Bill Kelly, Robbinsville
I applaud the “no” decision by the Robbinsville Planning Board in regard to Sharbell’s application to convert age-restricted housing to all-age development. Having attended one of the hearings, I understand the board was under a lot of pressure from Sharbell as it trotted out its expert witnesses whom I am sure were paid by Sharbell for their opinions. The reality is, our schools are already over capacity and we cannot let developers build indiscriminately without any regard to the effect such development will have on our ability to pay to educate the additional children that results from development. Robbinsville residents have already defeated a referendum to build a new school and the state is not going to provide any financial assistance for that purpose.
I am not aware that Sharbell has made any offer to help offset the cost of educating any additional school-age children who would be added to the district as the result of this development. It could help by purchasing temporary classrooms or help off-set the additional cost of adding teachers and staff. Maybe that is an unrealistic expectation but Sharbell has made millions of dollars in our town and stands to make much more. Our residents should not have to pay for its miscalculation of the housing market.
I personally would be willing to donate to a fund to help fight Sharbell in court. Maybe other residents feel the same way.
Bill Kelly
Robbinsville

