To the editor:
There was a lot of misinformation spread and incorrect statements made about Duke Farms’ application to demolish the residence on their property that had nothing to do with the law that had to be applied.
Hillsborough’s Historic Preservation Commission separated the law from the emotions, even their own personal feelings, and made the hard decision. They understood that they had to abide only by the criteria in the ordinances and concluded that Duke Farms had made their case. Feelings about a building or a property may be subjective, but boards must remain objective in their decisions, applying the law equally to all who appear before them.
The Township Committee appointed the Commission members and should let them do their job without interference.
The American tradition of the rights of private property owners is very strong within the limits of planning and zoning regulations. Applicants are never happy when they have to ask for government permission to do something on their property, but whether the government’s decision is in their favor or not, the outcome must not be arbitrary or capricious.
It is hard to imagine an America where government rights would trump private property rights without an overwhelming public need and just compensation.
And would we want it any other way?
Susan Gulliford
Hillsborough
The writer is an independent candidate for Township Committee.
