Acting Governor Kim Guadagno Announces Additional Open Space Efforts for New Jersey
- Friday, November 18, 2011
- Tags: Energy and the Environment
Christie Administration to Convert Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital in Monmouth to State Parkland
“For years, Marlboro officials sought assistance to demolish buildings, remediate the land, and convert the property into open space for community use,” Acting Governor Kim Guadagno said. “Thanks to our efforts, there is finally a prudent, cost-effective way to meet this goal. This site, which sat dormant for so many years, will soon be a park for the Monmouth community and its visitors. As a resident of Monmouth, I know that this will be an important asset to our community for years to come.”
The current plan for the facility proposes an open space and recreational land re-design over a two-year period. Included in the proposal is a plan to demolish existing buildings, environmentally remediate the property, and transfer operational oversight to the Monmouth County park system. The financial commitment, estimated at $27 million, will be met through a partnership with local governments and financed through bonds available through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
“We can no longer allow public assets like Marlboro and Greystone to remain frozen in time, decaying slowly while their potential for other positive public uses goes unrealized. Instead we must finish the job of turning them back into sites that can be used and enjoyed by the public,” Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff said. “Under this Administration’s plan, we will now be able to meet our obligation at both Marlboro and Greystone in a manner that is fiscally responsible and continues our progress in expanding open space resources for New Jerseyans.”
In attending the event, Departmental of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin noted, "We are working to expedite the cleanup and restoration of abandoned and contaminated sites, like the Marlboro property, for beneficial uses for our communities and the residents of this state. We hope to take these unused assets and turn them into open spaces and parks, and opportunities for beneficial redevelopment for the community."
The first steps of the project will begin with the issuance of a Request For Proposal (RFP) for an environmental and engineering consultant to perform an assessment and develop plans for implementation. This project, along with remediation of the Greystone facility, builds upon the Administration’s commitment to not only expand the state’s open space, but improve the efficiency and productivity of government.
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Press Contact: Michael Drewniak Kevin Roberts 609-777-2600 |
