The ongoing dispute with the Red Bank Zoning Board, Building and Land Technologies, and local residents on the size and scope of the [proposed townhouse and condominium] project [at corner of Monmouth and West streets] seems to have missed an important and driving force behind these oversized behemoths of residential building. Money! The profit motive is the foundation of our capitalist system.
However, even profits have a moral and ethical limit. Profit motives that run roughshod over the rights and concerns of town citizens have no place in Red Bank.
This attempt to circumvent the zoning regulations by the builder, politicians and their toadies is just another in a long line of the local government and political bosses rallying to the motto: "For the downtown, and the heck with the rest of the town."
The builders and politicians want to jam and cram in as many units as possible to maximize profits at the expense of the local residents. It is not the function of local government to ensure profit margins for private developers.
Some complain that those opposed to the project have not offered an alternate plan? Well, they have.
They want the size of the buildings scaled back to blend with and contribute to the neighborhood environment.
They do not want a colossus that would destroy their neighborhood and town character.
Big money for a few at the expense of the many. This has been a driving force in local politics for years. Promote the downtown. What about the rest of the town?
J. Martin Corcoran
Red Bank