Modeling responsible behavior is parental choice
To the editor:
I read your articles and editorials for the past two weeks about alcohol use in teens with concern. Over the 17 years I have lived in Hopewell Valley, I have heard parents talk of having their teen-age children drink alcohol in their homes in a "controlled situation" in order to prepare them to handle the freedom and lack of supervision in college.
This is not what colleges find with their freshmen students. I recently received a lengthy letter from the Dean of Freshmen at my daughter’s college in Boston. She noted that most of the freshmen were not involved with drinking or drugs. However, a worrisome increase in serious incidents occurred with the freshman class this fall. Every incident of property damage, physical assault, and sexual assault involved drinking or drugs. When the students involved were interviewed, all were continuing a pattern that began in high school. None of them were overreacting to the freedom of college after not drinking alcohol at home.
Even more surprising to me, this dean noted that several parents had supplied the liquor for freshman parties at college. In addition to being illegal, it appears that drinking in high school may give students a false sense of security that they can handle alcohol in college. The parents’ actions had the opposite effect of what they intended. Dean Elizabeth Nathans noted, "Whatever any of us may believe about the age at which young adults should be able legally to purchase and to consume alcohol, or whatever one’s personal beliefs may be about the use of other drugs, the law is clear. Modeling responsible behavior is a parental choice, but it is a critically important one."
Judy Orlosky, Pennington
A ridiculous lawsuit
To the editor:
I am writing in total disgust about the fact that the Hopewell Township zoning board is being sued as a result of its unanimous decision to grant a use variance for the farmhouse restaurant on the former Lucent property on Carter Road. When I read of this in the paper, I was amazed to learn that one of the two people bringing the suit is a zoning board member who did not attend the meeting at which the vote took place. This world never ceases to amaze me and it frustrates me to know that Hopewell Township faces the prospect of spending my tax dollars fighting ridiculous lawsuits such as this.
I attended several of the planning and zoning board meetings where the farmhouse plan was discussed. While I did not attend every meeting, I found the information provided by John Marshall and his team to be very open, honest and straightforward. The planning and zoning board members asked many questions and requested much information causing the review to be held over to additional meetings. I left the meetings I attended thoroughly convinced that both sides of the issue were heard and carefully considered by both boards. Some in attendance were from the Elm Ridge Park area. Some of them had a lawyer representing them. They questioned many of the details of the planned use for the property as a residence; everything from water use to traffic studies to seating capacity to the price of lunches to be served was asked. It was a fair and honest exchange among participants in the debate.
With all that said, I cannot for the life of me understand why on earth a lawsuit is being brought against what I understood to be a unanimous decision of the zoning board. I am a resident of Mount Rose and have lived here for just a little more than two years. I think many would agree, and I stated this twice (once at the planning board meeting and again at the zoning board meeting) that the kind of restaurant that John Marshall and his team would bring to the farmhouse property is exactly in keeping with the flavor of living here in Hopewell Township. I have very fond memories of special meals at special places all through my life in the various places I’ve lived (New York, Florida, and California). A farmhouse restaurant as planned is the kind of place that will serve to bring the community together, creating new memories for young and old alike.
I hope that in some way, this letter will have an effect in stopping this lawsuit from going forward, and result in a wonderful restaurant coming to our area.
Robert Monsour, Hopewell
A first-class facility
To the editor:
I read with dismay of the lawsuit concerning the farmhouse on Carter Road. As a close neighbor and as one of the many people who attended the Zoning Board hearings on this matter, I am saddened that this lawsuit will drag out this project, which the board unanimously agreed to after hearing hours of professional testimony and after allowing all interested parties in the audience to speak.
I am also outraged that our tax dollars will go to fighting this lawsuit when the majority spoke in such favor of having a first-class, attractive restaurant facility at this location.
Landis Eaton, Hopewell Township
Support Marshall’s project
To the editor:
I read with great disbelief that there are factions trying to stop the proposed restaurant on Carter Road, which would be owned by John Marshall owner of Main Street Bistro in Princeton and also a local resident who will live near his own facility.
