According to the information available a law Township Council adopted in 2003 to protect the commercial fishing industry survived its first test when the Zoning Board shot down a proposed condominium project in a 6-1 vote. It is said that the vote followed more than three hours of testimony, much of it centering on whether allowing Two Mile Associates to build a five-story, 25-unit project on Ocean Drive would set a precedent.
The board informed that the fishing industry here is the third largest on the East Coast based on the value of the catch, and supplies hundreds of jobs. Board member Ernest Utsch III said that the jobs are very important. There are more than 500 jobs at stake and that’s important in an area where we have a high unemployment rate. David Brand, another board member, noted that Township Council in 2003 created the special MD-2, or marine development zone, that outlawed residential construction along the section of Ocean Drive where the major fish docks are.
Brand is of view that they can do condominiums and residential in all other areas of town. The big concern is that those buying condominiums would complain about the noise, smell and other aspects of the fishing industry. Nick Menas, an attorney for Two Mile Associates told that language would be put in the deed. These individuals will waive any rights to bring a complaint against any commercial fishing operations, says Nick.
