Meeting June 19 On Sandy Hook Fort Hancock Leasing Options

SANDY HOOK GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, NJ — The National Park Service, which runs Sandy Hook, will be holding an open house next Tuesday, June 19 so the public can learn about leasing options at Fort Hancock.

The National Park Service is once again seeking investors to do something with Fort Hancock, a collection of 35 properties at the tip of Sandy Hook. The buildings, nicknamed "Officers Row," are a historic collection of Army officers' quarters built in 1895, and used when the U.S. Army's Fort Hancock was in operation at Sandy Hook. Officers Row overlooks Sandy Hook Bay, offering sweeping views of the sunset. It is just a short walk to Atlantic Ocean beaches and the many hiking, biking and nature trails of Sandy Hook. There is also direct ferry service to New York City.

The 35 buildings are available for lease, and the park service is eager to see the historic structures renovated and used again. Suggestions in the past have ranged from converting them into private homes, bed and breakfasts, art studios, restaurants, a sailing school and even a hospice. Two years ago, two New Jersey men floated the idea of buying one of the homes and turning it into a revolving summer share, but the idea never panned out.

The Fort Hancock buildings, pictured above and below, are in disrepair and need to be fully renovated, something the National Park Service says they cannot afford to do. Hence, they are seeking outside investors.

"Gateway cannot afford to renovate the buildings on its own," National Park Service spokeswoman Daphne Yun has told Patch in the past. "In 2013, we opened it up to the public for bids."

Please join Gateway at an open house on Tuesday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sandy Hook chapel to learn about the Fort Hancock leasing program.

WHAT: Public meeting about Gateway’s leasing program at Fort Hancock

WHERE: The Chapel at Sandy Hook, Hartshorne Drive, Middletown, NJ 07732

WHEN: Tuesday, June 19 2018 10 a.m. to 12 noon

WHO: Northeast Regional Director Gay Vietzke, NPNH Commissioner Joshua Laird and Gateway National Recreation Area

NOTE: We will provide updates on our leasing program at Fort Hancock.

Photos of Fort Hancock provided by the National Park Service

Past Patch reporting: Summer Vacation Rentals Planned for Sandy Hook National Recreation Area