Are there actually people out there who are so closed-minded that they believe Mr. Marshall would build something that would devalue his own home? I live directly across the road from the proposed restaurant and know what a wonderful addition it would be to our community. It is in keeping with the historic values we all like to see In fact, much more so than a laboratory putting chemicals into our waterways and our soil.
I really do not think a lab would be in keeping with historic uses, do you? I suppose Ted Petrie and Robert Kraeger would rather see something like that in our back yards. I have lived in this area all my life and every time someone comes up with an idea that would benefit our township and is supported by a large majority of the citizens, there is always someone trying to block it with hair-brained ideas and lawsuits that are not good for us.
Get a life people, wake up and let’s use common sense and improve our community, not tear it apart. Forget these stupid lawsuits just to fulfill your own selfish desires that cost us all money in the end because we have missed out on a great project.
I was at the township meetings and the feelings for this restaurant were overwhelming. It is what the people want. Fellow residents, now is the time to show your support for Mr. Marshall’s project and let your voice be heard.
Barry Davison, Hopewell Township
John Marshall has done it right
To the editor:
Please add our names to the long list of supporters for the refurbishing of the farmhouse on Carter Road. This restaurant/catering facility is a terrific way to breathe life into an area that at present looks like a desolate, lifeless scene from a sci-fi movie.
John Marshall is a man of integrity, who works very hard to run his business. His outstanding reputation as a caterer and restaurateur speaks for itself. His endeavors at the farmhouse will only add to the quality of life in the Hopewell Valley. John has worked for many months, obtained all the plans and specs needed, retained the proper professionals, and invested incredible sums of money to work with Hopewell Township to obtain the variances he needed to build his dream. He got them.
John has done it right. Let’s not waste any more time and taxpayer resources to make him fight more. This is a done deal. Onward folks.
Tom and Tracey Gates, Hopewell Township
Continued harassment
To the editor:
I wish to express my dismay at the continued harassment heaped upon the efforts to convert the farmhouse at the old AT&T site to a restaurant affiliated with the Main Street establishments.
Despite the unanimous approval of the Hopewell Valley Planning Board last fall, that came after a protracted but equitable presentation of all the issues involved, it seems that some individuals are attempting to thwart the board’s approval with a lawsuit. This behavior sets an unwelcome precedent in that one’s dissatisfaction with a government body ruling is hopefully mitigated by transferring the decision process to the courts, bypassing the elected officials specifically charged with making such decisions.
I might suggest these same individuals seek appointment to the board themselves, and let government bodies function as they should.
Robert McKillip, Hopewell Township
Get registered!
To the editor:
I have recently become informed that close to 30 percent of the parents in Hopewell Valley are not registered to vote! This is distressing to say the least given that this is an important budget year for our district as well as a national presidential election year!
Don’t be one of these statistics. Please register to vote and have your voice heard! You can obtain a voter registration form in any of the schools, at the municipal offices or at www.mercercounty.org by selecting "county clerk," "services," and then "elections." Forms must be postmarked by March 19, so hurry! Also, check your calendar. If you are not going to be in town on April 20 or Nov. 2, get an absentee ballot application by calling the clerk in Hopewell Township, 737-0605; Hopewell Borough, 466-2636; Pennington, 737-0276; or Trenton, 989-3185.
Chris Amantia, Citizens for HoVal Schools, Titusville
Frivolous allegations
To the editor:
I am writing this letter to voice my opinion regarding the recent lawsuit seeking to overturn the zoning board’s decision regarding the EAT, Inc. application.
It is very sad that these individuals feel it is necessary to fight a battle against something that would be a benefit to the township. I read with disgust the article in last week’s edition of the Hopewell Valley News, in which it was reported that John Marshall allegedly tried to influence the zoning board’s decision by improperly offering Bob Kraeger a job landscaping the property. John Marshall and his family would never do such a thing.
