NAVY ENDS PLAN TO HOUSE CIVILIANS AT EARLE!!!

Well, it's looking like Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle - NOPE, the grassroots voice of the surrounding community - worked!

NOPE representatives attended a 330 p.m. press conference at Colts Neck Town Hall today, where Congressman Chris Smith announced that the Department of Navy is suspending plans to let civilians at Weapons Station Earle and will negotiate a good faith buyout with Laurelwood's developer. This press release from the Beck-O'Scanlon-Casagrande team is our first written sign of confirmation.

Please read the Star-Ledger and Asbury Park Press tomorrow for more on this story.

NOPE cannot begin to thank all elected officials who supported NOPE in this very time-consuming and extremely nuanced case - including the aforementioned Mr. Smith and NJ District 12 team, in addition to U.S. Senators Menendez and Lautenberg, Representative Holt, the Monmouth County Freeholders, and the mayors, councils and school district leaders of Colts Neck and Tinton Falls - in addition to members of the public who came out in support of what originally seemed like a 1-in-a-million chance of victory.

Clearly, the Department of Navy is making a wise decision, and we appreciate the Department's recognition of what is best not only for our surrounding communities, but for the integrity and focus of the mission of the base itself and the service members whose job it is to protect our country and provide ammunition to the U.S. Fleet as part of their daily lives, and whom we value as significant members of our Monmouth County community.

Please stay tuned here for more as developments occur, and please spread the word.