Letters to the Editor, Oct. 13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Oct. 13

Nothing makes sense about Route 92
To the editor:
   
I doubt that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s Route 92 project is as dead as your editorial has said (The Packet, Oct. 10). But then, almost nothing about Route 92 makes sense. The Army Corps of Engineers’ not-quite-final environmental impact statement has presented us with even more mysteries.
   For instance, if the Army Corps of Engineers really wants to kill the turnpike’s Route 92 project, why didn’t they just deny the construction permits outright? They have it in their power to do so, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would back them up.
   And why did they call for public comment when announcing a final EIS? Isn’t final supposed to be final?
   And, regarding east-west corridors, wouldn’t drivers take the shortest route from east to west? (This would be down Nassau Street to Route 206 to 287.)
   And why don’t the "outspoken supporters of 92," like Plainsboro’s Mayor Peter S. Cantu, want 92 built through their own towns? Could it be that superhighways generate more traffic, not less?
   There’s a larger conundrum, too. As the editorial noted, the Army Corps of Engineers has a well-documented history of bias for construction over the environment, so much so that the Department of Defense censured them in 2001. They’ve also had a long history of big construction projects gone badly wrong, as famed Princeton author John McPhee noted in "The Control of Nature" and "Encounters with the Archdruid" — the latest case in point being the failed dikes that caused the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans.
   So why are guys like the Army Corps in charge of environmental policy in New Jersey, anyway? And where, exactly, do our candidates for federal office stand on that issue?
   The really, really final EIS won’t be out until after the election. Are we in for yet another December surprise?
Steve Masticola
Church Street
Franklin Township
Residents invited to join in celebrations
To the editor:
   
We are writing to encourage all Princeton residents to come join the celebrations at Princeton High School, John Witherspoon Middle School and Walnut Lane this Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon to 4 p.m.
   It is going to be a fabulous day with tours of the new facilities available at both the high school and middle school, including the Performing Arts Center, gymnasiums, swimming pool and other sporting facilities, the science labs, rooftop greenhouse and more.
   There will also be musical performances by the students and other groups throughout the afternoon, and a festive street fair on Walnut Lane. The fair will involve more than 80 groups, including more than 30 community partners and 40 student organizations. All the groups participating are involved with the schools in one way or another, and serve to support and enrich the lives of our children growing up here in Princeton.
   This is truly is a community celebration and we hope to see everyone there.
Charlotte Bialek and Jo Singer
Celebrations Planning Committee
Princeton Regional Schools
Valley Road
Princeton
Merwick site ideal for mixed-use area
To the editor:
   
The 9-acre Merwick property was announced as having been sold to Princeton University in connection with the move of our Princeton hospital to Plainsboro. The university intends to use the area exclusively for its own needs — housing for graduate students, faculty or employees. This would extend the barrier through our town, reaching from Lake Carnegie to Community Park, finalizing the division of our community into a western and an eastern half.
   We just learned that the usage of the Merwick area has not been finalized yet, waiting for the approval by the Borough Council. There is still time to speak up and to work toward a better solution.
   The Merwick area is located in the heart of Princeton, wedged between a diversity of neighborhoods and directly adjacent to Princeton’s key cultural and commercial activities. If a community is compared to a motor, would one dedicate a central area to a non-central function? Should the central area not be dedicated to a function of connectivity, to make all the parts function better together?
   What could be a function of connectivity for the Merwick area that would also fulfill a community need?
   The obvious answer is to create a mixed-use residential area, to bring the different segments of our town together in its center and to let all segments benefit from that wonderful location. There should be low-income housing mixed with sophisticated housing. There should be room for families with children and, specifically, also room for seniors. All of those people would not be relegated to the margins of our town but would benefit from the proximity of the Y, the new arts center, the library, and so many more cultural and commercial facilities — including the university and the bus connection at Palmer Square.
   Some of the new housing should be made available to the old-time residents of the high-density Clay Street apartments who had to live for too long in restricted quarters and could now enjoy their own residences — for example facilitated in the manner and in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. Single-floor apartments for seniors would allow older citizens to stay in town and to continue their active participation in all kinds of community activities.
   There should also be some room to conserve some of the wonderful old trees. There could be some small herb, vegetable or flower gardens for people living on John Street — and, in the center, a small play area for children.
   This should not be a high-density design. Not all of us will be able to live there. But all of us could enjoy having a very pleasant central area in our town — connecting all the varied lifestyles from the otherwise separated surrounding neighborhoods. We could all walk or bike through this community on our way into town and be proud of Princeton.
   Mayor and members of Borough Council, please consider the possibility for wonderful connectivity in the center of our town and arrive at a new concept for Merwick.
Helmut Schwab
Westcott Road
Princeton
Collaborative effort is healthy for community
To the editor:
   
