ASSEMBLYMAN SEAN KEAN, COUNCILMAN UNGER TOUR TAKANASSEE BEACH CLUB

HOSTING FORUM THIS TUESDAY ON PRESERVING HISTORIC SITE

Long Branch, N.J. -- Assemblyman Sean Kean and Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger toured the Takanassee Beach Club today with one of the property's owners in what they hope is the first step toward preserving the historic site.

A CAFRA (“Coastal Facilities Review Act”) application to develop condominiums and townhouses on the site is currently pending before the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The club is home to the buildings of the United States Lifesaving Service, a precursor to the United States Coast Guard.

"Allowing the development of the Takanassee Beach Club would have a serious environmental impact and would lead to the destruction of these historic buildings," said Kean. "We need to take action to preserve this environmental and historic treasure."

"If the CAFRA application for development of the property is denied by DEP, I think we have a good shot at saving this jewel for future generations,” said Councilman Unger.

Joining Kean and Unger on the tour of the property were Scott Peters, a part-owner of the property, Jim Truncer, director of the Monmouth County Parks System, Leila Poch, president of the Elberon Voters and Taxpayers Association, and New Jersey historian Frank Esposito, Ph.D., who lives in West Long Branch.

Kean and Unger are also hosting a public forum in Long Branch Tuesday evening May 1st at Long Branch City Hall from 7 – 9 p.m. to discuss the possibility of preserving the site. Both said they hoped the tour and forum will help bring public attention to the project.

As more people learn about the Takanassee Beach Club and the fact that it could soon be lost forever, more people will join in the effort to preserve this property," said Kean. "This tour and upcoming forum are important steps in building a coalition to preserve this site for future generations."

The Takanassee forum at Long Branch City Hall will feature panel discussions with the Long Branch Historical Association, Elberon Voters and Taxpayers Association, Frank Esposito, Ph.D., the American Littoral Society, the Sierrra Club, Surfrider Foundation, and Surfer's Environmental Alliance.

Members of the public are invited to attend and participate.

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