Rosedale users urged to be on guard
To the editor:
I am writing this letter to alert the many people who walk their dogs, jog and otherwise use the facilities of Rosedale Lake and the trail areas.
On Friday, March 22, at about 4:10 p.m. I took my dog to the park for our regular walk. Because of the cold and windy weather I was the only car in the parking lot and the only person there with the exception of two young teenage boys who were playing around the slide area.
I walked around the driveway, then along the lake and as I was returning toward the parking area, no more than 20 minutes later, I noticed these boys around my car and wondered why. They left on skate boards before I reached the car. There I found that both of my rear tires had been punctured numerous times. Fortunately for me I had my cell phone and was able to get help from Al’s Sunoco and the police.
I am sad that such incidents as this happen in an area where so many of us go to enjoy the privileges available to us in Hopewell Township. Of course, no one will ever take responsibility for this incident. My reason for writing is to make citizens more aware when they are in the park.
Betty Davis, Pennington
Planning for dry days ahead
To the editor:
Over the last year and a half, rainfall has been sparse in New Jersey. In fact, monthly rainfall was significantly less that expected for all but two of the last 18 months. Drought is not new to our region, however. New Jersey, on average, is in a drought warning every three years, and in a drought emergency every five years.
The Hopewell Township Committee, Planning Board, Environmental Commission and volunteer organizations deserve a great deal of credit in their formulation of the most recent municipal Master Plan. These individuals have spent literally thousands of hours developing this carefully crafted plan. A major objective of their planning efforts is to ensure that future growth lives within its natural water supply and water quality constraints. Most importantly, the plan attempts to ensure that future growth can be sustained during dry periods similar to that which we are currently experiencing.
The plan proposes that future growth in the Valley and Mountain Resource Conservation areas be on lots of approximately 6, and 13 to 14 acres, respectively. The majority of these lots are to be deed-restricted against future development while remaining open for agricultural or other resource conservation uses.
Other portions of the township will grow in the form of village clusters and what is referred to as the traditional neighborhood development. In both forms of development, compact growth will be permitted only when substantial amounts of undeveloped land remains in this condition.
Based on my experiences with land use planning, the proposed Hopewell Township Master Plan is probably the most progressive of any in New Jersey.
There is, however, one deficiency in the current draft plan. This is the lack of a water conservation objective. Many of the newer homes being built in Hopewell Township are installing lawn sprinkler systems. Even the more efficient sprinkler systems use significant amounts of water. We can expect more of these systems to be installed in the years ahead. Even with the new plan’s conservation easements, two acres of lawn can be irrigated in the Valley Resource Conservation Area and four acres in the Mountain Resource Conservation Area.
How problematic can this lack of water conservation be? We have all heard from the township hydrologist and others that Hopewell Township receives only 8 inches of aquifer recharge per year. This is the amount of water that flows into our aquifers to meet our drinking water supply needs. This amount of recharge represents that which might be expected during average conditions. During dry periods like that which we are currently experiencing, this rate can be reduced by more than a third. In other parts of Hopewell, such as that underlain by diabase rock formations, the rate of recharge is even less.
On the other hand, professional lawn specialists prescribe to homeowners that they should apply 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season to maintain a healthy lawn. The growing season is typically 26 weeks long, lasting from late April to early October. Thus, a homeowner that employs lawn irrigation can consume significantly more water than that which infiltrates into that homeowner’s lot, even if the bare minimum amount of water is withdrawn and none of that water is used on the conservation easement portion of the lot.
What can be the anticipated impact? If a homeowner is withdrawing more water from the aquifer than that which can naturally be replenished, water will be "pirated" from nearby lots. Ground water levels will decline beneath those lots. If numerous other new homeowners regularly use water to irrigate their lawns in the same general area, ground water levels will further decline even more, and more water will be induced toward their wells.
Nearby homes that have withdrawn water for decades may begin to see their wells dry up, and they will be required to install more expensive deeper wells. Streams that never dried up will begin to dry up. Streams that dried up from time to time in the past will dry up every summer. Hundreds of wells across the state have been abandoned over the last couple of months because of this exact scenario.
This scenario can be exacerbated by new homes with basements being installed on lots with high water table conditions. Sump pumps are installed in these basements to keep them dry. These sumps are essentially "intercepting" ground water that naturally would otherwise feed streams during the summer months. In stead, the water is being removed from the aquifer and discharged to the surface water during the higher flow conditions of the winter and spring.
These are the local impacts. The more regional impact is that all of us are placed under drought water use restrictions prematurely due to excessive lawn irrigation and other water use practices such as those described above. These restrictions are more severe and last longer when water use is excessive prior to the drought being declared. Drought declarations in New Jersey are declared when reservoir storage levels precipitously decline. These levels decline because not enough river water can be pumped into them. The latter is caused by excessive water use as we evolve into low rainfall periods. It’s a "vicious cycle" that will only get worse unless we do something about it.
