By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
HOLMDEL — Many Holmdel citizens came together to voice their opinions at a special meeting held on the evening of Nov. 2 to discuss issues of concern in the township.
During the public forum, residents discussed topics including: NJ Natural Gas, the PILOT program and the statuses of Holmdel Fire Company No. 1 and the turf fields at Cross Farm Park.
Holmdel resident Lea Shave was the first to speak, beginning with why she had become a frequent voice at meetings.
“My neighbor, Sue, instructed me to go to meetings and have a voice in town issues,” said Shave, who has been a resident for 18 years.
Shave was among many concerned citizens who spoke up that night.
Among the topics presented, the statuses of Holmdel Fire Company No. 1 and the turf fields at Cross Farm Park seemed to be the two of most importance to residents.
Holmdel Fire Company No. 1 was closed in April of 2014 due to improper training and either no responses or late responses to calls. In December of 2015, tragedy struck as a Holmdel home on Hop Brook Lane caught fire, but was not taken care of immediately due to this closing.
The fire company was supposed to reopen March 1, 2016, but has yet to do so, which has citizens worrying for their safety.
The issue of the turf fields at Cross Farm Park also sparked much discussion among the audience. Different organizations made a presence at the meeting in order to ask fellow citizens to keep Cross Farm Park natural.
The Holmdel Township Committee wants to fund two synthetic turf fields, which, according to citizens, will increase traffic, raid open space funds, take away from recreational sports, give to private sports clubs and cause environmental hazards.
Director of Preserve Holmdel, Cathy Weber, was extremely passionate about the cause.
According to Weber, a petition was certified as sufficient to proceed to referendum with 624 signatures. Citizens are still waiting for a referendum date by the Holmdel Township Committee, and the delay is frustrating residents.
“The organization materialized about a month ago from this situation.” Weber said. “We are operating out of two fronts: communication via the fliers we have given out and the legal front. There was no choice but to take legal action.”
Weber urges anyone requiring more information to visit www.preserveholmdel.org.
Feeling appreciative for all the discussion during the forum, Larry Fink, a former Holmdel mayor, gave his perspective.
“I just want to applaud the concerned citizens for coming out,” Fink said. “It is very heartwarming to see all the different groups here today, such as Preserve Holmdel. Even without being elected officials, the fact that you are all raising your voices is a valuable public service.”
After the meeting closed, discussion, conversation and questions continued among the attendees.