I wish that Mr. Kraeger and Ted Petrie would stop causing our tax dollars to once again be wasted in defense of frivolous allegations. There are enough serious matters at hand in our township that merit the dedication of our officials and limited tax dollars.
Kirsten Vogeley, Hopewell Township
Same rights for all
To the editor:
Last week, I was asked to perform my first marriage ceremony, between two members of the same sex. Since then, I’ve wrestled with this issue from a personal, legal, and moral perspective. From a personal perspective, although I would like to perform this marriage, my current understanding of the legal situation as it pertains to my responsibilities as mayor of Hopewell Township make me unable to do so. I happen to have family members who are gay. I believe they and every American citizen should be afforded the same rights, privileges and responsibilities under the constitution of the United States and the State of New Jersey.
The couple that approached me last week are upstanding members of Hopewell Township, they are law abiding contributors to our community, good citizens, pay taxes and they vote. Why are they not afforded the same rights and privileges because of this one difference? It is completely counter productive to what good government should be to discriminate in this fashion.
Just as with other human characteristics, whether they be intrinsic such as ethnicity, sex, skin color or matters of choice such as political or religious views, I believe it would be unethical to discriminate against citizens because of their sexual orientation. And let’s not forget that we’re talking about a voluntary act of love and commitment between two consenting adults.
To me, an important way of gauging the development of a given culture is not to look at the so-called best of its citizenry, the successful, the recognized, but how it deals with the disenfranchised, those who have not succeeded in the mainstream, the outsiders. It is the boundaries of society, the edges, that truly measure its dimensions. From a historical perspective, it was not that long ago that certain minorities did not have equal rights under the law, that women were not allowed to vote. Just as correcting those, now obvious, injustices is evidence of our cultural advancement, now we need to fully embrace the multiple rights and privileges of citizens regardless of their sexual orientation.
Our country was built by people who left many lands because they were disenfranchised, unwelcome in their own cultures. Perhaps as a result, one of the fundamentals of our own democracy is personal liberty. I believe providing equal protection under the law to this particular minority is less about sexual orientation than it is about personal rights and freedoms, and I have faith that the value we Americans place on liberty will eventually overcome our prejudices.
As a nation forged through the commingling of myriad peoples, cultures and values, we should recognize the importance of diversity. Indeed, instead of ostracizing those who are "different," whether they’re gay or born again, Muslims or Christians, conservatives or progressives, it is my opinion we should learn to recognize their contributions to human and cultural evolution. Neither species nor civilizations evolve and grow through homogeneity. They evolve through differences, and through those who stretch the boundaries of biological and social systems. Either we learn to accept and appreciate such differences, or we deny a fundamental truth.
I wish I could perform this marriage, but it is against New Jersey’s current law, and my duty to my office prevents me. However, the issue of same sex marriage has become a political lightning rod in this election year. It’s a hot topic in the media. And as pioneering couples like the one that came to me last week continue to test the boundaries of our legal system, continue to fight for their civil rights, it’s not likely to simply go away. Grassroots movements such as this one are the engine of political change. It took a long time for African-Americans to win their freedom and civil rights, and for women the right to vote. But the train is in the station, and I for one am getting on.
Vanessa Sandom, mayor, Hopewell Township
Equal rights issue
To the editor:
First, Nilda and I would like to thank Mayor Vanessa Sandom for her incredible support. The anticipation of our initial contact is on our list of most nerve-wracking events. Going on instinct that she was approachable on the topic, it was immediately apparent that not only was she receptive, but a proponent. We could not have asked for a better advocate.
Although we tried to manage our expectations, we were deeply disappointed by the end result of not being able to be married. As we write this, we recall that we had hoped to be celebrating our marriage with our friends. Nonetheless, the experience has been, and continues to be amazing.
The support from our friends was not unexpected, but the depth of their joy over our pending nuptials touched us deeply. The transformation from disappointment to motivation has been palpable. Oddly, for us this is not so much a gay issue as an equal rights issue and we are motivated. We thought we were fairly well read on the topic, but what we have learned in the past week points to the need for broader discussion in wider venues.
