Regionalization is Supreme … Bound

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June 15, 2025

Supreme The state Commissioner of Education, Kevin Dehmer, directed a letter to attorneys for the boroughs of Sea Bright and Highlands, and the boards of education of Oceanport, Shore Regional and Henry Hudson schools that Sea Bright’s request to withdraw from Shore Regional and Oceanport school districts is conditionally granted, conditions which would enable the boroughs to finally allow the voters to make their own decision on the expanded regional district.

Almost simultaneously, the Shore Regional Board of Education filed an appeal with the New Jersey Supreme Court on the decision reached by every other lower court that has already heard the matter agreeing Sea Bright does have the right to withdraw from the Oceanport and Shore Regional districts in order to join the Henry Hudson district.

Acceptance of the appeal by the state’s highest court continues the four-year-old legal battles costing each of the districts thousands of dollars and apparently prevents the residents from all three boroughs from voting on a larger regional school district.

“ While it’s disappointing that this ruling will move the timeline to another whole year, I do understand why they did it,” said Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon, referring to Shore Regional’s carrying the matter to the New Jersey Supreme Court. “This case has the power to set precedent for all communities in the entire state.” The mayor also suggested that “all residents should pay close attention because this can impact everyone in New Jersey, regardless if they have children in public school or not.”

The decision from the NJ Supreme Court to hear Shore Regional’s opposition to Sea Bright’s moving out of the district came on May 25, less than two weeks before Dehmer notified the attorneys of the boroughs and school districts involved, that Sea Bright can put the matter of joining Highlands and Atlantic Highlands to the voters contingent “only upon Sea Bright and Henry Hudson resolving any outstanding issues with respect to tax apportionment.”

Although Henry Hudson Board attorney Jonathan Busch received the letter from Commissioner Dehmer dated June 6, he was not present at last week’s meeting of the Henry Hudson Board of Education. The attorney who replaced him, who was not identified at the meeting, did not report on any legal activity during the meeting or acknowledge receipt of the Commissioner’s opinion.

Nor was there any mention of the Supreme Court ruling which was ordered on May 28 with Shore Regional and Oceanport boards of education identified as the petitioners.

The matter Shore Regional is bringing before the Supreme Court challenges the unanimous ruling of the three-court panel that Sea Bright ‘s intentions are neither unreasonable nor contrary to public policy.

Concerning the three court opinion, the judges also stated in their 33 page decision that “ Sea Bright has standing to withdraw from Oceanport and Shore Regional “ and cited the state laws that show such an action “fulfills the legislative purpose of the Act, follows the common synonymous definitions of “consolidate” and “merge,” and is adequately supported by the record.”

The decision also noted that “any contrary interpretation would lead to an unjust result which delegitimizes Sea Bright’s sovereignty to manage the education decisions for its resident students. “ And the Commissioners concluded that any remaining arguments not addressed in their decision making “are without sufficient merit to warrant discussion in a written opinion.”

Yet that decision is being challenged by Shore at the highest level of the state and obliterates the opportunity for the voters of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright to vote their opinions this November.

In contrast, Commissioner Dehmer wrote all the attorneys involved a brief history of the amended petition filed by Sea Bright and Highlands boroughs seeking the state department of education’s approval of Sea Bright’s plan to withdraw from Shore and Oceanport.

In his letter, Dehmer cited events, opinions and actions that date back to 2023 when voters from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands approved a vote to form “a new expanded all-purpose regional school district,” the present Prek-12 Henry Hudson Regional district .

Last October, the Monmouth County Executive County Superintendent invited each of the districts to respond to Sea Bright’s petition to join Henry Hudson, and the Commissioner noted that after his review of all the activity, and with the recommendation of the county office of education, Sea Bright met all the requirements to withdraw from Shore, so long as the Henry Hudson voters approved accepting them into the Hudson district.

All of which let Commissioner Dehmer to grant conditional approval to Sea Bright’s request to withdraw from Oceanport and Shore Regional, contingent up resolving the tax apportionment questions with Henry Hudson with resolutions of approval “If such an agreement is reached and memorialized, the proposal for Sea Bright to expand Henry Hudson per the agreement can be presented to the voters.”

