Moving historic bldgs. seen as next best option

Moving historic bldgs. seen as next best option
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Members of the preservation community see plans to relocate the historic Takanassee Beach Club buildings in Long Branch as the glass half full.

Life Saving Station No. 5
"It's not ideal, but it's better than demolition," said Ron Emrich, executive director of Preservation New Jersey. "It's unfortunate a solution could not be found."

The former United States Life Saving Station No. 5, known as the Takanassee Beach Club, made Preservation New Jersey's list of the state's most endangered historic sites in 2006 and remains on the list, its status listed as "still threatened" because the site is slated for development as luxury condominiums.

"I think the ideal solution would be to rehabilitate the buildings on their original site," Emrich said, adding, "Ultimately, it is good that the buildings are saved … . Maybe one day the buildings can be relocated back to their original sites."

Talks have been ongoing to relocate two of the three Takanassee buildings on Ocean Avenue, with a county official confirming that one of the buildings will be relocated to a county property.

According to Gail Hunton, Monmouth County Park System supervising historical preservation specialist, the county is in discussions about moving the smallest of the three buildings to Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch.

"We have decided to relocate and repair the building that is called the Captain's House," Hunton said. "It is probably the most historically significant of the three buildings.

"Our objective is to repair it," she said. "We are looking to restore the original garage doors and barn doors and remove the modern addition on it.

"We are going to actually make it look more historical."

Hunton acknowledged that the plan is not ideal but will work.

"In an ideal world, these buildings would be preserved and landmarked," Hunton said. "It should have happened a long time ago. That didn't happen, so now we have to go to plan B."

"The city has zoned the area for more intensive uses," she continued, "so we had to find an alternative way to save the building."

Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger confirmed this week that current plans call for another of the three buildings, the Port Huron House, to be relocated to Hoey Park in Long Branch.

Unger expressed concern that moving the building from its original site would diminish its historical value.

"I think any historic building is more valuable on the site where they stand," Unger said. "These buildings will obviously lose some attraction when they are removed from their original land."

Unger said he supports the plan to relocate the buildings.

"I am backing this plan," Unger said. "I hope the Schneider administration works hard, takes a leadership approach and goes forward with the best plan."

Developer Isaac Chera was issued a Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permit last year from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clearing the way for construction of a luxury condominium project on the oceanfront Takanassee site.

Chera must comply with some 30 conditions listed in the permit, which includes preserving the three historical buildings located on the site. At least one of the buildings must be preserved on the Takanassee site and the other two can be relocated offsite, according to the permit.

Beth Woolley, trustee of the Long Branch Historical Society, questioned the timing of the development plan.

"I don't think that people are going to buy these condos," Woolley said.

"I think it's premature in this economy," Woolley said. "I hope he reconsiders if he isn't planning on building anytime soon."

Hunton said the county considered acquiring a second building, but it wasn't deemed feasible.

"There is not enough room at Seven Presidents Park, and we do not have a viable use or financial means to maintain a second building," she said. Woolley both said it is a positive that the buildings will not be demolished and will remain in Long Branch.

"I don't believe in dismantling these buildings," Woolley said.

"This keeps the building in Long Branch," Hunton said. "It makes the building accessible and visible for the Long Branch community and the surrounding communities." Woolley explained that once the buildings are moved from their original sites, they are no longer eligible for historical grant money.

"They should apply for the historical status now," Woolley said. "The minute they move off that site, they lose all opportunity for grants."

Woolley was critical of the plan and offered her own idea for development of the Takanassee site.

"A hotel will serve the community better," Woolley said. "There are better uses for the land.

"If it were my property, I would use the property to build a hotel," Woolley said. "I would keep the three buildings on-site.

"You could put a bar and a restaurant and a lot of shops that would be good tourist attractions.

"But instead, they are going to put condominiums that nobody is going to want."

According to Emrich, it would be better for the buildings to remain on the beach where they have a rich history in Long Branch.

"It's unfortunate the buildings will be moved," Emrich said. "They are clearly related to the beach, and it would be nice for them to stay on the beach.

"The buildings are incredibly important to our national history," he continued. "The shore lifesaving system is important because it set precedent for others throughout the country."

Contact Kenny Walter at

kwalter@gmnews.com.


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