We hope to bring a lot more information to the public and to help clear up misinformation such as laws purported to be "separate but equal." But mostly, we hope that by our example, more same-sex couples who wish they could enjoy the protections and benefits of legal recognition of their relationship would also come out. It is clear that by taking the issue out of theory and into personal reality is the best, and perhaps only way to remove the fear and demonization.
Denise Ness, Nilda Rodriguez, Hopewell Township
Shocked at opposition
To the editor:
I have been a lifetime resident of Lawrenceville, and have spent my years growing up, living and working in the surrounding towns of Pennington, Hopewell and Princeton. Main Street Bistro at the Princeton Shopping Center has always been one of our favorite places, for more reasons than just the great food and atmosphere. I am writing to tell the story of how an enterprising family-owned restaurant has become so important to us over the years.
In 1991, I was a new mother, needing to work hours that would be sufficient for taking care of my son, so they needed to be flexible. I had heard that Main Street Bistro, which had recently opened, was hiring servers. Upon my interview, I was immediately in love with the atmosphere, but I had no idea how much this step would positively affect my future career.
It was at Main Street that I first learned to love the art behind fine food and wine pairing. Through regular training by one of the major wine suppliers, the wait staff was introduced to wines from around the world. This opened up a whole new path for me as I grew to become more interested in the field. As my son became older and entered kindergarten, I decided to pursue my previous sales career, this time focusing on the industry of wine and spirits. This was largely due to my positive educational experience at Main Street Bistro.
Almost a decade has gone by since those days at Main Street. Today, my son is almost 13 years old, and I am the northeast area manager for a supplier of fine Australian wine. I’ve achieved this position through hard work in the field of distributor sales and believe that the seed was initially sown when I was a server at one of the most unique and welcomed additions to the Princeton area restaurant scene in the early 90s. There are several other individuals I know who have had career paths take off from their experience working at Main Street.
Both I, and my husband, who is a culinary school trained chef, have both been looking forward to the expansion of Main Street at the farmhouse facility on Carter Road. There are many people who would benefit from the jobs that would be created and it would also serve to bring people together from all parts of Mercer County. We were shocked to find out that the plans were being in any way opposed.
We have seen the plans that will turn this location into a destination for special events as well as fine dining and feel that this will be a welcome addition for area residents. The Marshall family knows how to make their customers and staff feel like family and there is none that is better suited to create a special establishment on a special piece of land.
Nancy McDevitt, Lawrenceville
One man’s dissatisfaction
To the editor:
What am I missing here? Is this truly a suit filed to overturn approval, by the Hopewell Township Zoning Board, of a use variance on behalf of Main Street’s farmhouse?
I am beginning to wonder what exactly I heard last November. I thought I heard votes of unanimous approval of the application. Perhaps someone could explain why this board, as well as literally dozens of neighbors of the farmhouse, should now find themselves vulnerable to one man’s dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meetings.
In a nation terrifyingly vulnerable to the whims and vagaries of one man and his cabinet, it would be gratifying to think that at the local, small-town level at least the tradition of the popular vote, as represented by elected officials of the township, can still stand firm.
Ernest H. Winter Jr., Lawrence Township
‘Night Off’ thank-yous
To the editor:
The old adage we won’t get anywhere if we don’t get there together certainly applies to Hopewell Valley’s Night Off. Every sector of the community worked to get the word out that March 2 would be a chance for everyone in Hopewell Valley to take a deep breath and recapture that ever elusive commodity time!
Thanks to:
Mayors Jim Loper, David Nettles and Vanessa Sandom and their councils and committees for passing resolutions in support and backing their words up with actions in rescheduling committee meetings.
HVRSD Superintendent Nick Lorenzetti and his administration for agreeing on a date, mailing postcards, and distributing buttons and newsletters to all families of school children in Hopewell Valley celebrating the idea of time together.
