At the last Millstone Town-ship Committee meeting, a disservice was done to all residents of Millstone. Ken Pape, a Millstone resident and attorney, recently sent a letter to the Township Committee requesting time on a future agenda for a presentation. But thanks to the opinion that evening of Bill Kastning, Steve Lambros, Roger Staib and supported by Committeeman John Pfefferkorn, the residents will never see or hear that presentation.
From what I understand, Mr. Pape intended to present a conceptual plan for moving the Little League ball fields, lights and all, and developing a seniors-only housing development in its place. The ball fields were to be moved and developed — at the developer’s expense — to a larger, 100-plus-acre site near Route 195. I have heard the site would have included the same amount of ball fields, including lighting, parking, a field house, rest rooms and additional soccer fields. Issues of density, zoning, deed restrictions, septic design and surrounding residents’ concerns would need to be addressed and solved by the developer, at his expense. But we, the residents of Millstone Township, unfortunately will not have the opportunity to see and hear this proposal because of the intimidation tactics of Messrs. Kastning, Staib, Lambros and Committeeman Pfefferkorn. The committee voted not to hear the presentation (Mayor Evan Maltz was absent).
But don’t take my word on this; tapes of all township meetings are available to the public, so you can hear for yourself. As a resident with aging parents, I am interested because I would love to have my family have this opportunity to move to my town. Since this would be a seniors-only development, the taxes collected would add money to the township and school coffers with minimal additional services.
Are Committeeman Pfefferkorn, Bill Kastning, Roger Staib and Steve Lambros the official spokespeople for the homes surrounding the Little League fields? If so, not wanting to explore this option, are they then withdrawing the ongoing lawsuits against the Little League because of the lights?
This could become a closer home for parents, an aunt, an uncle or other loved ones. Perhaps some of the residents would welcome the relocation of the Little League fields and have senior housing built in its place. Maybe they wouldn’t, but it would be nice to have the opportunity for ourselves. It is most appropriate to consider this viable option to eliminate the problem with the ball fields and their ongoing legal battles.
John Mele
Millstone Township