Russ Zimmer

@RussZimmer

A monument to the survivors of superstorm Sandy that was already controversial, because of its appearance, has turned out also to be illegal.

The 1,104-square-foot monument on the beach in Highlands — mockingly dubbed "Shorehenge" — was never approved under the Coastal Area Facilities Review Act, or CAFRA, which governs development on or near much of the New Jersey coastline.

As a result, the borough has two options: Either take down the structure, which would be a colossal undertaking, or apply for a CAFRA permit, an involved process that requires a $3,000 application fee for starters.

Highlands has chosen the forrmer and expects the monument's donor to take care of the removal, according to a letter sent by the town on Monday.

"The borough demands that Tilt-Up immediately and unconditionally remove the structure," reads the letter from town attorney Bruce Padula to Mitch Bloomquist, managing director of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association.

The monument was a gift from the Tilt-Up, which is a trade group that promotes a concrete-casting technique known as tilt-up construction. It took the place of a gazebo on the public beach behind the Robert D. Wilson Community Center. A message to Bloomquist on Tuesday morning was not immediately returned.

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The canopy alone weighs 346,000 pounds and its placement atop the four walls was an unprecedented feat of engineering, according to contractors.

The piece is defined by three oculi in the roof, providing a very distinctive look when viewed from inside the monument. A dedication plaque reads "In honor of the spirit of our community. Hurricane Sandy, October 29, 2012."

The structure was cast and erected within a week in September, soon after which several residents called the Asbury Park Press to complain about the aesthetics of the monument.

YOUR TURN: Tell us what you think of the monument in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection says they first became aware of the monument in October — after construction was finished — through multiple anonymous tips.

The department sent a letter to the borough in November, alerting them that the structure did not receive — or even seek — the required CAFRA permit.

On Monday, the department confirmed to the Press that the matter is still pending and no fines have been issued. Borough officials said they would wait to issue further comment until after hearing Tilt-Up's response to their letter.

If the borough changed its mind and decided to acquire a permit, they must submit an application packet that includes site plans and an environmental impact statement that shows the monument complies with the Coastal Zone Management rules.

That type of work generally demands outside help, which isn't free. Sea Bright, for example, paid T & M Associates $12,500 in June to craft site plans for a CAFRA application for a new community center.

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Russ Zimmer: 732-557-5748, razimmer@app.com