HVRSD school board for passing a supportive resolution.
Jeff Wittkopp, Pennington Public Works, and Michele Hovan, Hopewell Borough administrator/clerk, for hanging street banners in the boroughs as if there was nothing to it!
Maryann Saums at Pennington Printers for her creative solution to our calendar stickers and the design for our posters and banners.
Pat Ryan, Hopewell Valley Community Bank; Jolly Leigh, Hopewell Business Association; Alice Huston, Hopewell Borough Parks and Recreation; Frank Jankoski, Corporate Environmental Services; and Kurt Pedersen, Pennington Parks and Recreation, for providing donations for the street banners.
Michael Hritz for having the inspiration for our "I’m Off Tonight!" buttons and making them happen.
Stephanie Gray and the YMCARE staff and middle school students who counted out buttons for every elementary school homeroom in the district!
Pennington Market for providing a choice of dinners to pick up on March 2 so even the family cook could have a "night off."
Child care and preschools who publicized the event with their families.
Faith communities throughout the Valley who rescheduled meetings and always make it their business to encourage and support family life!
Community groups who planned their calendars with "Hopewell Valley’s Night Off" in mind!
Everyone who said, "I can’t wait!"; "We should do this once a month!"; "We should do this once a week!"; "I could use one!"
And everyone who made "Hopewell Valley’s Night Off" their "Night Off"!
We hope this will be an annual event, but more importantly that people will take back some time for themselves and their families in the midst of busy schedules. We’d love to know how individuals spent their "Night Off," so e-mail us at: [email protected].
The "Night Off" committee
Punitive, not corrective
To the editor:
I am surprised and disappointed that there is a lawsuit against Hopewell Township and Main Street. The Zoning Board clearly made every conceivable opportunity available for questions and arguments from anyone. And the process was long and arduous. Even recognizing that everyone has legal rights to bring suit when justice does not seem to have been done (in the plaintiff’s opinion), this action seems, in this case, to be punitive rather than corrective. I do not see what more could be expected of the municipality in looking out for the best interests of its citizens.
I feel very lucky to have been available at the right time to sign on as the project landscape architect. John had first thought to hire a landscape architect as familiar as possible with the site. His original choice turned out to be unavailable because he was a member of the Zoning Board. From him, though, came a recommendation to Henry Arnold, my colleague and friend (and also a former employer from 30 years back). Henry was unable to meet the extremely short time frame for submitting a plan, and so sent John to me. This is an example of one of the strengths of our profession. As a group, Landscape Architects tend to send potential clients on to the colleagues they respect, when they can’t themselves be of service. And so John came to my office on a Saturday morning with 10 days to go.
As the project landscape architect for The Farmhouse, I have experienced one of the finest client/professional relationships of my career. John has been thorough, attentive, and demanding in his search for good planning, design, and engineering. He has insisted on an economy of means, but every decision has been guided by a commitment to maintain the character of the old farmhouse and surrounding landscape.
In our work together in developing a proposal for an elegant and efficient site plan, John and I focused on ways to take advantage of the existing open, farm-like setting. The major visible change, from what you see today, will be signs of life and some evening glow from lighting, and a "repaired" landscape of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that have been selected to frame and screen the spaces that people will occupy and view. We have all been working towards minimizing the impact of new construction on the site and on the community, while gently adapting the building and grounds to this new use. For example, the entry loop drive, although it appears as a fairly large shape on the site plan, will hardly be visible at all from Carter Road, and will be a relatively thin entry drive through a farm field for visitors arriving at the main entrance.
One day soon, The Farmhouse will be a friendly gathering place for local residents and workers, as well as a destination for a unique atmosphere, as are the Main Street Bistro and Bar in Princeton and the Bakery and Coffee House in Kingston. I hope we can all soon move toward that day, unimpeded by non-productive, distracting obstacles.
Alan Goodheart, ASLA landscape architect, Princeton