I would strongly encourage Hopewell Township officials to incorporate a rigorous water conservation component into the Master Plan. A total moratorium on regular lawn sprinkling for new homes, and a goal of gently weaning existing homes over the next decade, would seem in order. More stringent pumping tests for new wells may also have merit. Last, not allowing basements in new homes built on lots with high water tables would preserve streamflow during low rainfall periods and reduce drought declarations. Without such safeguards, Hopewell homeowners are likely to be plagued by water supply problems during future drought periods.
Robert Kecskes, Hopewell Township
Post Prom support sought
To the editor:
Central High School-PTO and the Committee of Post Prom 2002 thank all the local businesses and parents who have made generous financial or prize donations to this special event for the senior class.
Your contributions will help us provide a fun-filled, late night-to-early morning gathering spot for our seniors. CHS will be transformed into a Tropical Paradise of games, food and entertainment; a safe place for all our seniors to go after the prom.
All members of the senior class, whether or not they attend the prom, are invited to Post Prom 2002. This will be the 16th Post Prom event for CHS graduating classes.
The committee is composed of a large number of parents who are busy planning decorations, food, entertainment, chaperones, and fund-raising for Post Prom 2002. Over 90 percent of seniors attend the Post Prom, one of the culminating events of their four years at CHS.
There will be a final general meeting for all senior class parents on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center at the high school.
Post Prom 2002 is a major undertaking and needs everyone’s support to make it a success. We still need additional financial and/or prize donations. Contributions may be mailed to Peggy Connolly, 106 W. Broad St., Hopewell, 08525. All of us working on Post Prom 2002 are certainly appreciative of your help.
Maureen Kimball, Hopewell Township
Other fields options
To the editor:
We would like to thank everyone who supported our efforts in communicating the need for the school athletic fields and the March 12 referendum. We would also like to thank everyone for their hard work, positive approach, and strong commitment.
While the voters may have defeated this financing option, the need for the school athletic fields is by no means diminished. We still believe there is a immediate need for more athletic fields for our students and this need will only increase as our student population grows.
We encourage the school board to research other options and look forward to hearing their findings.
Citizens for Valley Schools: Sara Ottinger, Hira Ahluwalia,
Kim Bruno, Jim Byrnes, Dennis Devlin, Lynn Gustafson, Judy Hill, Maureen Kimball, Kris Kley, Judy Niederer, Ona Rose, Maureen Spencer and Dick Willever
People poll needed
To the editor:
The first and second sessions for public input on Hopewell Township’s new Master Plan are history. The audience was held to comments at this point in the process. Questions were not to be taken. April 11 at 7:30 p.m., marks the last of the presentations by the Planning Board. Residents must have their say at Hopewell Valley Central High School.
How much development should be permitted? Many people would say "none" or "as little as possible," according to the Planning Board. So why more development, where’s the mandate? There’s a limited carrying capacity of the land, primarily due to well water limitations and wastewater needs. "Recycling" of used water from homes and commercial buildings must continue. Water flushed into septic fields will then become part of the recharge for ground water. Do we dare suggest continued use of septic systems? Yes, we will. Water restrictions during this winter’s drought should have warned us once more that well water levels continue to drop, probably statewide.
The southeastern end of the township already has had its share of development. A lot of the approved construction has yet to be built. There’s Brandon Farms, of course, in the area bounded by the Lawrence and Ewing townships as well as some open space around the Pennington Circle and generally south of that circle. So, why point to that particular area for more growth? And whoa! there’s a call for sewers again, perhaps piped-in water to serve new construction. Nice try, but that won’t do much for any rural character there.
Lucky for most, we need only pass through or drive there for some service or to shop. Visions speak of housing and shopping in convenient, mixed use neighborhoods where walking to the shops and better interaction with neighbors should work out just fine. While nice in concept, it’s unlikely to play out. Residents there would probably oppose more population and activity packed into their area. It’s rather small, compared to some 60 square miles of land, largely undeveloped north and west of there.
Since there was no survey to choose from a number of suggestions for the said area, it becomes necessary to hear each voice. Soon to be impacted, if the plan is approved, those residents need to speak out against the way the new Master Plan is sure to bring more pressure on their neighborhoods. It’s the only area targeted for more development. An appropriate survey might best have asked to pick from a number of choices. The results could have been tabulated, then used for the plan accordingly.
It’s certain that officials can’t have all the answers. They need to hear especially from those in the southeastern end. And if people there are concerned enough to present their views, as they should be, the
HVCHS auditorium will be packed this last evening.
Interestingly enough, a "town center" mix of housing, retail, and office space on 29 acres was just rejected by over half of those surveyed in Hamilton Township. Wouldn’t such a people poll be a splendid example for Hopewell Township officials to follow?