Every 35 seconds, someone in this country dies from cardiovascular disease. An important step in combating this disease is identifying your risk.
   I would like to thank the area church leaders who helped Princeton HealthCare System to bring World Heart Day: 2006 to the Princeton and Hightstown communities on Sept. 24. Over 150 community residents were screened and those requiring follow-up were provided information on how and when to follow up with a health-care provider.
   Bringing together the community for this important event could not have been possible without the integrated efforts of the community, local churches and the health-care professionals from Princeton HealthCare System. I would like to personally thank the Rev. Vernard Leak and Jesse Malave of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Princeton; the Rev. Carlton Branscomb and Cheryl Sistrunk of First Baptist Church, Princeton; and the Rev. Bernard Fowler and the Howard Family (Dr. James Howard and his wife, Cheryl, and son, Matthew) of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Hightstown. A special thanks to the Henry J. Austin Health Center, Inc., for providing free HIV testing and counseling.
   This is an illustration of the good things that happen when resources are combined for the benefit of the community.
Geri Karpiscak
Nurse Manager
Cardiac Rehabilitation and Diabetes Management
University Medical Center at Princeton
Witherspoon Street
Princeton
‘In the Pink’ event is true celebration
To the editor:
   
On Sept. 29, Breast Cancer Awareness Month was launched in style at the second annual "In the Pink" Fashion Show and Silent Auction. More than 220 guests watched breast cancer survivors, their husbands, children, sisters, friends and doctors model stunning fall fashions from Aerosoles, Hedy Shepard Ltd., Honey West, Hulit’s Shoes, Ici Fashion for Children, J. McLaughlin, Rouge, Talbots and the Dandeline Shop. They bid generously on auction items and helped raise more than $16,000 to benefit the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center, which is dedicated to providing information and support to women and families affected by breast cancer, and to increasing awareness of the disease in the community.
   We extend heartfelt thanks to all those who made this inspirational evening possible. Thank you to our sponsor Capital Health System; individual event benefactors, patrons and friends; in-kind contributors Bloomers N’ Things, Rita Marie Bohlumbohm, Firmenich, Jen King Graphic Design, Life Photography by Katherine, Anne Lumberger, Mary Phillips Designs, Metropolis Spa & Salon, McCaffrey’s West Windsor, Media Matrix, Revlon, Triangle East Windsor, and Wildflowers of Princeton Junction; live auction donors An Organized Life, Hamilton Jewelers, Longchamp USA, and Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster; and all of the 146 silent auction donors, for their generosity and support.
   To emcee June Ballinger, DJ Eric Santini, auctioneer Jim D’Ovidio and our many volunteers, thank you for keeping the evening running smoothly. And to our 28 models, thank you for sharing your energy and enthusiasm with us all.
   A special note of appreciation to breast cancer survivor Lynne Ransom who shared her thoughts on the importance of an event like "In the Pink" to patients, survivors and their loved ones; and to Phyllis Marchand, mayor of Princeton Township, for presiding over the pink ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2006.
   The support of all participants and guests made this event a true celebration of the beauty, strength and spirit of breast cancer survivors and their supporters.
Kara Stephenson
Director
Breast Cancer Resource Center
YWCA Princeton
Paul Robeson Place
Princeton
It’s easier to complain than to commend
To the editor:
   