More Stories on the Regionalization Process and History HERE

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Timothy Edward Brennan

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 15, 2025

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Timothy Edward Brennan, son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather died Thursday, June 12, surrounded by the family, music and memories he loved for a lifetime. He was 92 years old.

Born in Orange, NJ on Jan 3, 1933, he was the son of the late Dorothy George and Timothy F. Brennan and lived in New Bedford, Mass until the family moved to Highlands in 1944.

A graduate of Atlantic Highlands High School, Class of 1951, Tim earned his degree in electrical engineering from Newark College of Engineering following an earlier career with the US Merchant Marine.

But Tim’s lifelong dedication to learning, being productive and helping others started when he was a teenager and trained at the YMCA to be a lifeguard so he could work summers during high school as a lifeguard in Highlands. He also served as a boy scout leader in Highlands.

While serving with the Merchant Marine, Tim shipped throughout Europe during the European reconstruction following World War II, and also traveled in China, Hong Kong, Macau and other ports in Asia.

After earning his degree, Tim was a licensed professional engineer and employed at DuMont Laboratories In Clifton, and at a Paramount Pictures Color TV laboratory in New York in the early days of color TV. He was president of Wing Industries, Inc. of Cranford, New Jersey, and in that capacity traveled much of the U.S. and Canada. It was while with Wing that Tim earned his first patent, an energy exchange wheel and method of fabrication .

Later in his professional career, he operated Castleton Homes of Atlantic Highlands, building pre-fab homes throughout New Jersey, and for more than 20 years, was also a managing partner of 85-87 First Avenue, a professional office and commercial retail building in Atlantic Highlands.

Tim also built a pacifier business , Pacifaces, with his son-in-law, Henry (Chip) Meahan They designed and manufactured fun and creative pacifiers, with a working motto of “Pacifiers with Character”. His second invention that earned him a patent was for an infant mask he created for Pacifaces.

At the same time, he was known and beloved by his neighbors and friends for the wine cellars he built at their request. He also enjoyed woodworking, stained-glass artwork, wine collecting and mentoring his grandchildren including flying remote-controlled planes in the open fields.

Tim married the former Jean Vaughan Aug. 16, 1954, not long after he first saw her walking out of her home on Washington Avenue in Highlands and knew instantly she was “the One.” The couple eloped and had an incredible 62 year love-filled marriage until Jean died Sept. 11, 2016.

The couple moved to the Hilton Park section of Middletown in 1962 where he lived until December of 2019 when he took up residence at Arbor Terrance in Middletown.

In addition to his parents, Tim was predeceased by his brother, Alfred Horay, and two sisters, Janet Wood and Patricia Brink. He is survived by his four daughters and their families, Cathy Bailey, Highlands, Patti Thomas, Santee, California, Laurie Meehan, Hilton Park in Middletown and Robin Lueddeke, Magnolia, Delaware. Grandchildren, James and Kaitlin Bailey of Lincroft, Jordan Thomas, New York City, Oliver and Kristyn Thomas of San Diego, Cali, Alyxandra Meahan, Asbury Park, TJ and Sarah Lueddeke of Belmar, Jared Lueddeke and his partner Leah Gorr of Lancaster, Pa, and great grandchildren, Derek Bailey and Shane Bailey of Lincroft. He is also survived by two brothers Michael and Terrence, and several nieces and nephews.

The family has dozens of funny, interesting, and learning memories they want to share about Tim, including Robin’s favorite when she was driving, her vehicle had a slipped transmission, the car broke down and she called her dad for help; he had to drive it backwards the rest of the way home. All the daughters loved the Dick Kleva stories from their father’s growing up years when the duo were inseparable and would jump off the Highlands Bridge and ride the tide to Sea Bright, swim in the ocean all day, then ride the outgoing tide back home. It was Kleva’s dad who then would hunt them down and give them sandwiches. Tim later joined an adult swim team and was known as a phenomenal swimmer.

He was strict on not allowing any stickers on car bumpers, his own, or his daughter’s.

There was the year Tim read 100 books, eager to always learn more but blending it with entertaining reading of biographies and novels. But he also loved tv, especially old time movies and fishing and animals shows. The Discovery Channel was always a favorite.

