Howell homeless camp property for sale; occupants must move

HOWELL - A piece of prime commercial real estate where a homeless camp has been stationed for nearly two years has been put up for sale by the town.

The communal outdoor living area that resembles a campground — peppered with the tents and supplies for the dozen or so people who live there year-round — was formally recognized by the town last year as a transitional homeless camp.

But officials say the arrangement was only temporary.

"We've made this an iconic camp and showed that this can work in other communities," said the Rev. Steve Brigham, the camp's coordinator. Brigham also ran the large Tent City encampment in Lakewood until it was shut down in 2014.

"As of right now, we don't have a plan B," he said.

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The 11-acre property, located at 5998 Route 9, is assessed at about $1.5 million, tax records show. It will be auctioned on May 21 and bidding will start at $1.3 million.

The auction resolution that was passed by the Township Council on Tuesday includes a clause that says the buyer will be responsible for relocating the homeless. Mayor Theresa Berger, who was expected to meet with Brigham on Wednesday, is also committed to helping the group.

"It was never intended to be a long-term, permanent solution," said Howell Councilman Bob Walsh. "It's not fair to the taxpayers to have a $1.3 [million] to $1.5 million property that can go into the general fund for tax relief and get it back on the books as a rateable."

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The April 2017 resolution allowed the camp inhabitants to stay on the town-owned property as long as there wasn't any trouble. It also shifted liability from the town to the nonprofit that backs the camp — Destiny's Bridge.

The camp has become a known donation location in town. Throughout the years, and in part because of Asbury Park Press stories about the camp, hundreds have donated money, warm clothing, clean water and other living supplies.

"We had high hopes of being here for a little bit," Brigham said.

Brigham, who instituted a thorough screening process for occupants, said the police haven't been called once since they've been on the land. There are no drugs, alcohol or weapons allowed at the camp, he said.

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"The town made a commitment to (the camp) and we followed through more than any town has," Berger said. "We want to continue to work with them. I believe a road toward permanent housing would be beneficial."

The property was gifted to Howell Township by David Hammer and Claudette H. Kunkes in 2011, tax records show. A stipulation in the agreement was the town wasn't allowed to sell the property for at least three years, Walsh said.

A fundraiser for Destiny's Bridge will be held July 6 at The Headliner in Neptune. For more information, visit www.destinysbridge.org.

Kala Kachmar: @NewsQuip; 732-643-4061; kkachmar@gannettnj.com.