Horn Antenna Site Gets $500,000 Boost From Federal Funds

HOLMDEL, NJ — An announcement of $500,000 in federal funding, combined with support from Monmouth County and the state, is bolstering the township's plans for the preservation and enhancement of the Horn antenna site on Crawford Hill.

Rep. Andy Kim, D-NJ, announced that Congress approved $500,000 toward the purchase and improvement of the site, already acquired by the township in January. The Horn antenna is a National Historic Landmark.

The township initially requested $4 million last March before other funding was in place, said Township Administrator Jay Delaney.

Now county funding has preliminary approval and is awaiting final county authorization, he said. An application for a New Jersey Green Acres grant is pending, with award announcements expected later in the year, he added.

Mayor Rocco Impreveduto commented on the additional funding for what will be called Dr. Robert Wilson Park. Wilson, of Holmdel, was one of the two scientists who worked for Bell Labs at the Horn antenna, and whose research led to the confirmation of the “Big Bang” theory of the creation of the universe.

"We're incredibly thankful for the overwhelming support we're receiving from the Monmouth County Commissioners and this additional assistance from Congress will continue to help us build a park befitting the historic nature of this site," said Impreveduto.

Kim announced $11,547,244 in federal dollars to his 3rd Congressional District for a total of 14 projects. He serves communities in Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth counties.

Local environmental activist Kin Gee said he, too, was glad to see the additional federal funding.

"While it is less than the original amount requested, it will go a long way toward the Education/Learning Center that the Township Committee is working on. Our special thanks to Congressman Andy Kim and his staff for their efforts in securing the federal funding for this historic site," said Gee.

The Holmdel Township Committee in January announced its acquisition of the site from a private owner.

The Horn antenna, located at the top of the hill that is the highest point in Monmouth County, will exist in a setting so that "future generations will be able to marvel" at the antenna so integral to the world's acceptance of the Big Bang Theory of the creation of the universe, Impreveduto said at the time.

Part of that January meeting was also devoted to a hearing on a $700,000 Green Acres application the township will make to begin the first phase of work on the property. The town is also applying for a $140,000 loan from the state, Delaney said. The township would then match the monies for a total of $1,680,000 for this first phase.

Under the terms of the agreement, the net sale price of the property is $4.75 million. The purchase price of $5.5 has the seller donating $750,000 back to the township for improvements to Crawford Hill, according to the township.

Some areas to be addressed in the first phase of work at the site include security for the antenna and overall safety of the site and a chance to assess the services available there such as water and wastewater. Certain trees near the antenna will have to be cleared, also. Broader plans for the site will the topic of future discussions.