Writer should know facts about Marlboro Hindu temple proposal

This is in response to the letter by Herbert Resnick about the proposed Hindu temple at Route 79 and Orchard Parkway in Marlboro.

Mr. Resnick mentioned the argument of "not in my backyard" as the reason for the discontent among the surrounding residents. I am very offended by this statement. That comment originally came from Devon Un-adkat, spokesman for the group, in an article in (a daily newspaper) and not the local residents.

I am insulted and disgusted with his insinuation that we are in the least bit biased. Our concerns are legitimate and reasonable. We are not trying to make them "go away." On the contrary, as long as the temple meets all the requirements in the Marlboro Township Code and everything is done to maintain the aesthetics and rural nature of the area, we will welcome them with open arms. Just like the average homeowner in the area attempting to improve their home by conforming to township codes, so should any other entity, whether it’s an office, store or place of worship.

The temple, as it stands now, is over seven times larger then the average home in the area, towering, without the flagpole, over 20 feet higher. Keep in mind that it would be built on the highest point in the area. Depending on square footage used, (allowable is between 5 square feet per person and 15 square feet per person), the maximum capacity of the building would be between 984 and 2,900 people. That is just using the worship and banquet rooms, not to mention the classrooms, living quarters, store and lobby. There is proof the facilities will be used to its maximum.

With only a 108-car parking lot and 328 to 983 spaces needed to accommodate the congregants, the obvious overflow would be on the side streets. We are not talking about 20 or so cars, we are talking about hundreds every week. The services are being held three times a day, every day, Sunday through Friday, not including major holy holidays and events.

Also, Mr. Resnick, your comment about the citizens of Marlboro being restrained from building their temple of worship is quite inaccurate. If you had been to any of the meetings or listened to the transcripts, you would have found that the majority of the members are not residents of Marlboro. Only 60 families (180 people) live in a 10-mile radius of Marlboro and the rest even further away. Now, with the current projected number of congregants expected, not taking into consideration obvious growth for a new house of worship, your comment about the "alleged traffic increase" is more then covered.

There are many other aspects of this project that does not meet the Marlboro Township Code that I did not mention in this letter. To let this project go through without any questions would be a disservice to all Marlboro residents, not just the ones neighboring the site on Route 79, Orchard Parkway and William Street.

Finally, sir, since you seem to be taking such an interest in this project, I invite you to come out to the site to see for yourself the impact of allowing this to go as is.

The residents of this area would appreciate that before you or anyone else comments on our intentions that you come to us first and get the full and accurate story. This will eliminate offending an entire town.

Roxanne Napolitano

Marlboro