Port of Belford plan being recognized Bayshore Courier News Posted:09/25/09
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Middletown - Make room on the wall at Town Hall. Middletown has received another award for the Port of Belford Feasibility Study.
The Monmouth County Planning Board has awarded Middletown with a 2009 Planning Merit Award for the feasibility study. Earlier this year Middletown received New Jersey Planning Officials 2009 Achievement in Planning Award for the project.
The study examines existing conditions at the port, and provides a master plan for the future. The Planning Board commended plan's ‘emphasis on enhancing the commercial and economic viability of an industry that represents the maritime heritage of Monmouth County,' according to award letter.
The Monmouth County Planning Board also took note of the success of the public-private partnership the township forged with property owners. Development of the plan included input from township staff, Seafood Co-op members, and professionals from Rutgers University and Brookdale Community College. The Louis Berger Group prepared the long-range plan for the township, Township Planner Jason Greenspan said.
The port, which fronts the Raritan Bay and is accessible from Port Monmouth Road, has existed since colonial times. The Co-op established in 1952, sells the fish participating fisherman catch, retaining a portion of the profit to continue running the docks. An important component of the Port of Belford Plan is a set of implementation strategies for commercial development that would complement and support local fishing industry, said Planning Director Jason Greenspan.
"I am very proud that that the Port of Belford Feasibility Study is being recognized by planning officials locally and statewide," said Mayor Pamela M. Brightbill. "The Port of Belford Feasibility study is a great example of what can happen when the community works together toward a common goal."
The Port of Belford Feasibility plan offers viable options that could be employed to revitalize the port, Greenspan said. It includes potential strategies, activities and uses including expansion, enhancement and development of the existing fishing operations, potential development of an interactive/discovery center, a marine science/research center a park and open space component and possibly even a full service inn. State, federal and county grants are all being considered to implement facets of the revitalization plan.
Grant funds from the New Jersey Office of Smart Growth provided resources for plan development. The final plan, which was completed earlier this year, can be reviewed at the Middletown Planning Department.
