Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Friends, City Await DEP Stewardship Decision

CORRECTION: Mayor Patrick Rosenello is not a member of the Hereford Inlet Historical Commission. The inclusion of his name in the below story was an error.
NORTH WILDWOOD ─  “We hope they reach an amicable decision,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) representative Larry Hajna regarding the tension between North Wildwood city officials and Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. 
Since the “lockout” of Nov. 27, Friends Chairman Steven Murray and fellow friends have protested the city’s decision to manage the lighthouse, although the DEP leases the historical landmark directly to the city.
Mayor Patrick Rosenello stands by the city’s action with “no regrets,” and the city has formed a historical commission for the continued care and education of the landmark.
The Herald learned of a meeting between DEP representatives and the city Dec. 18. Murray also met with DEP the same day.
Murray hopes the state will award stewardship directly to the Friends, bypassing the city.
“I see no benefit,” Murray said, referring to the city’s involvement with the lighthouse, located at the northern end of Five Mile Beach in Anglesea.
Rosenello said that the lease is “not a gentlemen’s agreement” but a legal document.
“The door is open,” Rosenello said in previous statements, “to the Friends to continue to be a support organization to the lighthouse.”
When asked to explain the nature of the lease, Hajna said, “The way it works is that the DEP leases the lighthouse to the city.” Hajna said the DEP hopes both parties will reach an “amicable” decision.
According to a resolution passed in December 2017, the city submitted its management plan to the state, outlining its goals and plan for upkeep.
“Nothing has changed,” Rosenello said after the Dec. 19 City Council meeting regarding the city’s meeting with state DEP personnel. Officials recently approved an inventory of lighthouse artifacts to be conducted by Joshua Fox. Returning of any donated items cannot take place until due diligence is carried out.
Murray told the Herald Jan. 10 he awaited an answer regarding stewardship and added the change in state administration might contribute to the delay.
City Clerk and Historian Scott Jett told the Herald that seats are filled on the commission: Jett, Councilman Joseph Rullo, Administrative Assistant Ron Simone, and resident Eli Massod.
The Friends await word from their attorney Frank Corrado to learn what steps can be taken to reclaim stewardship of the lighthouse. 
“We (Friends) have the support of the entire lighthouse community and the public,” Murray told the Herald in previous statements.
Documentation regarding the city’s position can be read on the city’s website.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.