MONMOUTH COUNTY-Public officials opposing private housing at Naval Weapons Station Earle are asking for a stay on civilian housing at the base.
NJ Senate Republicans Reported:
Senator Jennifer Beck, Freeholder Director Lillian Burry, Colts Neck Mayor Russell Macnow and Tinton Falls Mayor Gerald Turning issued the following statement in advance of the Feb. 1 expiration of the temporary stay on Balfour Beatty, the housing administrator for Naval Weapons Station Earle from seeking civilians to rent on-base housing. All officials voiced their support for an additional stay to be granted until local officials can meet with the new Assistant Secretary of the Navy on this issue.
“In light of the new administration at the Navy, I am seeking that an additional stay be granted so we can bring Navy officials up to speed with the widespread public opposition to the incredibly serious safety issues associated with this proposal. I remain opposed to the Navy’s plan allowing members of the general public to live on an active military weapons installation; it is dangerous and I will continue to fight tirelessly against it.” said Senator Beck.
Freeholder Director Lillian Burry stated she has had a long history of opposing privatization of “Weapons Station Earle” housing. “By virtue of the mission that Earle so aptly carries on the storage and movement of munitions this thought should never ever be entertained. The recent events in our area at Seaside Heights and Chelsea in New York, serve to amplify the fact that this base should be secured for military use only. And as I have in the past, I presently look forward to meeting with the new NAVY Administration.”
“Colts Neck has many questions regarding the viability of this proposal and the impact it will have on our municipality. We have many unanswered questions and are adamantly opposed to all forms of the suggestion that civilians should be housed at Naval Weapons Station Earle” said Colts Neck Mayor Russell Macnow.
“I am vehemently opposed to the current proposal to allow civilians to obtain housing at Earle and will work with my colleagues to explore all possible avenues to fight this proposal. First on the list must be to meet with the new Assistant Secretary of the Navy and outline our concerns directly to him” said Tinton Falls Mayor Gerald Turning.