Letters to the editor

Town did fine job on zoning
To the editor:
   The recent decision of the appellate court to uphold the zoning change of the property on the corner of Route 27 and Finnegans Lane from C-2 to OP was in no small part due to the excellent legal representation by Anthony Campisano as well as the Township Council’s belief that the quality of life would be adversely affected by not rezoning this property.
   Certainly, the residents of Brunswick Acres and especially those living on Kathy Street were very vocal, but the importance here is that their voices were heard and our municipal government took action.
   Clearly, this particular lot is problematic due to the tremendous amount of traffic that occurs on this corner.
   Development of the scope that was proposed for this property by Rija Finnegan would amplify the traffic at least 10 fold and cause traffic and safety concerns for the residents as well as for the children that attend Brunswick Acres School.
   As a member of the Board of Education, I am particularly sensitive to these types of changes that will impact the safety of our schools.
   Mr. Campisano fought long and hard for us when the initial decision was rendered by Judge Hurley that the zoning change was improper.
   Undaunted, Mr. Campisano and the Council appealed this decision and were victorious. It was a difficult road and all of us who live on Kathy Street will be forever grateful for the diligence and expert representation Mr. Campisano provided in this matter.
   What is left now, is for the council to seriously consider this parcel for open space, and actively pursue its purchase. It makes perfect sense, and would certainly enhance the quality of life that we have known to enjoy here in Brunswick Acres and in South Brunswick in general.
   All of us in Brunswick Acres community and especially the Kathy Street residents are overjoyed with this outcome. We extend our thanks to all those who made it happen.
Matthew J. Speesler
Kendall Park
Dr. Speesler is a member of the Board of Education, though his letter was written in his capacity as a private citizen.
Well cleanup will save money
To the editor:
   It’s important to be clear about important issues. So I’d like to take this opportunity to provide commentary on recent activity relative to South Brunswick’s water supply.
   I have repeatedly said, and your paper has accurately reported, that I feel that we need to address Wells 11 and 13 because they are valuable assets.
   It’s important to understand that South Brunswick potable water is drawn from two streams — from wells owned by the township and water purchased from N.J American Water Company.
   We typically rely on N.J. American water as summertime supplement to our own capacity so that we are not compelled to repeat the water restrictions of the middle 1990s. The rub is, the township buys N.J American water for more than we sell it to the typical ratepayer (if you’re a resident with township water, you’re a typical ratepayer).
   The cost of water to a typical ratepayer is a mix of costs from our relatively inexpensive locally produced well water and relatively expensive water piped in from N.J. American.
   From a cost perspective, the more "local water" we use, the better for the resident/ratepayer.
   So, the sooner we get our Wells 11 and 13 back on line, the better from a cost-of-water-to-the-ratepayer perspective.
   From the more important public health perspective, it is important o note that Wells 11 and 13 were taken off0line when we were notified by NJDEP that water from these wells exceeded EPA criteria levels for naturally-occurring radium levels. So the water that we draw from our taps is not a health hazard – it does not include water from Wells 11 and 13. It is also important to note that Well 11 and 13 will stay off-line until we have installed state-of-the-art radium removal systems.
   I believe that township government is being prudent by pursuing the installation of necessary radium removal systems on an expedited basis. This course of action fulfills our obligation to meet federal standards so that residents have confidence that their drinking water is safe while also assuring that we provide water at the most economic price possible.
Charles Carley
Kendall Park
Mr. Carley is a member of the Township Council.
Other streets need paving
To the editor:
   It’s been nice to see the paving projects going on around the township lately. However, there are a lot of other streets and roads in the township that deserve the recognition for paving, rather than Route 522 and Georges Road, right now.
   Has anyone from the Department of Public Works taken a look at the condition of Lincoln Lane and Quincy Circle lately? The curbs on Lincoln Lane are crumbling, the 18-inch concrete part between the curb and road have weeds and grass growing out of it. Is it the homeowner’s responsibility to trim or put weed killer down? Whose responsibility is it? I was under the assumption it was the township’s job to keep up the appearance of the roads. When was the last time even a street sweeper was sent down these streets?
   Most of the people living in this community take a lot of pride in the area here. We deserve the same up-keep the rest of the township gets. Quincy Circle has not been re-paved since the units were built 30 years ago. I think it’s time.
   I believe the township could have come up with better ways to spend money, than pave roads that do not warrant it.
Dave Veglatte
Dayton
Bill Baroni is effective
To the editor:
   Our state assemblyman rarely ceases to amaze me. Since getting elected to the state Legislature in 2003 he has refused to rest. He is still knocking on doors and talking to the people he so effectively represents. He is going straight to the source: his constituents.
   After a brief conversation and visit by Assemblyman Bill Baroni, I had been given the opportunity to inform him of my concerns and also ask him questions on state related issues. It was an extremely liberating experience to be able to express my thoughts and ask my representative for help right there on my very own doorstep.
   There is no question as to why this man is as an effective legislator as he is. He legislates with the best interests of who he represents at heart. For this reason, I will continue to support Assemblyman Baroni and look forward to the next time he knocks on my door.
Matt Letinski
Dayton
No need to spend more on MOM
To the editor:
   I am writing this letter to the editor as part of my Boy Scout merit badge. I agree with Mayor Frank Gambatese in reference to the MOM passenger rail line.
   I feel there is no need to spend more money on extra studies. The longest route from Ocean and Monmouth counties is through Monmouth Junction — so why would you want to put a rail line in South Brunswick?
   You can go to Princeton or Princeton Junction to get the train to New York. There is no need for another stop that close to Princeton.
Billy Perrine
Kendall Park