Stockton/DEP Lock Horns Over Ponderlodge Use

VILLAS — A disagreement about the type of curriculum Richard M. Stockton College would offer at Ponderlodge, if it established an environmental education center on the site, has held up at lease between the college and the owner of the property, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
A lease of Ponderlodge between DEP and Stockton College has been in the works for more than one year. The college wants to turn the buildings and some of the acreage into an environmental education center.
DEP Press Director Larry Ragonese said the agency’s land and water conservation fund, which was used to purchase Ponderlodge along with Green Acres money, restricts uses of the property to open space and recreation. He said that restriction was from the federal government and not DEP.
He said DEP would be meeting with federal officials in the near future to discuss the issue.
Stockton has suggested it would like to offer other types of courses as a convenience to Cape May County residents.
Lower Township Mayor Michael Beck said it would be helpful to township residents if they could take a course at the Ponderlodge site to get a real estate license or take a hospitality industry class rather than have to drive to Atlantic County. He said Sen. Jeff Van Drew has been working to bring the parties together from the start.
There were concerns from Lower Township earlier in the summer of the condition of the property. Beck said if the lease falls through, DEP needed to tear down the buildings and clean up the Ponderlodge property.
“We’re still hopeful there can be some kind of resolution to this and move forward,” he said. “Our goal has always been from day one is to do whatever is necessary to bring Stockton here.”
DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin met with Stockton College President Herman J. Saatkamp, Van Drew, Beck and Township Manager Kathy McPherson two weeks ago.
“We’re trying to work through those issues to see if we can get the necessary approvals through the federal government in order to make the environmental center happen,” said Hajna.
Stockton College spokesman Tim Kelly told the Herald another meeting would be held with the state next week to review the college’s most recent proposal to DEP.
“We’re still quite hopeful we can work out a deal,” he said.
McPherson said Stockton College needed the ability to offer courses other than just environmental curriculum. She said the lodge building has deteriorated over the past year. Federal approval would allow Stockton to offer a wider curriculum, she said.
Beck said he thought the college would be a fabulous addition to the township. The mayor said he has no regrets the property was not sold for development purposes.
He said the pristine property would be a legacy for resident’s grandchildren. Beck said the property needs to be maintained and made safe for residents.
Stockton College recently completed a $20 million deal to purchase the Seaview Resort in Galloway Township. The property includes a Victorian-era hotel with 278 rooms, meeting rooms and a golf course.
Stockton is considering housing at Seaview for students participating in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies program as well as honors and graduate students. The College’s long-range plan for the facility is to continue to operate a resort hotel and conference center in concert with student housing, according to a press release.
In addition, Stockton College will lease a 13,000 square foot building in downtown Hammonton and offer classes at that location.