Bipartisan effort needed to save Takanassee Beach Club

The potential loss of yet another priceless historic coastal site in Monmouth County has received much attention in the news recently. Takanassee Beach Club has benefited the citizens of Long Branch and the county for generations. It is an historic icon of the old Jersey Shore. Of this there is no debate.

The Peters family, who have owned the Takanassee property since the 1680s, have provided an invaluable public benefit to beachgoers and history buffs. The only way the city of Long Branch could ever afford acquisition of this property, however, would be if Gov. Jon Corzine and the state Legislature replenish the Green Acres funding mechanism. My bet is that they will.

Silence on this public issue enables and emboldens supporters of the developer's plans to raze the historic structures of Takanassee and build luxury homes. In my view we have enough luxury development on the Long Branch coast and I think city residents are nearly unanimous on that score.

When the developer's lawyers accused me and other elected officials of using the Takanassee controversy for "political purposes," as reported in the press, this kind of silly commentary is intended to stifle debate and intimidate opposition.

They resort to the oldest - and most transparent - lawyerly tactic: instead of arguing the substance of the issue in dispute, accuse your opponent of having nefarious ulterior motives.

But I wear preservation of Takanassee on my sleeve, as a badge of honor. The people of Long Branch elected me to pursue public policies that reflect my long-standing commitment to environmental preservation, accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility in city government.

Politics is nothing more or less than debate and give-and-take on the formulation of public policy. And public policy is a useful tool to preserve Takanassee from yet another private enclave that deprives the public of recreational opportunities. So I hope my political colleagues in all parties and factions join with me to preserve this last sliver of history and good old Jersey Shore fun. Should we succeed, we aim to pay an absolutely fair appraisal price to the Peters family, as provided by law.

Brian Unger

member

Long Branch City Council