Sandra Shapiro of West Windsor
I am pleased to read that studies of a 350-acre redevelopment area around the train station are going forward, with consideration given to traffic circulation, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, parking, and mixed use development, as reported in local newspapers and in a June 20 township press release.
However, I am troubled by the paucity of reporting on environmental concerns.
West Windsor residents have consistently shown our concern with the imminent build-out of New Jersey by voting for open space tax assessments. The N.J. Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation, in the 2004 Penns Neck Area Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), selected a preferred alternative with guidelines to assure preservation of crucial areas of open space:
—Minimize potential wetland and floodplain impacts;
—Minimize habitat fragmentation and avoid disturbance of potential habitat for the threatened long-eared owl, located adjacent to the Little Bear Brook on the Sarnoff property;
—Minimize impacts to parks and natural areas, including the D&R Canal State Park, Little Bear Brook and the Millstone River corridor;
—Reduce potential pollutant impacts from new road surfaces on the Millstone River;
—Avoid disturbance to National Register eligible archeological sites located adjacent to the Little Bear Brook and Millstone River;
—Minimize disturbance to other National Register listed and eligible historic resources.
One of the Hillier alternatives for redevelopment suggested preserving the land northwest of the railroad tracks, between Route 571 (Washington Road) and the Millstone River. Many West Windsor residents have embraced this concept as an excellent space for walking and nature trails, a natural treasure amidst dense development. Connections from mixed use development (new and existing) around the train station could offer refuge and lead people to explore our natural resources.
I implore officials from West Windsor Township, NJ Department of Transportation, and NJ Transit to make preservation and improvement of the natural environment a priority as we move forward with what can be a model for local and regional redevelopment.
Sandra Shapiro
Wycombe Way
West Windsor