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Larry Fink caring, focused, and concerned environmentalist
07/01/2007 - By by Tobi Tesoriero
Larry Fink is dedicated to preserving the pastoral beauty in town, along with the important environmental balance of the waterways. He acts as steward and watchman, protecting the land he loves.
Larry Fink is dedicated to preserving the pastoral beauty in town, along with the important environmental balance of the waterways. He acts as steward and watchman, protecting the land he loves.
Fink shared that it was the respect he has for the land that initially led him into civic involvement; and involved he certainly is! He co-founded CILU (Citizens for Informed Land Use) as well as FOHOS (Friends of Holmdel Open Space). He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Monmouth County Environmental Council, and as a member of Congressman Rush Holt’s Land Use Advisory Committee. He was also on the Holmdel Environmental Committee and the town’s Planning Board. Presently, he is a Holmdel Township Committeeman and a member of the Open Space Advisory Council.
Fink traces his love of land back to his youth. Growing up in Haddon Township, he witnessed the impact unbridled development could have on the land and character of a community. He remembers playing in the forest, fields, and streams behind his house as a boy and being entranced by the wonders of nature. He also recalls that very paradise being destroyed by bulldozers that came in and knocked down the trees and disrupted the streams. He watched as the final remnants of his forest were paved over. He also heard of the mysterious fire that destroyed one of the old farmhouses in the area where the new shopping center was to be built. As he became active in the Boy Scouts where he hiked and camped, his respect for the land continued. As a matter of fact, his Eagle Scout project was the repair of hiking trails.
It seemed a logical extension that, as an adult, Fink would continue to enjoy, understand, and try to protect the land. As far back as 1991, Fink felt the need to become environmentally involved. He became aware that the Ramanessin Brook’s headwaters began at the Art Center and continued through town to the Swimming River Reservoir (a potable water supply). He realized there were many other important waterways through town and set out to create a Natural Resource Inventory. He applied for grants, conducted studies, tested water from 11 different streams and, along with teams of volunteers, catalogued 300 different species, several of which were on the endangered species list. Since then Fink has continued in various venues – studying, learning, and educating others about the importance of proper land usage. His work has been recognized with awards for Holmdel, including the Achievement in Planning Award from New Jersey Planning Officials and the Planning Merit Award from the Monmouth County Planning Board.
He has also been involved in many projects that enhance Holmdel’s land usage in recreational capacities. One project in which Fink was involved was Cross Farm Park, which serves the community's recreation needs, as its fields are used by many participants in the HYAA (Holmdel Youth Athletic Association). This spring, the park has been enhanced with the addition of a sheltered area and concession stand.
Larry was also involved in the Roggy Field project (which hosted a top-flight international track meet this spring). This project was unique, as it partnered the town and the school district, as well as creating a public and private partnership for financing. The field is available for use by the school as well as the township; the track consists of an artificial turf surface – material that is not as affected by rain and water, and which allows it to be used year round. The field is also used by football, soccer, and field hockey teams.
Currently, Fink is concerned about the future of the Lucent tract. He hopes that people are mindful of the importance of that property to the town. At this time, 3/4 of the 470-acre parcel is still designated “open space” with forests, farmland, and fields intact. It is his goal to try to keep it that way. The Ramanessin Brook greenway also runs through the property. He feels it is important that it stays protected.
Larry hopes that the community will remain vigilant and aware of what is happening at the site. PREI (Preferred Real Estate Investment) now owns the site and there are different proposals for its usage, both residential and corporate. On the residential side, Fink feels it’s important that residents know the stress which more homes would put on Holmdel’s infrastructure.
In the meantime, Larry Fink will continue his decades-old vigilance in protecting Holmdel’s environment. –by Tobi Drucker Tesoriero
Are you or someone you know in Holmdel a “Person on the Move”? If you have a story to tell this could be you! E-mail us a brief description to info@livinginmedia.com and let us know who you are.
STATS
Favorite restaurant: Keyport Fishery
Favorite musicians: New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Favorite entertainment: Two River Theatre in Red Bank
Pet peeve: people who don’t vote, don’t get involved, and then complain
Three people you would like to have dinner with: Ansel Adams (renowned photographer), Thomas Edison, and Margaret Mead
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