Hospital plan still missing cooperation from Trenton

The recent Town Hall meeting orchestrated in Marlboro may have created the illusion that substantial goals have been clarified connected with the purchase of the hospital acreage on Route 520. It obviously was successful in hyping this perception since it energized a positive editorial in (a local daily newspaper).

Even if the editorial in question, "Hospital Plan on Right Track," is allegedly true, I would still respectfully suggest that the Marlboro citizenry not bother waiting at the train station for that train to shortly arrive on the "right track."

Unfortunately it’s absurd to contemplate that significant advances have been accomplished concerning the acquisition of the hospital property and the finalization of anything approaching an operational plan. There still remains a striking shortfall because of a major missing part of the equation connected to the hospital negotiations. Just exactly how many millions of dollars does Trenton expect to receive for the property?

Some five years ago, as a member of the Marlboro Township Council, I met with officials of the New Jersey Treasury Department representing the state in matters concerned with acquiring state-owned property available for sale.

Casually leaning forth at the committee table, I laughingly, but hopefully suggested that Marlboro was prepared to offer Trenton the symbolic amount of $1 for the purchase of the Marlboro hospital property. Needless to say, my offer was summarily rejected.

It has been suggested dealing with Trenton these past years has, at times, illustrated disingenuous attitudes on their part.

They have stalled providing detailed explanations of their positions on numerous facets of the proposed sale, hampered negotiations by postponing and canceling planned meetings, and in the past, have succeeded in delaying a comprehensive settlement of the sale itself.

If we are expected to get aboard the "train" suggested by that editorial as being "on track," it would be prudent for Marlboro to finally learn precisely what the "fare" will be at the turnstile.

Herbert Resnick

Marlboro