Deadline Extended for Nominations to Fort Hancock Committee

Building 27, the former Bachelor Officers Quarters, is one of several historic Army buildings at Fort Hancock which can see new life through adaptive reuse.

NPS Photo by John Harlan Warren

News Release Date: July 14, 2014

Contact: John Harlan Warren, 732-872-5908

The National Park Service has extended the deadline for nominations to the Gateway National Recreation Area Fort Hancock 21st Century Advisory Committee by one week. The new deadline is Monday, July 21. Applicants must nominate themselves; a third party cannot nominate someone else.

"One sign of the committee's success is the high quality of applications we have received already," said Gateway Superintendent Jennifer T. Nersesian. "We are extending the nomination process by a week not because we lack for excellent members or applicants, but to make sure that all aspects of the community know about this opportunity and have a shot at membership."

Since its first meeting in January 2013, the Committee has advised Gateway National Recreation Area concerning the future of the Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historical Landmark. More than 100 historic buildings dating from the U.S. Army era are located within Gateway's Sandy Hook Unit. Most are vacant, but could be saved through adaptive reuse by other leaseholders.

Of the Committee's 20 members, eight have terms which expire in late August. Anyone interested in being a member, including current members whose terms are expiring, must submit materials to the office of Gateway's Superintendent no later than close of business on Monday, July 21, 2014. Nominees should describe and document their qualifications for membership and include a resume listing their name, title, address, telephone, e-mail, and fax number. The Committee cannot exceed 20 members.

After the park selects nominees, these nominations are vetted through the Department of the Interior and the White House. Members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior for a term not to exceed three years or the life of the Committee, whichever is shorter.

Nominations are sought to represent the following communities: real estate, recreation, cultural resources and historic preservation, business and hospitality. Nominations are not limited, however, to representatives of these groups. Members of the Committee currently include representatives from Monmouth County and the municipalities of Highlands, Sea Bright, Rumson and Middletown Township.

Committee members will be selected based on the following criteria: (1) ability to collaborate, (2) the ability to understand NPS management and policy, and (3) connection with local communities. No individual who is currently registered as a Federal lobbyist is eligible to serve on the Committee. Members serve without compensation.

Nominations should be mailed to: Gateway National Recreation Area, Office of the Superintendent, 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305.

The Call for Nominations has been published in the Federal Register, with the original deadline of Monday, July 14. See http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-06-12/pdf/2014-13778.pdf. For more information, contact External Affairs Officer John Warren at 732-872-5970 or e-mail us.

About Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark

Fort Hancock is located within the Sandy Hook Units of Gateway National Recreation Area. The peninsula has played a major role in the defense of New York Harbor from colonial days to the present.Fort Hancock, a U.S. Army fort, was established in 1895 and operated until it was deactivated in 1974.

About Gateway National Recreation Area

Established by an Act of Congress in 1972, Gateway National Recreation Area spans three New York City boroughs and two states. Park lands include more than 26,000 acres of marshes; wildlife sanctuaries; recreational athletic facilities; miles of sandy beaches; indoor and outdoor classrooms; picnicking and camping areas; historic structures including military installations, airfields and lighthouses. Gateway is one of the ten most visited national parks in the country. For information about Gateway's upcoming public programs, see the park's Web site at https://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm.To join the conversation about Gateway, like us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Gatewaynps. Our Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/gatewaynps.

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