I am responding to David M. Bekus’s letter to the editor (The Packet, Oct. 6), in which he terms Montgomery Township’s decision to close McKnight Field a "disproportional response" to health and safety concerns regarding road millings used in the parking lot.
   One might ask who raised the original concern over the "carcinogenic properties of loose asphalt millings." Why, it was Mr. Bekus himself, at the Township Committee meeting of Sept. 21. I attended this meeting and listened to his lengthy and adamant statement about the danger of said millings during the public comment section of the meeting.
   Now, two weeks later, he writes to complain that the township over-reacted in closing the ball fields while the millings were removed and the parking lot repaved. This is the first time I have ever heard of someone complaining because the governing body acted swiftly and decisively to address their concerns. I guess during election season, some people are looking for anything to complain about.
Bill Forbes
Griggstown Road
Montgomery
Birge, Fay care about Montgomery
To the editor:
   
Cecilia Birge and Brad Fay, Democrats for Montgomery Township Committee, are talented and dedicated citizens who have proven they are right for the job.
   I first met Cecilia through our children and Kid Connection. Then, through my work on the Environmental Commission, I saw firsthand the way she used her professional financial expertise in service to the township. As deputy mayor and liaison to the Budget and Finance Advisory Committee, she has helped stabilize municipal taxes through the careful management of township debt. Furthermore, her understanding of financial planning will allow the township to undertake needed capital improvements, such as road repairs, along with the cleanup and redevelopment of Skillman Village, without a big tax hit.
   I got to know Brad through our work on the North Princeton Developmental Center Redevelopment Concept Committee. His advocacy on behalf of preserving as much of the architectural character of NPDC as possible stood out. His civic experience as a former president of the Van Harlingen Historical Society and a member of the township Landmarks Commission is further evidence of the value he places on preserving the historic and rural character of our town.
   Cecilia Birge and Brad Fay care about Montgomery — its past, present and future. They are already dedicated public servants, and they want to continue working for the residents of Montgomery. I urge you to vote for Birge and Fay on Nov. 7.
Gwen Farley
Van Zandt Road
Montgomery
Somerset County needs two-party government
To the editor:
   
Once again, Montgomery is leading the way in the good government movement ("Montgomery extends limits on pay-to-play," The Packet, Oct. 10). By limiting political and campaign contributions from firms that might do redevelopment work at Skillman Village or Texaco Corner at Routes 518 and 206, Montgomery Township is saying that its decisions in hiring redevelopers and other professionals will not be influenced by money.
   This system — where firms make big contributions in exchange for no-bid contracts — is known as "pay-to-play." And it’s out of control in Somerset County, where millions of dollars in government contracts are given out without public bidding. It is because of Mayor Louise Wilson’s leadership on this issue, and many others, that we are supporting her and Dennis Sullivan for freeholder in Somerset County. Wilson and Sullivan will do everything in their power to ban pay-to-play at the county level.
   At any level of government, the issue of pay-to-play is not a partisan one. It’s really a matter of incumbents, and the firms doing business with them, being entrenched in a system of "you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours." It’s easy to see how this system, with its favoritism and lack of a fair, public bidding process, could lead to corruption.
   Another negative byproduct of the pay-to-play system is the thwarting of the democratic process. Incumbents, with their ever-full campaign coffers, are insulated from real competition. This is particularly true in the case of the Somerset County freeholder board; the last Democratic freeholder was elected in the 1970s.
   Now is the time to bring two-party government — and political accountability — back to Somerset County. Vote for Democrats Louise Wilson and Dennis Sullivan for freeholder on Nov. 7.
Ken Berger and Sue Repko
North Shore Court
Montgomery
Vote for Stender, vote for life
To the editor:
   
