LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, May 16
McMansion neighbors seek action, not words
To the editor:
As the homeowners with the longest common border with the so-called "McMansion on a mound" at 73 North Littlebrook Road, we appreciate Kyle Burke’s stated intention in his letter to the editor (The Packet, May 12) to make some accommodations to the needs and perceptions of the neighborhood. His comments stand in stark contrast to his previous dismissal of those concerns as redundant and typical Princeton, and we acknowledge those changes. Unfortunately, he still is characterizing this as a "not-in-my-backyard" issue with a conforming plan. We disagree.
Specifically, we doubt that this structure is still "conforming" within any reasonable use of that word. There have been significant modifications since the township Shade Tree Commission and the township engineer reviewed the initial plans. Mr. Burke has made these changes little by little, without any apparent overall review of their impact. This type of approach, whether it is inadvertent or willful, circumvents the benefits of planning residential development.
Given these changes, we request that Mr. Burke take three immediate steps that will go a long way to showing that his new words are going to be backed up with "conforming" actions:
1) Immediately cease all weekend construction work. The work site has been noisy for the past several weekends, from 8 a.m. often until 6 p.m. This weekend work, whether his construction permit nominally allows it, has had the effect of driving longtime homeowners of the neighborhood indoors on our beautiful spring weekends.
2) Abandon all efforts to remove any more of the established trees on the site. Sixteen of the 71 trees that measured 10 inches or more in diameter have already been felled. It was confirmed this week that a request has been made to the township to expand the building site both west and north of its current footprint, with a request for removal of many more trees. Mr. Burke should commit to completing his project with no more damage to the tree cover of the property and the wetland on which these trees stand. The Shade Tree Commission should also act immediately to save the remaining trees on the site.
3) Request a formal review of current drainage on the site. If it has not already done so, a review of the current drainage on the site not what existed at the time of the original permit should be immediately commenced. If appropriate, the state Department of Environment Protection should be consulted on the current drainage, the state of the wetlands in the area and the impact that could be created by any further fill or other site modifications.
Concern about this McMansion has been falsely labeled as NIMBYism or of general resistance to change. It is no such thing. Instead, this is about balancing the property rights of developers with the property rights of long-term homeowners. The right of a developer building on speculation to change a neighborhood’s character must be balanced with the rights of homeowners (and taxpayers) to maintain a neighborhood that changes, but changes naturally based on the decisions made by those who actually live there.
George T. DiFerdinando, Jr.
Elizabeth G. Marshall
Clover Lane
Princeton
Goerner’s ideas are wise and timely
To the editor:
I am writing in support of Chad Goerner for Princeton Township Committee.
As a local member of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization and a Democratic county committeewoman for the 9th District in Princeton Township, I have seen firsthand the commitment and energy that Chad brings to important local issues.
Chad is committed to encouraging more community involvement by having more informal Township Committee meetings on key issues. In addition, he has proposed creating an open application procedure for all appointed municipal board positions similar to the program from the nonpartisan Center for Civic Responsibility.
Here in Princeton, we are blessed to be able to bring together so many talented residents to work together to find solutions to the complex issues we face as a community. And it is just such local citizen participation, within an open and transparent structure, that is essential to a vibrant democracy and the long-term health of our community. Chad’s ideas for increasing citizen participation are wise and timely.
In the June 6 primary, I encourage you to cast your vote for Chad Goerner. He brings the financial experience, openness and energy that we need on Princeton Township Committee.
Pam Barton
Prince William Court
Princeton
Township will benefit from Carver’s expertise
To the editor:
Why I am voting for Scott Carver in the Democratic primary election for Princeton Township Committee on June 6:
Scott Carver is an experienced attorney with years of service in land use and environmental law, having represented both local governments and private clients.
Among his many concerns is the examination of Princeton’s Master Plan and development regulations, to ensure that our town retains its diverse neighborhoods. These are currently under assault by builders who are tearing down modest, older homes and putting up monster, out-of-scale mansions in their places.
Scott Carver is a committed volunteer in local group, recreational and political activities. He will work tirelessly to see that our citizens’ varied needs are listened to and acted upon. (See www.vote4carver.com for more information.)
If he is elected, the Princeton Township Committee will benefit immensely from his expertise.
Libby Shanefield
Jefferson Road
Princeton
Many contribute to Founders Day
To the editor:
On behalf of Plainsboro Township, I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the many community organizations, businesses and volunteers that made the 27th annual Founders Day celebration such a success.
Through their generous contributions of time, talent and financial support, this community festival achieved its highest potential as an event by the community, for the community.
As our township has grown, Founders Day has also expanded in breadth and diversity. It continues to be a wonderful example of community spirit. Our thanks to all who made it possible.
Joanne Lupica
Director
Plainsboro Recreation Department
Plainsboro Road
Plainsboro
Salvation Army thanks supporters
To the editor:
During National Salvation Army Week, May 15-19, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers, donors, friends and supporters for their help throughout the year. Without your support, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do to help those less fortunate in New Jersey.
How do we help those in need? Throughout New Jersey, we offer a wide variety of programs and services that include: food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance to the disabled, early childhood learning centers, camping programs for youth, seniors and veterans and much more. And our facilities are open 365 days a year.
As one of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been dispensing aid, without discrimination, to those in need since 1865. Begun by William Booth, a renowned evangelical minister, the Army’s first beginnings were in the East End of London. As the Army flourished, it spread to other cities as William Booth preached hope and salvation for the desperately poor and downtrodden.
The work of The Salvation Army today is still based on William Booth’s teachings and continues his mission and service principles that are motivated by love for God and mankind. I invite the public to learn more about the Army’s programs and services by visiting our Web site, www.salvationarmynewjersey.org.
Major Stephen Banfield
State Commander
The Salvation Army
Gary Road
Union

