Category: environmental justice
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Eminent domain at the bayshore
“Little else raises fear in property owners like eminent domain powers of government”. I remember back years ago when we didn’t worry that our children might be murdered in a mass killing by crazy guy with a military style machine gun in their school. Back then we didn’t worry that people from another country were…
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A celebration of bravery
Today is a mile mark, maybe even a celebration, of personal bravery. Earlier this year after suffering a dismal series of government attacks, I decided to take my family’s advice and get out of New Jersey permanently. I won’t enumerate the litany and range of problems again now; it’s depressing enough just to have them…
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Evolution of the local oyster industry
More than a century ago there were over 300 oyster boats operating on the Delaware Bay employing approximately 1,500 people. The oyster industry led our maritime trades that were one of the four primary industries in our country forming the backbone of employment, tax revenue and overall economic stability. The oyster industry was eventually depleted…
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Demolitions and construction side by side?
This article published last fall in North Jersey.com hints at the expansion of the oyster industry here at Money Island. Since then, we’ve seen the greatest expansion of oyster industry infrastructure investment here at Money Island ever with an elevated roadway and dock construction. Indications are this is only the beginning of the expansion. Today…
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State government has been tough on South Jersey boardwalks
Late last year the NJ state government shut down the boardwalks at Money Island. This came as a shock to the local residents and commercial fishermen who relied on the boardwalk. Ours aren’t anything elaborate, just about 600 feet of elevated walkways between roadway and water. We already had financial support from private and nonprofit…
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Tony Novak is the speaker at Tri County Rotary, Vineland NJ, Tuesday August 20, 2019
INTRODUCTORY BIO Tony Novak is an activist at the Delaware Bay facing the challenges of bringing citizens, government, nonprofits together to agree that the old methods are not working and change in thinking is required to stabilize and restore the enormous resources of the Delaware Bay. His work in New Jersey focuses on Money Island…
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Tension over the Downe docks
It’s no secret that the marinas and supporting businesses all along the NJ bayshore are struggling. The classic predictable human response to environmental pressures is increased tension among members of the community. That’s not unique to us. It happens everywhere. But the environmental pressure is certainly increasing and tensions are rising. The watermen here, pushed…
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The new search for spiritual inspiration by spreading the story
The final blow was when I heard a report, also unconfirmed, that government will step up its financial assault on the few remaining local marinas.
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New thinking required to cope with bayshore transition
Tony Novak CPA is available to speak with community and business groups on strategies for stabilization and recovery from our long period of decline.
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Government greed sinks local boaters
It broke my spirit today to tell long time neighbors and marina members that the bayshore would not be affordable to them again. They don’t understand. They just want to be able to enjoy their passion in their retirement years. They don’t see the big picture. They don’t see the greed and corruption of powerful…