NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “Nothing has changed,” Mayor Patrick Rosenello told the Herald after the Dec. 19 city council meeting, regarding the city’s meeting with state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). According to Rosenello, city officials met Dec. 18 with the DEP and have submitted their management plan for the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.
The Herald was made aware of the city’s meetings with the DEP and with Steve Murray, chairman of the Friends of Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Murray also met Dec. 18 with DEP officials. According to Murray, the DEP will decide who will have stewardship of the lighthouse.
Rosenello said the city will continue its lease, under the DEP, for the care of the lighthouse. A seven-seat historical commission, already approved by city council, will be chaired at the Jan. 2 reorganization meeting in 2018. The commission’s function, explained by City Clerk Scott Jett, will further awareness and education about the lighthouse for residents and guests alike.
Controversy still swirls about the lighthouse, as the Friends decry being denied access to the building, while the city continues moving forward with its plans. Officials recently approved an inventory of lighthouse artifacts to be conducted by Joshua Fox.
Rosenello maintains he has no regrets about the action taken by the city. City Solicitor William Kaufmann, in his correspondence to Murray, clearly stated the city’s intention to create an inventory of every item in a letter sent to Murray. Returning donated items cannot take place until due diligence is carried out.
When asked when a decision is expected, Murray replied that DEP officials did not give an exact time. The Friends still await word from their Solicitor, Frank Corrado, to see 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.
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