Highlands OK’d monument to Sandy victims, now demands ‘Shorehenge’ be taken down

The attorney for the Borough of Highlands is demanding that the "Shorehenge" memorial to survivors of Superstorm Sandy victims built on a beach be removed, as it was constructed without a state permit.

In a letter posted on the Asbury Park Press website, the attorney writes that it is "unacceptable that an entity such as yours would construct a structure without obtaining the appropriate permits." The attorney also asks Tilt Up Concrete Association, a non-profit trade organization that donated and designed the monument, to reimburse the borough for legal fees that result from its construction.

The monument was approved by the Highlands Borough Council last January and used the company's "tilt up" concrete-casting technique to build a structure intended to provide shelter and a place to gather.

“We wanted to make something that can serve a purpose beyond a monument that can only be viewed,” Tod Williams, the monument's designer, told New Jersey 101.5 “Three conical oculi in the roof canopy will join to reflect the coming together of the community, both residents of Highlands, N.J. and all those affected by Sandy, to help to rebuild."

Tilt Up Managing Director Mitch Bloomquist said his company worked with borough administrator Tim Hill to co-ordinate the monument.

"They were missing one permit from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection" which has contacted the borough and "basically said that bring it into compliance and go ahead and pick up the permit."  He said he not believe it was the "dramatic situation" and could easily be taken care of with the contractor.

Hill told New Jersey 101.5 that he could not comment directly on the monument except to say that Tiit Up has not yet responded to the letter and that the borough is working with the DEP to take "corrective action."

DEP spokesman Larry Hajna in an email that "it is completely up to the municipal government on the course of action it wants to take."

Highlands Borough Council President Rebecca Kane said in June it was an "honor and privilege" to have the project. She said it would help give Highlands a "sense of togetherness" post-Sandy.

YouTube video of Highlands after superstorm Sandy by heavylightpictures