Ihave a vision for North Brunswick too. I would like to see a series of neighborhood centers, interconnected with walkways, bike paths and pedestrianfriendly roadways. We need landscaped pedestrian walkways over Route 1 and Route 130. Let’s really dream. We could create a park in the sky. Maybe we’ll be a tourist destination.
I see the transit village proposal as a step in that direction. Let’s take that step.
At the hearing, people were concerned about traffic, kids and the likelihood of success:
Traffic: Walkable, bikeable transit communities should reduce traffic. If we didn’t need to drive to the grocery store or to the park to take a walk, how many trips a day would that save? We need communities that encourage noncarbon transportation for our health, environment, national defense and quality of life. Proposed road improvements will help, and more diffuse traffic patterns would reduce congestion in arteries.
Kids: You can’t eliminate them. This type of community will not invite them. There are no guarantees, but the likelihood is fewer kids would reside in the proposed type of housing than in suburban tract homes. Hopefully, mixed-use development would offset the cost. ( Also, some of us think it’s unconscionable to plan a future without kids.)
Likelihood of success: The transit village won’t happen if we don’t try. The best feasibility study is a private owner willing to put up capital. When the economy turns, it would be nice to see a village here.
The Alternatives: The alternative to a mixed-use center would likely be more big-box stores, strip malls or industrial uses. I doubt it will be a park. The real issue, before we object, is what do we want to see there?
The change in the master plan allows us to proceed with the proposed mixed-use project, subject to many more approvals and citizen input. The plan is not perfect. I liked earlier plans better without as many big-box stores. The current plan resulted from compromise, balancing concerns for ratables and impact on schools. That’s how democracy works. If we stop this plan now, what are the odds we will like another proposal more? Let’s find a way to make our town the place we want it to be. Let’s move this plan forward.
Andrea L. Kahn
North Brunswick