We would like to comment on the economic development presentation given by Barry Lefkowitz, an economic development adviser and lobbyist, at the Nov. 25 Planning Board meeting.
In addition to "representing the citizens of Jackson," Mr. Lefkowitz stated that he was hired to serve as the "go-between for the township of Jackson and outside interests." Mr. Lefkowitz also said he is assisting with the township’s commercial development efforts in order to lessen the burden on taxpayers.
While this sounds good, we were surprised when Mr. Lefkowitz suggested that the Category 1 statute (C1) being proposed for the Metedeconk River "will devastate commercial development in Jackson."
For your reference, the C1 is designed to protect our drinking water supply and is currently being proposed by the governor and supported by many state and township officials as well. Even more disturbing is the fact that he recommended that the township pass a resolution to combat the C1 from being effective and enforced in Jackson.
C1 is the strongest protection under the federal Clean Water Act and is currently only given to trout streams. It includes a strong anti-sprawl initiative which will protect key drinking water supplies and waters that drain into endangered species habitats — many of which are located right here in Jackson.
In fact, Jackson houses the headwaters of the Metedeconk River — and is home to its South Branch. The C1 statute is currently being proposed for this key waterway which serves as a drinking water source for Jackson as well as 100,000 other Ocean County residents.
Protecting the Metedeconk River is important for many reasons. Not only does it provide us with potable water, but it also preserves valuable wildlife habitats and is critical to maintaining our current ecosystem. Any new developments — whether they are residential or commercial — always contribute negatively to the surface and ground water quality.
The fact that Mr. Lefkowitz would make such a bold statement and paint a negative light on the C1 raises many questions for concerned Jackson residents.
As our "liaison," his efforts should be to observe and understand the significance of such important steps as the C1, and to act responsibly, not lobby against them. The Metedeconk River currently has virtually no protection. We should set the example; we should do all we can to preserve our natural resources and look to the many other areas in Jackson that can be developed commercially without having such a negative impact on our water supply and quality of life.
Lastly, rather than looking at neighboring towns and what they have not done (as mentioned in the meeting), maybe we should look at towns that are doing something.
Perhaps Jackson should consider a greenway plan like our neighbors in Allentown, Millstone and Plumsted, to name a few. Thankfully, these towns are looking at ways to protect their lands and connect the parks, trails and transition areas between the waterways and dry land, to benefit future generations. This crucial forethought to their town’s environmental needs will not only protect the quality of their land into the future, but also help to preserve the quality of neighboring boundaries such as Jackson simply by controlling what flows out.
Fresh water should be protected at any cost. If you have questions about the value of water quality, just ask our neighbors in Howell.
Lori Neuman
Denise Garner
Save, Preserve and
Respect Our Environment
Jackson