His love for his daughters was only exceeded by his affection for their families, and he reveled in his grandchildren, roughhousing with them as youngsters and never missing their sporting events after they started school.

The family appreciates their dad’s kindness and generosity but note also his knowledge of all things because of his engineer’s mind and desire to always learn, instruct and educate himself and anyone else willing to learn. . He has taught the family in the way he led by example, together with his instructions to always be reasonable and fair to others; he showed generations of his family the true meaning of love in how he treated his wife.

The family also extends special thanks and appreciation to the staff and Hospice team at Arbor Terrace who blended professionalism with love in providing Tim with peace and happiness during his time there.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18 at Posten and McGinley Funeral Home, 59 E Lincoln Ave., Atlantic Highlands

A celebration of Tim’s life will immediately follow at Salt Creek Grille in Rumson.

Donations in Tim’s memory are gratefully appreciated to the charity of your choice.

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Drowning in Paperwork

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 14, 2025

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Drowning It doesn’t make any difference if you agree with their decisions, there are always two things you can say about the members of the Atlantic Highlands Planning Board: they are probably the most polite group of people who have ever held a political office and they certainly do all their research.

Chairman John McGoldrick is a chairman who ensures that every opinion is heard and even apologizes for special meetings and the inconvenient of having to meet state regulations and mandates that certainly seem unreasonable if not downright stupid.

All this was evidenced at the last meeting of the board this week, a special meeting to discuss the Housing Plan approval they had to submit to the Mayor and Council by June 30. Given the activity on the planning board agenda these days, it was for courtesy sake that the special meeting was held, and the reason for the chairman’s profuse thanks to all who attended or participated.

In the end, in less than an hour, the planning board did what the state told them they had to do…and the Mayor and Council will do what the state is telling them to do at next week’s meeting…namely, submit a form under the Fair Housing Act that says the borough does not have to build the more than 40 fair housing units the state says they should be obligated to, but rather none.

A quick talking but very efficient planner went through all the steps,, explained all the percentages, differences in numbers, need to include the flood zone and steep slopes that make a difference in the amount of land available for building, and a lot more so the planners even knew what they were voting on.

Just as polite and resourceful, if not more so, than the planners, is local resident Mark Fisher who does his own homework and research before standing up at any meeting and asking questions to be sure he knows everything before voicing an opinion.

With all the Alphabet Soup that goes in in every state regulation, Fisher even wanted RDP to be explained! That is the borough’s Redistricting Development Potential, state words for the capacity of the borough to build the 48 units the state said could be used for affordable housing.

Then he asked logical questions like..with less land that the borough had in the past, what with so much construction over the past ten years, where is the room for those 48 the state says can be built? The planner, seemingly referring to the state, did talk about voodoo and numbers and why the plan has to be adopted.

Certainly seems like the state doesn’t mind this borough, and every community, spending extra funds for attorneys and specialists, and extra time spent for volunteers who give a lot of their time anyway, to get things on paper that will never be used.

The state is drowning in paperwork, legalese and an awful lot of nonsense.

And in the end, making these changes in the Master Plan doesn’t carry a bit of weight….these same planning board members can grant permission when builders come to them seeking a variance to legally break the law…. but there again, it costs the resident a heck of a lot of money to go that route.

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Atlantic Highlands Cannabis on Agenda

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 13, 2025

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Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting Monday June 16 on an ordinance which, if approved, will permit two mercantile cannabis dispensaries and one manufacturer in specific areas of the borough. This will be the public’s only opportunity to give their opinions on whether these businesses would be permitted in the borough.

The borough also plans to adopt a resolution approving the renewal of 11 liquor licenses for 2025-2026, including eight plenary retail consumption licenses, three retail distribution licenses, including one retail distribution license with Broad C.

Mayor and Council will also adopt a resolution opposing any exploration or seismic blasting and any new offshore oil and gas leasing in the 11^th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas leasing program.

The proposed Cannabis ordinance can be seen HERE

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Special Ed Not Special at Hudson

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 13, 2025

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Special With many parents turning out to voice dissatisfaction and problems with the educational system to the Henry Hudson Board of Education Wednesday, only one parent stood up to say she was pleased with the education in the preK_12 district in recent years.

