Master Plan About One Decade Too Late

To The Editor:
The master plan recently completed by Maser Consulting and the Middle Township Master Plan Committee led by resident Bob Noel is just about one decade too late. The rush to get an ordinance in place causes concern. In the past, committee has disregarded our citizen panels when their findings were not in line with committee’s interests. Though the Planning Board approved their project, our representatives snubbed it. Much of what is included now was to be brought forward long ago.
The land parcels that would have been involved were allowed to be developed while ignoring the proposed plan. Because of committee’s inaction, sprawl flourished, with small farms being transformed to housing developments throughout the township. The new plan cannot prevent what has already happened. The proposed centers will now simply connect the dots of sprawl with high-density property use. The future impact would have been better understood if our committee members had not created an ordinance abandoning impact studies the developers did not like. The developer’s influence has been all over committee’s actions. The reality is, we cannot move the traffic we have now; we are heading for total gridlock.
No one can truly believe that adding offices, Stores and residences can be accomplished without adding traffic. Again, the Town Center theory may have had some credibility when first proposed and before the sprawl took place, it is now unachievable. The hurried ordinance makes me believe developers are lined up for approvals before the impacts are realized or better sense prevails. Such behavior is exactly what we have seen in the past. The absurd comment from Noel about birds not paying taxes exemplifies the sentiments applied to the planning of our community’s future.
The current growth numbers being quoted are purposely deceptive. Many of the new homes are occupied by folks who do not consider them as their primary residence. They may not vote here, or might, we know how that works, but they are here quite regularly. Regardless of the spin, we have seen large population increases, evidenced by the traffic we fight. That there has been very little opposition from the community speaks to the frustration of the many people who tried previously. The community came out in force; we were ignored, even belittled for our efforts. We were invited to participate to lend credibility to the plan. We soon learned how our input would be treated. One person was removed from the Planning Board because of her opposition. Accolades from the DEP demonstrate just how broken the system is.
I have been fighting this for many years. I have attended meetings at every level. who understands and cares about the implications for our township will have a chance to curtail this dangerously ill planned development. When the market breaks so will the ground or mud as much of it is becoming. We have no drainage and because of this we have no infrastructure or no way to provide for it’s improvement.
So far, about everyone involved represents the business community. I do not. Among many pursuits, I have been a licensed general contractor as well as farming with my family. I understand the need for responsible development and the value to landowners for property no longer profitably farmed. A proper mix for all concerned can be achieved but only when all interests are represented. Professional politicians know only the business of a community; they do not understand it is also home to their constituents.
I am not connected. I am a candidate for Middle Township Committee.
SAM KELLY
Swainton