I am 14 years old and, like most kids my age, I have dreams. Most kids dream of being an astronaut, actor or sports star. I dream of a cure for juvenile diabetes, a disease I have had since I was 6 years old.
   For the last eight years of my life, I have spoken out about juvenile diabetes, how it has robbed me of my carefree childhood. I have raised both awareness and funds. I have petitioned politicians to support medical research for a cure.
   One of the best avenues for a cure is embryonic stem-cell research. I personally have met with Rep. Michael Ferguson three times over the past four years and his aides told our family that we cannot even discuss this issue with him because it is against "pro-life."
   Am I not a life?
   These embryos that scientists want to use get thrown away if they are not used for research. How is that pro-life, Congressman Ferguson?
   When I recently met with Linda Stender, she told me that she would help me achieve my dream, that my dream could actually become a reality. Linda Stender has the ability to change my dreams, and the dreams of everyone who has a disease; you just have to give her a chance.
   Vote for Linda Stender. Vote for life.
Lindsey Rosenthal
Black Horse Run
Montgomery
Pfeifer has vision to manage growth
To the editor:
   
I am a longtime resident of West Windsor. My husband and I bought our house in 1996 and have since enjoyed raising our family here.
   The township has grown from a rural community to a thriving town consisting of many amenities including good schools, train station into Manhattan and conveniently located shops and restaurants.
   We are in an enviable position, but managing this growth can only be successfully accomplished through proper planning by the right people.
   Barbara Pfeifer is the right person to serve on the West Windsor Township Council. She is keenly aware of the impact of high property taxes on our citizens and is sensitive to families who are struggling to remain here. Furthermore, her background is in business. She will ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely and will look for ways to reduce expenditures.
   She supports a transit village, which, properly implemented, could potentially decrease taxes. I’m for that.
   In contrast, Will Anklowitz doesn’t think we need a transit village. He doesn’t want West Windsor to change. Whether we like it or not, this community is changing. It is our responsibility to elect someone who has the vision and foresight to manage our growth.
   Vote for Barbara Pfeifer. She is the right candidate for the West Windsor Township Council.
Adrienne Markisz
Aldrich Way
West Windsor
Donation exemplifies community spirit
To the editor:
   
On behalf of the faculty and staff at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, we would like to recognize the community spirit of Wayne Kalinowski and John Martel of the Windsor Farm. They were very generous in their donation of all mums to beautify our school for Back To School Night on Oct. 5.
   It is responsible citizens like Wayne Kalinowski and John Martel who make us proud that we have such a great community.
Charles D. Rudnick
Principal
West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South
Clarksville Road
West Windsor
Use coupons to fight hunger
To the editor:
   
We want to alert readers in Princeton to the fact that there is an ongoing fundraising program in the McCaffrey’s and Wegmans supermarkets. At each checkout counter in these stores, coupons in $1, $3 and $5 denominations may be added to your grocery bill. The proceeds go directly to the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank.
   The Food Bank has been providing food to agencies and churches in Mercer County for more than 20 years. It distributes an average of 1.3 million pounds of food annually to more than 60 organizations.
   As you must be aware, hunger is a pressing problem in many parts of our country. The Mercer Street Friends Food Bank is supplying food to many people in Mercer County who would otherwise go hungry.
   We extend our warm thanks to the Wegmans and McCaffrey’s markets for their cooperation. Please join us in the fight against hunger by making use of the coupons.
Janet Townsend
Maureen Darrow
Mercer Street Friends Food Bank
Silvia Street
Ewing
Gulf Coast benefits from Princetonians’ kindness
To the editor:
   
Now that a year has passed, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is seeing the fruits of the labor provided by the many generous people who have tirelessly assisted in our recovery and rebuilding efforts.
   We’d like to thank all of the members of the Princeton Jewish Center and Princeton Theological Seminary who’ve given of their time, hearts and hands.
   We would also like to thank the countless others from your area who also gave of themselves to aid in our recovery. Words can’t begin to express our appreciation.
   As we continue to rebuild our coastal communities, we are inspired by the ongoing commitment of so many people around the country, such as Princeton. Because of this kindness, Princeton has a permanent place in our hearts.
   If members of your community would like to see how we’re progressing, please visit our Web site at www.gulfcoast.org. Thank you again for all the hope you provided.
Stephen B. Richer
Executive Director
Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention Visitors Bureau
Gulfport, Miss.