And those who wanted to voice concerns over specific teachers or programs were shut down, advised they had to follow a chain of command and told the board could not respond to their concerns.

The parent of one child attempted to read a two-page statement citing several concerns she had with Dr. Denise Lombardi, the Director of Special Education, noting her concerns the administrator “appears to be in a continued pattern of unethical, irresponsible and potentially unlawful conduct. “

Board of Education president Richard Colangelo immediately interrupted the speaker while she was attempting to present her concerns during the public portion of the meeting, telling her the board could not discuss personnel.

As she attempted to continue to read, the board attorney, who did not identify herself but is apparently from the office of school board attorney Johathon Busch, who was not present, again interrupted the speaker during the public portion and told her if she has concerns with the system she had other avenues to pursue.

Undaunted, the strong mother continued to speak for her concerns about her child’s education, told the board she was speaking with “urgency and deep concern” and expressed her belief, from her personal experience that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, consistent with individualized education programs.

“Unfortunately, under Dr. Lombardi’s leadership, this fundamental right has been compromised,” she told the board She went on to read her statement that said, “parents have documented multiple instances where IEPS were not implemented as written, including the unauthorized removal of essential services and supports critical to student progress.”

She told the board that paraprofessionals “often the cornerstone of stability and success for many students” have been removed or reassigned without proper parental notification or justification.”

Her son is autistic, the parent continued to explain, but she could not send him to school at the beginning of the year because of his Para support being removed “without my knowledge. These abrupt decisions not only disrupt continuity or care but also contradict best practices and legal obligations.”

The parent made it clear that while she has deep concerns for her own son’s education, she was also speaking for other parents who are just as concerned. “We, the families of this district, are not asking for special treatment,” she told the board….We just want lawful, ethical and compassionate leadership, she said, “leadership that prioritizes the educational rights and well-being of all students. Our children deserve no less.”

Prepared not only to express the concerns herself and other parents of students who receive special education, the parent also requested the board to take specific actions, including launching an independent investigation into violations she was reporting.

She also asked that the board require full compliance with all provisions of IDEA, restore any services and supports that have been improperly removed immediately, ensure SEPAG meetings are properly scheduled, announced and held in accordance with state law .

She also asked that the board reevaluate the leadership for the Special Education department in light of the “serious and ongoing concerns” she was reporting.

In spite of being shut down and interrupted more than once during her presentation, the parent thanked board members for their attention and commitment to students and families. But, she added, “We are counting on you to act.”

Tara Beams, Superintendent of the Henry Hudson Regional Tri District at a Recent meeting

The ‘approved chain of command’ was explained to the parent, though it was not clear how it got to the board other than through presentation at a public meeting when the complaints focused on administration, described as the top of the chain of command for most complaints or concerns.

The parent distributed a copy of her statement to each of the board members, as they left the meeting for an executive session scheduled after which they did not plan to take any action. Whether the letter and the parent’s concerns were also discussed during that session is not known.

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The Honorable Plant

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 13, 2025

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The Honorable Plant opened its doors at 123 Bay Avenue Highlands Monday morning, and promises to be a new, exciting, well run and well organized addition to a main street that continues to add new businesses to the borough.

Owned by a team headed by Jackie Bruckmann, a New Jersey born and locally raised entrepreneur, the Honorable Plant offers a wide range of high-quality products offering cannabis in flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates and even lotions.

It provides a staff eager to help with counseling or guidance whether a person is a first time visitor to a dispensary or a regular shopper who orders products on line and arranges to pick them up at the Bay Avenue facility enroute home from the ferry or a day at the beach.

Currently hours are seven days a week opening at 8 a.m. each morning, and open until nine Sunday through Wednesday, and an hour later closing at 10 Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are temporary for the new establishment, enabling managers to determine the busiest hours and the most convenient time for shoppers.

“The team at The Honorable Plant has done a tremendous job in renovating their Sandy ravaged, vacant building and creating a very welcoming space including many nautical features,” said Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon. “ The Borough wishes them the best of success and is looking forward to receiving 2% of every sale which will offset taxpayers’ dollars in our budget.”

