The Navy Is Standing By It Decision To Open 300 Housing Units On Naval Weapons Station Earle To Civilians

The Navy recently signed the record of decision to allow an unimpeded access road between Laurelwood Housing and the adjacent state road as required by a contract between the Navy and the housing developer.

In 2010 the homes will be open civilians. The Navy had a scoping period where it took public input before drafting an Environmental Impact Statement.

Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle is against the plan and says it’s a huge security risk.

“They’re sticking civilians in the middle of the largest ammo base in the Northeast, that doesn’t make sense,” says Diana Piotrowski, Spokeswoman for Neighbors Opposed to Privatization at Earle.

The Navy says the decision was made after a thorough analysis was done that looked at how the access could be provided while minimizing impact to the community.

“Security of our installation for our people and the base itself is paramount and we are committed to maintaining the highest degree of base security regardless of who occupies Laurelwood Housing,” says Navy Spokeswoman Lieutenant Junior Grade Laura Stegherr.


By: Janet Fried