The Lenape Indians probably were in Ocean Grove back when, so tents are truly historic for the North End.  Let’s turn the North End into Tent Village II. Source:  Google says so.

Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net

In the May 28, 2020 DEP Deficiency Letter referenced in the above post, the subject of  “The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Historic District” was brought up. They also mentioned that this Historic District is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.

So the DEP is well aware that we are a historic town.

In this letter we learn of the existence of the NJ Historic Preservation Office (HPO).  That group has something to say on the North End Plan and their comments and “concerns” were forwarded  by the NJ  Land Use Regulation Division on May 12 to the Lomax Consulting firm which prepared the application for OGNED.

On May 28, Lomax sent an email  saying that “a firm has been selected and an investigation has been scheduled to address HPO’s concerns.”

In addition to the Historic District, the HPO noted that the “proposed project is located on the site of the former North End Hotel which was demolished in the late 20th century.”

So the HPO’s concerns are leading to a request for more information as follows, and what follows is truly astonishing, as stated in the May 28 Deficiency Letter:

“A subterranean parking garage is currently proposed as part of the project. Due to the parking garage construction and based on the project site’s proximity to a stream/ocean confluence, the project area has a high potential to encounter deeply buried Pre-Contact period shell mounds, burial complexes, and habitation sites.

“In addition, the project area has a high potential to encounter possible buried historic period maritime and/or shipwreck-related archeological resources

“Therefore, a Phase 1B archeological survey must be conducted within the proposed project area prior to permit issuance. Additionally, any geotechnical data shall be provided to the archeological consultant for evaluation as part of the Phase 1B survey and included in the technical report.”

Now, regarding the HPC finally getting heard in this matter, the letter says,  “The HPO requests documentation of the review and approval of the project by the Neptune Township Historic Preservation Commission (HPC.)”

And many of us know what the HPC has already said on this subject.  Hopefully they will have the courage to say what they truly believe.

“If the project plans change,the HPO requests review of the architectural drawings to ensure compatibility with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Historic District.”

And there is more for OGNED to worry about:  See tomorrow’s post.

MAKAHA SONS OF NI’IHAU:   “I’ll RememberYou.”