Commission enjoystownship support

To the editor

   As members of the Hillsborough Township Environmental Commission, we were totally stunned to read the article in the Dec. 5 Beacon concerning commission member Peg Van Patton’s allegation that the township is attempting to dismantle the Environmental Commission.
   In all of the years that we have served as members of the Environmental Commission, there has never been any discussion among members or at meetings about the possibility of eliminating the Environmental Commission. We have never heard even a hint that any township official would wish to eliminate the Environmental Commission.
   Quite to the contrary, the Township Committee has always viewed the Environmental Commission as a very important advisory group to the Planning Board and as an integral part of the planning process.
   The Township Committee’s commitment to the Environmental Commission was further demonstrated by the hiring of a professional consultant so that we have the advantage of legally recognized technical expertise. This consultant attends all Environmental Commission meetings, reviews all Environmental Impact Studies from applicants to the Planning Board, and highlights any deficiencies an EIS may contain.
   Another strong indication of the Township Committee’s support of the Environmental Commission is the presence of the Township Committee liaison at our meetings. In the past, there was no township representative at these meetings.
   We are at a total loss to understand the source of the accusations presented in the Beacon. We wish to publicly state that other members of the Environmental Commission do not share these opinions.
   We look forward to continuing the important and productive work of the Environmental Commission with ongoing cooperation and support from the Township Committee.