COURT HOUSE ─ As Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and well-wishers gathered April 24, Superior Court Judge John Porto announced the Friends’ decision to “release all claims.” By doing so, the suit against the City of North Wildwood ended.
Friends’ attorney Christopher Gillin-Schwartz affirmed Porto’s announcement, saying that both parties “release all claims,” initiated by Steven Murray, former Friends chairman.
According to Murray, the settlement offer came from the Friends.
“We have funds better spent than on legal fees,” Murray told the Herald April 25. “It takes a lot of stress off of everyone.”
Murray gave testimony March 19 regarding his understanding of the agreement between the Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and North Wildwood.
After several hours of questioning and cross-examination, both parties agreed to a third hearing April 24.
Mayor Patrick Rosenello was scheduled to testify but did not because of the Friends’ decision.
When asked how he felt regarding the decision, Rosenello said, “I am glad the matter is resolved.”
Murray told the Herald the decision was “the best we (Friends) could do.”
“We didn’t start this,” Murray added.
As a non-profit organization, the Friends will disband, and remaining funds must be given to other 501-classified organizations, namely other lighthouse organizations.
According to City Solicitor William Kaufmann, the city had “no disagreements,” pending approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before funds are distributed.
Kaufmann also wishes the court to hold a “proof of ownership hearing” in case of any dispute regarding items left to the lighthouse.
Murray told the Herald he does not expect any problems with items being returned.
Murray said certain items belonging to his great-grandmother are in the lighthouse.
When asked what he wished the public to know, Murray replied that the Friends organization totals 600 members, larger than the New Jersey Lighthouse Association.
Murray also said that if the Friends had been allowed to stay until their termination, “lawyers would not have been necessary.” Murray lamented the “waste” of money spent by both parties on legal fees.
Moving forward, Murray intends to help the East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville. He will also remain a member of the Lighthouse Managers of New Jersey.
According to Murray, the Lighthouse Managers of NJ have dedicated the 2018 Lighthouse Challenge to the Friends.
“We know we’re in the right,” Murray said April 25 during a phone interview. “We put up a good fight.”
Murray hopes another non-profit organization will be given stewardship of the lighthouse in the future.
“You can’t have a city running a historical site,” Murray said.
City officials maintain their position regarding “responsible care” of Hereford Light, due to a $17,000 grant not properly “closed out” by the Friends.
The city’s Parks and Grounds Department will care for the grounds while the newly formed Historical Commission will provide continued care and preservation of the historic site.
“This is not about personalities,” Rosenello said Jan. 24.”It’s about the lighthouse.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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