That New Jersey is stringent on regulations of this comparatively new business to the state cannot be denied. There is no doubt The Honorable Plant is equally stringent in assuring itself, the borough and its customers that even the smallest infraction of the law will not be tolerated. More than that, the openness of the store, the large number of parking places, and the more than the state mandated camera coverage of all aspects of the property is testimony that the Honorable Plant is indeed a most honorable business.

Jake Scire of Marlboro, originally from Middletown is one of the managers of the Honorable Plant, and went to Lehigh University before becoming general manager of a trucking company.

He left that lucrative business to work with cannabis sales because he has seen the personal benefits of cannabis and did extensive research to learn more about its attributes and deficits. He himself took cannabis while at college because he describes himself as a Type A personality…something easy to see in his quick mannerisms, his abilities to handle a couple of different chores at the same time, and his quick thinking mind.

A friend introduced him to cannabis as a relaxant, a means of maintaining his type A personality and his ability to get things done but at the same time giving him the ability to weigh it with sufficient sleep and relaxation to continue to be successful.

Kim Wagner, a Washington state native, is the Director of Compliance for the Honorable Plant, and doesn’t brook any nonsense. There is no way of anyone getting past the entrance door from the welcome center to the door into the locked showroom that is strikingly clean and highly visible from the entry room through floor to ceiling glass.

Inside the showroom, it‘s a crisp deep blue and white décor that highlights and accents videos all displaying a variety of facts, information and displays of what is offered. In the center of the room is the Bud Bar, an attractive arrangement of dozens of varieties of flower buds in glass containers, each available for smelling to seek out the best aromas for whatever the customer’s needs.

The Bud Bar features popular buds including grape cream cake and animal tsunami as well as a fragrant and intriguing pineapple OG, a Pink Passion Fruit and a White Widow. Lining the wall of the spacious room are showcases with all of the numerous items available for sale, as well as an array of tee shirts, hoodies, caps and other clothing that carries the shop’s name and logo.

The dispensary offers a variety of manufacturers of its products, in attempts to present a variety of prices. A popular product that many say is beneficial in relieving chronic pain is Dr. Solomon Lotion, available for $50 for slightly less than two ounces.

Prices run the gamut from $8 for a single pre-roll joint to $90 for some varieties used for vaping. In addition, there are a variety of accessories at all prices, with the most expensive a blown glass water pipe at $90.

Considerable care has been taken throughout the many months or redesigning and updating the former food market and restaurant to maintain a nautical motif for the shop because of its location in the waterfront Highlands.

A large ship’s wheel from an antique sailing ship is also in the room, though not yet mounted, to highlight the dispensary’s pride in being located Highlands with its accent on both history and water related industries from clamming and fishing to boating and swimming.

Store Manager Ty Huey, another New Jerseyan, reiterates the strictness of New Jersey laws governing cannabis and said he is excited that a natural product which has so many benefits to so many people in so many different ways is finally recognized for its value, rather than the reputation it has gained from illegal sales and use.

“We have hundreds of different items for sale, we have cannabis in all forms and from all different producers so we are able to offer something for everyone, whether the buyer wants to spend a few dollars or hundreds of dollars. There has been considerable research into how some cannabis products have been health aids for cancer victims, especially among younger cancer victims and research is continuing in all directions. Some cannabis products tend to make people hungry so research is also continuing into weight problems.

Wagner noted the business is particularly appreciated by numerous veterans, many of whom use cannabis products either for pain relief or to ease the effects of PTSD. As a result the dispensary and others like it are also supporters of several veterans groups and offer discounts to military personnel or veterans because of their service to the nation.

The Honorable Plant employs approximately one dozen personnel because of its open hours, its dedication to ensuring compliance with all state regulations, and its desire to provide informed personnel to answer the questions or give in-depth information on all that is offered. “We do not give medical advice,” Wagner said sternly, “we are not here to do any thing of that nature. But we are a reliable source of information on the variety of plants and products that customers may seek and do not know enough about.”

New Jersey laws are strict on cannabis business, as well as federal regulations that only allow purchases by cash or debit cards. Even then, the amount of funds and how they are obtained is also covered “from ground to customer,” with reports for the state filed at every level, a practice which also ensures the borough will receive the percentage of every sale the law dictates. “Transactions are carefully recorded literally from seed to sale,” Wagner said.