Erich Lehmann, Titusville
Students should ride bus
To the editor:
I would like to comment on the Dublin Road issue.
All the articles I have read on this issue make it sound like the children have to walk to school, that they have no other option. But I’m writing to say that they have a safe option that is already provided to the residents. A school bus is assigned to pick up every one of those children in high school, the middle school and the elementary level.
A total of 53 school age children live on Dublin Road and the side streets. There are 29 high school and middle school students. Bus stops are provided at each side street and the rest are house stops or stops close to the house.
I drove that bus run in the morning for a period of time last school year and I picked up two siblings toward the southern end and a boy near Glenwood Drive. That was three students that rode from that area. This current school year I drove through there from September to December and passed the bus assigned there for this year and that bus was still only picking up a few students.
The same bus run is provided in the afternoon. No one rode the bus home from that area, but I passed many of them walking home across residents’ yards to get to one of the side streets. All of this was after the ban to stop students parking on that street because of the limited school yard parking.
With bus service provided for all students to and from school everyday this means there should be no children walking on Dublin Road unless they choose to do so on their own. And that is where parents responsibility comes into play. I’m in favor of the no-left-turn signs, which should cut down considerably the number of cars going through Dublin Road. And if the students rode the bus that would really would help the situation more.
Gwyneth Johnson, Titusville
It’s a fair budget
To the editor:
On Tuesday, April 16, residents will be asked to approve the 2002-03 school budget. Our objectives with this budget include opening our first new elementary school in over 40 years, providing for special needs students with in-district opportunities, and maintaining our high quality educational system.
This has been a challenge for two reasons. First our student population has grown 15 percent over the past five years. This type of growth requires additional staff, student services, and facilities to maintain a first-rate academic program. Second, due to state budgetary constraints, our state aid was frozen at last year’s level. This means no increased revenue from the state even though our costs continue to grow. I would like to take a moment and explain the sources of the budget increase.
In October 2000 our community voted to open a new elementary school. That will become a reality this fall. Part of this year’s budget overall increase (1.86 percent) will be used to properly support this new school.
Special education costs continue to grow and account for 2.07 percent of this year’s budget increase. Because of Federal and State mandates, we do not have complete control over some of these costs. However, we are examining innovative ways to manage costs. For example, by creating programs within our district, we can reduce future transportation and out-of-district tuition costs.
Teachers are the backbone of our educational system. Seventy (70 percent) of our total budget is for teachers’ salaries and benefits. We continue to attract high quality teachers and enhance our existing staff through staff development programs. This year’s budget reflects the addition of 28 staff positions. Combining the costs to hire new staff, contracted salary increases, and the increased cost of health care, 2.7 percent of the budget increase will be for staffing costs increases.
In addition to the items mentioned we also have increased transportation costs of 1.17 percent and student activities of 0.4 percent. Combining all these items explains why our operating budget is increasing 8.2 percent.
Even though our student population and operating costs continue to increase, we still need to manage our cost per student. Our total cost per pupil is still 5 percent below the state average. In comparison, Princeton schools are 14 percent above the state average. That means Hopewell Valley spends almost 20 percent less per pupil, yet our student SAT scores are in the top 10 percent of the 300 plus high schools in the state.
This year, the school board has been faced with opening a new school, managing rising costs and a frozen state funding. Our goal has been to maintain our educational integrity in this challenging time. I believe this budget is fiscally responsible and it achieves the academic goals we set forth for our students and teachers.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, April 16.
Michael Bruno, Hopewell Township
‘Phenomenal’ budget job
To the editor:
On April 16, voters will have the chance to support our children, our schools and our community by voting yes on the school budget and the second budget question.
As a parent of children in the district’s schools, I believe strongly that how a school district budgets should reflect the values and vision of the community. Several years ago, this administration brought together community members that were representative of all segments of the community to hammer out that vision. This collective effort resulted in the district’s mission statement and a strategic plan to put that mission into action.
I believe the current administration has done a phenomenal job with the budget. This budget succeeds in balancing the competing needs within the district and the community, while remaining true to the community’s vision and the school district’s mission.
This budget will allow us to open and staff Stony Brook Elementary School. This budget will allow Hopewell to bring home children with special needs who were previously sent to costly out-of-district placements. Consequently, we save money on tuition and transportation. And at the same time, we enable these children to become contributing members of their neighborhood school community.
This budget also enables us to maintain the quality programs we currently have here in Hopewell.
The second question allows us to do a little more, by providing much needed additional staff for basic skills, guidance, a technology teacher and more. At the same time, the budget reflects the community’s expressed desire to provide sufficient resources while containing costs.
In today’s world, it is an almost impossible feat to balance competing needs, grow, contain costs and remain true to the vision. This budget does it all. Take the time to vote yes on April 16. The community needs your vote.
Jeffrey Schulman, Hopewell
