Protect open space

Heather Cheesman of Bordentown City, Candidate for City Commission
To the editor:
   I want to thank Mayor Collom and those that helped him to acquire preserve open space in Bordentown City through acquisition. For those that don’t know, because of these efforts, we now have a treasure in town that will be preserved for generations to come. Within our one square mile we have enjoy the diversity of city streets, waterfront access to our waterfront, and now preserved open space, preserved at no cost to the residents.
   It is my understanding that these areas of these protected Open Space spaces that provide a greenbelt of nature around our town will be used for passive recreational use, such as hiking trails, non-motor boat launch, picnic areas and observatory centers bird watching. The quality of life for each of us has been enhanced along with protecting and our ecosystems have been protected. These efforts also help also protect our precious water resources by filtering trash, debris and chemical pollutants that can run-off into our waterways.
   Protecting open space provides a fiscal benefit as well to the community. It increases property values, and increases tourism dollars, while decreasing local taxes.
   Protecting open space eliminates the cost of need for new government services, such as schools, water, trash removal, sewers, policing, and fire protection.
   As a city commissioner I will value our open space and continue the smart growth planning efforts that are environmentally, fiscally, and economically smart for Bordentown City.
   Check out http://bordentowncity.org for additional information.
   Please come out and vote for me on May 12.