Signs make it clear persons must be 21 years of age or older and must present government ID before even getting through the front door to the Honorable Plant; Hours are clearly announced on the door and the unusually painted front of the building gives no indication of what is being sold inside.

Ample parking including several sites for handicapped parking, are on the side of the building, in front of the eye catching and colorful underwater scene complete with the octopus wearing a cap, the store’s logo. There’s a ramp for entry to accommodate wheel chairs and to avoid any steps.

The Honorable Plant will have a formal ribbon cutting and grand opening with the Mayor and members of council officiating at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, with outdoor events, food carts, refreshments and prizes and games as well as live music throughout the day from 11 am to 5pm and the dispensary, which opens at 8 a.m., will remain open until 10 p.m

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The Renaissance Emporium

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 12, 2025

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The Renaissance Emporium on First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands is really getting to be the in place to shop these days. The series of shops and clever boutiques which has been on the main street for several years has a new, bright, clean and exciting new look these days, all celebrated at a grand re-opening Saturday.

Mayor Lori Hohenleitner led the team of Emporium business owners and the Chamber of Commerce to officially re-open the business and introduce the public to each of the new shop owners, revisit those who have been there and see how crisp and clean it all looks.

Heidi Hackett, Administrator of the Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce, praised the owners of the Emporium and each of the women who have designed and stock the variety of shops within the popular store.

The Chamber works together as an enthusiastic group of business professionals who work together to ensure residents and visitors alike know the variety and high quality of businesses that are spread throughout the business district

While vintage clothing and vintage everything else are available at many of the boutiques inside, it’s nautical and clever local items that will keep your attention.

Many of the different shops inside the Emporium offer a variety of items that are a very attractive reminder of why so many folks move to the Bayshore….there are nautical decorations for the table and paintings for the wall; there are nautical dishes for snacks or dining and jewelry that shows more than pearls on necklaces and bracelets.

Even if you don’t need a giant clam, by all means ask to see the enormous bivalve that is for sale and is definitely a one-of-a-kind item.

In addition to the nautical theme, there are some very clever handmade wooden signs you can order for your specific needs; love that many of them have not only the name of any of many local towns, but also the coordinates so sailors even know where they’re sailing into.

There are at least two church shops within the Emporium, and purchase in those stores support the church whose volunteers staff them and keep them unique and special.

For much information on the AH Chamber of Commerce, visit info@ahchamber.org or contact their office Thursdays between 2 and 6 p.m. or Fridays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Chamber can also be reached at 732-872-8711

The Renaissance Emporium

Frank Thomas Memorial Fluke Tournament

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 9, 2025

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The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) will present the 5th Annual Frank Thomas Memorial Fluke Tournament, Saturday, June 14, from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Baker’s Marina on the Bay, 1 Marina Bay Court in Highlands.

Entry fees are $200 per boat (up to six anglers), $50 for kayak or land-based anglers, and free for junior anglers aged 12 and under.

All participants are invited to a Post Weigh-In BBQ Cookout, and one complimentary drink included with registration.

This beloved and highly popular tournament honors Frank “Ozzie” Thomas, a lifelong Highlands resident and dedicated supporter of the local business community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the 2026 Frank Thomas Memorial Scholarship in the Trades Program, supporting students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

A Captain’s Meeting will be held the evening before the tournament, Friday, June 13 at 6:00 PM at Driftwood Liquor & Bar, 300 Bay Ave., Highlands. Attendance is not required if registration has been completed in advance.

Prizes will be awarded for top catches, along with special youth prizes. Tickets are available online at highlandsnj.com or can be purchased at the Captain’s Meeting.

The Highlands Business Partnership, a nonprofit commercial alliance, is committed to promoting economic development in the Highlands community. This event is made possible with the support of sponsors, including Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Cuts & Catch, Farmacie, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Gateway Marina, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak, Valley Bank, and WRAT 95.9.

For more information, contact the Highlands Business Partnership at hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713

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Smith Has Waged a Multiyear Fight

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 9, 2025

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Congressman Chris Smith, who has waged a multiyear fight against what he called “extremely dangerous” wind projects off New Jersey and elsewhere, including Empire Wind, welcomed a lawsuit that contains compelling information he believes will help the Trump Administration as it “continues its review of all wind industrial farms rushed through by the Biden Administration as part of the Green New Deal.”

