Pallone Lauds Arbitrator's Decision to Terminate Fort Hancock's Lease Agreement with Sandy Hook Partners

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., issued the following statement today following the announcement that an independent third party upheld the National Park Service’s decision to terminate the lease agreement between Sandy Hook Partners (SHP) and Fort Hancock at the Gateway National Recreation Area's Sandy Hook Unit National Park.

The lease was declared null and void in August by the NPS because SHP, which is owned by James Wassel, was unable to provide a sufficient financial plan for the project. Based on its review of the information, the arbitrator, Maurice Robinson and Associates LLC, determined that the financing commitments made by SHP are insufficient to meet the purposes and requirements of the lease, according to the National Park Service.

Under the terms of the now terminated lease, SHP agreed to renovate 36 of Fort Hancock's 100 buildings. The conceptual plans indicated that redevelopment would include the opening of private businesses, such as bed and breakfasts and cafes.

“Today’s decision by the arbitrator was yet another victory for Fort Hancock and has reaffirmed the National Park Service’s decision to terminate the lease with Sandy Hook Partners. With all of this behind us, we can begin to move forward with the restoration of Fort Hancock. It is important that the state and federal government, along with local universities and other public entities, work together to ensure that any redevelopment plan does not include commercialization of our national park.”