Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-12th District) has agreed to hold a public meeting regarding Senate bill S-917, which deals with the redevelopment of Fort Monmouth.

Sen. Beck and I disagree about the benefits of the bill and, based upon the emails, phone calls and letters that I have received to date, my belief that the bill does nothing but put Oceanport in harm’s way is shared by a great number of Oceanport’s citizens.

This public meeting will probably be the only opportunity that the residents of Oceanport and the surrounding communities will have to voice their objections to the proposed bill. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Shore Regional High School cafeteria.

It has been my experience that Friday evenings are not typically the best for public meetings but, rather, times saved for family and friends. I am aware that many of us may have standing commitments for this particular evening. While I am upset that Sen. Beck chose Friday night, the 19th, upon which to hold this public meeting, this matter is of such importance that I am asking you to make arrangements to be there in order that she knows how opposed her constituents are to this bill.

I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is that the people of Oceanport attend this meeting. The state of New Jersey and our local elected leaders need to know that we here in Oceanport are aware of what the state is attempting to do and that we want to have local control over this project, not state control.

If you need some background information on the proposed bill, you can read the attached op-ed piece that appeared in the Asbury Park Press and/or you can read the text of the bill at www.njleg. state.nj.us/2010/Bills/S1000/917_I1 .HTM.

Thanks for your continued support, and please feel free to forward!
Joseph Irace
Oceanport