay. There is also direct ferry service to New York City. This site is also home to the MAST Marine Academy for Arts and Sciences school, a magnet vo-tech high school, which just this week was accused of sweeping anti-Semitism on its campus.

However, the historic homes have sat vacant for years. Many are in complete disrepair. See photos of the dilapidated buildings here. A few times every year, the federal government makes a call-out to the public for ideas on what to do with the buildings.

"Gateway cannot afford to renovate the buildings on its own," Daphne Yun, a spokeswoman for Gateway National Recreation Area, told Patch in 2016. "In 2013, we opened it up to the public for bids."

For decades now, the National Park Service has been eager to see the vacant properties developed. As Patch has reported, past plans have included attempts to turn the homes into B&Bs, AirB&B-style short-term rentals, private homes and more. But few ideas have ever successfully panned out.

The federal government said this week they were "excited" by Stillman's pitch.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Stillman on this nationally significant project," said Gateway Superintendent Jennifer Nersesian. "We were impressed not only by their development capabilities, but by their experience with historic preservation, as well as their vision for building a vital, vibrant community at Fort Hancock."

“After decades of effort by the park– and the tenacity of a few pioneers who courageously accepted the challenge of rehabilitating some buildings – the new initiative promises a great leap forward," Gerry Glaser, co-chair of the Fort Hancock 21st Century Federal Advisory Committee, said this week.

The next step will be for the National Park Service and Stillman to negotiate a Letter of Intent to move forward.

"Assuming the milestones identified in the Letter of Intent have been met, a lease may be executed, and construction could begin soon after," said the National Park Service.

Related: Summer Vacation Rentals Planned for Sandy Hook National Recreation Area (May 2016)

Public Meeting Thursday on What to do With Sandy Hook's Historic Buildings (Sept. 2016)