Public gets peek at Camp Evans

The Asbury Park Press
November 24, 1996

Page ?

Public gets peek at Camp Evans

Tour of duty: Neighbors of Camp Evans tour a 260-acre portion of the Army-owned site in Wall
Township that was opened to the public yesterday after being off limits for 50 years.

Neighbors worry
about its impact
on environment

By SHERI TABACHNIK
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

     WALL TOWNSHIP - Hundreds of history buffs and curiosity-seekers descended on Camp Evans yesterday to view 260 acres that has been off limits to the public for more than 50 years.
     "They came because they were concerned about the environmental impact of Camp Evans on their property," said Fred Carl, co-chairman of the Restoration Advisory Board, a citizens group overseeing the transition. "Most of the couples lived within a few blocks of the property."
      Camp Evans, which was bought by the Army in 1941, began operation as an Army radiological research and development facility 10 years later, Christopher Kencik, Fort Monmouth's Base Realignment and Closure environmental coordinator.
      It is being evaluated for radioactive residue, he said.
      A 50-minute bus tour, led by two Army employees, detailed plans for the future of the property.

"I'm sure a
developer
would love to
get his
hands on
this
property, but
that's not
going to
happen."

Michael Ruane
FORT MONMOUTH
BASE TRANSITION
COORDINATOR

By September 1997, all Army personnel have to vacate the site, said Michael Ruane, the fort's base transition coordinator. During the fall of 1999, the township is hoping to take over ownership of 190 acres. The balance of the property is expected to be used by an educational institution, Ruane said.
The two-year lag time will be used to clear the land of any environmental

hazards, he said.
The plan, which has already been accepted by the township, still must be approved by the the Army and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, said Fort Monmouth spokesman Henry Kearney.
"I'm sure a developer would love to get his hands on this property, but that's not going to happen," Ruane said

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The Asbury Park Press November 24, 1996

The Asbury Park Press
November 24, 1996