ASSEMBLYMAN SEAN KEAN BILL WOULD PROVIDE FUNDS TO PURCHASE TAKANASSEE BEACH CLUB

CALLS FOR MEETING WITH DEP COMMISSIONER TO DISCUSS PRESERVATION OF LONG BRANCH PROPERTY

Assemblyman Sean Kean has announced that he will introduce legislation that would allocate funding to purchase the Takanassee Beach Club in Long Branch.

The owners of the property and developer are currently seeking a CAFRA permit to develop homes, townhouses and condominiums on the site which is home to a beach club and is the site of the historic Unites States Lifesaving Station which would later became the United States Coast Guard.

Kean said he drafted the bill to allocate $14 million to purchase the property because of the historical and environmental significance of the site.

“Allowing this property to be developed would deprive Monmouth County of one of the most significant historic sites in our area,” he said. “The Takanassee Lifesaving Station is an important part of our maritime history and should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

Kean also cited the negative environmental impact of allowing the property to be developed for multiple residences.

“We have made great strides in protecting our shoreline here in Monmouth County and we need to continue working to protect this delicate ecosystem,” he said. “Allowing the construction of multiple homes on this site would be a major step backwards in the effort to preserve and protect our shore.”

Kean said he would pursue a variety of approaches to preserving the site and that he had been in contact with Monmouth County and Long Branch officials regarding the Beach Club. He has also asked for a meeting with Department of Environmental Commissioner Lisa Jackson to discuss the importance of this site and the need to act quickly to ensure its preservation.

“Commissioner Jackson needs to be aware of the urgency of this situation,” he said. “If we do not act quickly, the Takanassee Beach Club will be sold and developed before we get a chance to act.”

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