After reading Sherry Hoffer’s guest column in the Feb. 12 News Tran-script, it is clear that (Managing Editor) Mark Rosman possess the highest of ethical standards and objectivity in media. Not only has he printed letters from concerned residents wishing to communicate what is happening at local meetings, but he has printed a column written by someone with an opposing point of view. However, what exactly is Sherry Hoffer trying to tell us?
Her column reeks of the kind of arrogance we have become accustomed to from individuals representing themselves as serving our communities. What is particularly offensive is the use of the term NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard).
For Ms. Hoffer and others who use that term to describe concerned residents, there is some information that you should be aware of. First, not even dogs will urinate where they sleep. There-fore, it is quite natural for human beings to oppose municipal boards urinating in our backyards.
Secondly, there are more than 10 forms of municipal government with variations on the themes. The town form, where two council members are elected from each of four wards, and the council-manager form, where council members may be elected from an optional number of wards, directly recognizes the need for representation of various areas of the community.
The fact that these options of municipal government exist demonstrates the need and desire of citizens to be concerned about their homes, environments and backyards.
Lastly, it is not unreasonable that there is an "uproar" by concerned residents in local municipalities. While the governor is dragging his feet putting together task forces and steering committees to address urban sprawl, most of us have already identified the culprit: local planning and zoning boards.
Unfortunately, that means our own citizens and neighbors are destroying the quality of life and environment in New Jersey.
It is true that anyone may attend a public meeting. Unfortu-nately it seems to be also true that unless the entire community turns out to babysit officials at those public meetings, the interest of the community may not be represented.
We are being advised that we can sue the boards over their decisions. Maybe that isn’t a bad idea. It may cost tax dollars but perhaps lawsuits will end the arrogant attitude and disinterest in quality of life characteristic of many of our public officials.
It’s also true that most citizens don’t attend public meetings. Why should anyone believe it’s necessary? There are land use laws and ordinances in place to protect the environment and quality of life. At least that is what the board is likely to tell a homeowner attempting a renovation. How many of us have heard that a building must be a minimum of 10 feet from the property line or a building must not exceed a certain height?
However, when it comes to these regulations the developer has a friend: the variance.
When developers approach local boards the discussion seems to turn immediately to how many variances will be needed to bypass the ordinances. Zoning is changed, appropriate buffers between new and existing constructing are waived, and heads turn the other way when traffic issues arise.
In fairness to local boards there are laws that must be followed and there are times when the state takes charge.
Much over-development in the area is due to COAH (Council On Affordable Housing) and the developers using these laws like a weapon against municipal boards.
However, COAH is not responsible for the over-development of commercial property. COAH is not responsible for local board members supporting the interests of personal friends rather than the community at large. COAH is not responsible for local boards that make it difficult for the homeowner to do renovations, but easy for developers to obtain certificates of occupancy for sub-par construction.
It is time for citizens to hold public officials and local boards accountable for their actions. Thank you, Mr. Rosman, for providing a media for information exchange between all concerned residents and thank you for presenting all sides. Not everyone can attend every meeting so the opinion page in the newspaper is an invaluable source of information exchange. I do go to public meetings and I have seen what the truth is for myself; therefore I write.
Janet Leonardis
Englishtown