‘I totally disagree’ defeat would be disaster

Michael Serbin, Hopewell Township
Reading the letters supporting the Hopewell Township ELSA sewer bond referendum makes one wonder — Where were all these scribes when past developers built Brandon Farms, Wellington Manor, Hopewell Gardens, etc.?
   The neighborhoods sandwiched between and adjacent to these new developments never received sewers or water, yet now sewer capacity is the priority of committee members who voted in favor without regard of the $4 million cost to all township taxpayers.
   May I remind those in favor that our local tax rate is going up due to real estate assessment appeals? ELSA is raising its fees to existing users. The school budget passed, thus increasing our taxes.
   We are told of legal actions, such as builder’s remedy lawsuits if sewer capacity is unavailable, yet one proposed development off Brandon Road has dealt directly with ELSA receiving needed capacity. Affordable housing is in a holding pattern of the New Jersey Legislature.
   We are told a defeat of this bond issue would be catastrophic to all. I totally disagree. What would be a disaster would be all the sewer capacity available to complete a build-out of our southeast quadrant if this referendum passes!
   It is troubling to see our elected officials and their cronies dictate what is best for the masses similar to Native Americans being advised life on reservations would afford a better lifestyle.
   Passage of this referendum will eventually lead to unaffordable residency in Hopewell Township.
   Vote no, my friends, on May 8!
Michael Serbin
Hopewell Township