“As President Trump’s comprehensive review of offshore wind continues, this new lawsuit exposes the many insurmountable problems with offshore wind in general and the Empire Wind project in particular,” said Smith.

“Whether it be the safety of mariners and air travelers, radar interference, security and navigational concerns or harm to marine life, all of these concerns that were ignored or glossed over by the Biden-Harris Administration for years are now front and center in the lawsuit.”

Two years ago, July 20, 2023, the House passed an amendment authored by Smith which required President Biden or his designee to certify that offshore wind projects “will not weaken, degrade, interfere with, or nullify the capability of radar relied upon the Federal Aviation Administration or the Armed Forces.” The Senate failed to consider it.

Three months prior to that, in March 2023—Smith authored legislation that passed the House 244 to 189 tasking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to comprehensively review the sufficiency of the environmental review process. After that legislation also failed to make it through the Senate , Smith, joined by other lawmakers, successfully convinced the GAO to undertake the audit.

“Thus it’s highly significant” Smith explained, “ that a section of the lawsuit parallels concerns raised by the GAO report in early April that found “Wind turbines can reduce the performance of radar systems used for defense and maritime navigation and safety in several ways.”

According to Smith, “The coalition lawsuit of fishermen, environmental activists, residents, homeowners, and business owners underscores the fact that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) that ‘proposed turbine structure will interfere with the operation of the 11 High Frequency radar installations that protect navigation and make rescue possible in the New York Bight and along the New Jersey coast’.”

“This further tracks with the GAO study which states materials used to construct wind turbines, mainly steel, possess a high electromagnetic reflectivity, which, along with the rotating blades, can make it hard to see targets on different radar systems, including high-frequency and marine vessel radar.”

Smith said that “having no plan on how to mitigate radar interference should be enough to call off the construction of this massive turbine farm planned near the flight paths for Newark Liberty, Kennedy, and LaGuardia Airports, not to mention our military bases and busy marine ports along our coast.”

Smith is co-chair of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, the developer of Empire Wind named in the lawsuit— Equinor— I which s owned and controlled by the Kingdom of Norway, and has faced controversy over its relationships with Chinese Communist Party entities.

“The legality of leasing United States waters to a foreign power is an important question raised in this lawsuit that has to be examined,” Smith said.

“It is abundantly clear that major, unanswered questions remain regarding this project. The lawsuit underscores the inherent dangers in poorly vetted, extremely dangerous offshore wind projects and should provide the information needed both in court and for President Trump’s ongoing review, to once and for all pull the plug on Empire Wind,” he said.

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14th Annual Taste of Highlands

By

Muriel J. Smith

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June 9, 2025

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The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) is hosting its 14th Annual Taste of Highlands on Saturday, June 21 from noon to 5:00 PM, rain or shine event.

Tickets are $45 and include a map of 18 participating locations, offering tasty food and cocktail samples, plus complimentary parking.

Thanks to Seastreak, attendees can hop aboard the Seastreak Shuttle, which will make stops at all participating businesses throughout the day.

Guests must be 21 or older and show a valid photo ID to join in the fun.

“This event is a true celebration of what makes Highlands unique,” said Jay Cosgrove, President of the Highlands Business Partnership. “It’s a chance to stroll through town and experience the incredible cuisine our community has to offer.”

Some of this year’s featured establishments include Bahrs Landing, Chilangos Authentic Mexican, Chubby Pickle, Fresh, Moby’s, Seafarer, Off the Hook, and Proving Ground.

Check-in takes place in Huddy Park, located at the corner of Bay and Waterwitch Avenues, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Guests will receive their official event map at check-in. At each stop, guests present the map to receive a stamp. Those who complete all 18 stops will be entered to win a special prize when guests hand in the fully stamped map at the final stop.

All are invited to join for an unforgettable day of food, drinks, and local flair in the heart of Highlands!

The Highlands Business Partnership is a non-profit commercial alliance dedicated to fostering economic growth in Highlands. Sponsors of the programs include Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Cuts & Catch, Farmacie, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Gateway Marina, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak, Valley Bank and WRAT, 95.9.

For more information on Taste of Highlands, email the Highlands Business Partnership at hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713

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