Officials break ground on reconstruction of former Fort Hancock barracks in Sandy Hook

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held to mark the start of reconstruction of the former Fort Hancock barracks located at Sandy Hook.

Officials from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, the U.S. Navy and the National Park Service attended the event.

“The four years of planning, negotiations and discussions have finally payed off,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, who led the renovation project and serves on the Fort Hancock 21^st Century Federal Advisory Committee, said.

“Through the cooperative efforts between the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Vocational School District, NJROTC and Gateway National Recreation Area, reconstruction of the 19^th century, historical structures will commence and nurture the growth of 21^st century teenagers and generations of cadets to come.”

The reconstruction efforts are targeted at Naval Science Building 56, which will house storage space for more than $1 million worth of Navy uniforms and equipment, and Building 23, which will house classrooms, a gymnasium, showers and other facilities for cadets.

Both buildings are slated for completion by September 2021.

“There is already such rich history here at Fort Hancock as it once fortified and accommodated our courageous United States Army,” Burry said. “I am so pleased that our collaborative, reconstruction project will continue to write history.”