Oceanport Jockeying For Fort Monmouth Open Space

If the closing of Fort Monmouth in September frees up park and recreation space, as is anticipated, then Oceanport wants the federal government to consider giving a chunk of it to the borough or Monmouth County. 

Borough and county officials have gone on record to express that before, but Oceanport Mayor Michael J. Mahon told the Borough Council Thursday night that the borough needs to reiterate its interest officially, as the closing of the fort draws closer.

Most of the elected officials who expressed the interest before are no longer in office, the mayor said, so a fresh statement by current officials is needed. The council agreed.

Mahon also told the council that 910 employees at racetrack and at the state's off-track racing venue have been told by the state that they will keep their jobs at least until the end of June.

Previously, the employees were given notice that they could be laid off in early June if a private owner took over, but negotiations between the state and prospective owner Morris Bailey continue, Mahon said. Many employees at the racetrack live in Oceanport.

The mayor urged residents to attend the celebration at Monmouth Park on Saturday. The event was spearheaded by borough resident Paul Travers and will include a flyover and Black Hawk helicopters around the time of the third race, Mahon said.

The mayor also reminded residents that they can reserve free passes for the six seats in the private box set aside for the borough at the racetrack for any race day except July 31, when borough officials use the box to attend the annual running of the Oceanport Stakes, minutes before the Haskell Invitational. Those interested in reserving the box should contact .

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