Turnpike letter isn’t the final word

Jake Archer, Bordentown
To the editor:
 I write in response to Committeeman Bill Morelli’s editorial, dated Oct. 16, 2008, where he suggested Bordentown Township accept the current concessions offered by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) regarding the Turnpike widening. I respectfully disagree with Mr. Morelli’s version of our options and the benefits we will receive.
    Presently, there is no sound wall offered by the NJTA. As a resident of the Clifton Mill community I have a vested interest in seeing our development receive as many concessions from the NJTA as possible. In my opinion, a sound wall is the most important item the NJTA must yield to Bordentown Township when it decides to widen the Turnpike. A wall should reduce noise thus providing a better quality of life for homeowners while buoying property values in an already declining market.
    I attended the spirited Aug. 25 Committee meeting with the NJTA. My distinct impression was that residents of Clifton Mill disagreed with the current NJTA’s decibel readings and requested a sound study be conducted to determine if the development qualified for a sound wall. To my knowledge, the other committee members responded with an Oct. 6 resolution authorizing this sound study.
    It was my belief that the other committee members wanted to have solid evidence to support their position for a sound wall before wasting anymore time discussing the matter with the NJTA. Mr. Keller, the NJTA’s representative, agreed. Moreover, Mr. Keller stated his office was unable to make any decisions and therefore it would be unnecessary for him to hold any more meetings with the township. Instead, Mr. Keller suggested—and the committee agreed—that a meeting with NJTA executives and decision makers needed to take place.
    After being at the Aug. 25 meeting and keeping abreast of subsequent updates, I cannot explain why Mr. Keller requested to meet with the Township prior to receiving the results of the sound study. Nonetheless, I felt it appropriate to share my understanding of the important interactions between our committee and the NJTA that occurred during the Aug. 25 meeting. The results of the sound study should come soon and allow for a meeting between the parties prior to any NJTA deadlines. It is true that if the township fails to agree to terms with the NJTA the state will act on our behalf and we may receive a smaller allotment of benefits. However, if the study reveals higher decibel levels than reported by the NJTA our committee is in a solid position to negotiate for a sound wall.
    Indeed we face a precarious situation. I am very concerned with the potential losses of additional forestation and the old Dix drive-in lot. Important to note though, Mr. Keller’s letter, although threatening, is not guaranteeing those losses either. Nevertheless, I feel the sound wall is the most important aspect related to the Turnpike widening therefore I appreciate the other committee members for choosing to continue to fight for it on behalf of the residents of Clifton Mill.