This is a critical time in West Windsor’s history as another round of explosive growth is impacting us. We experience it daily as we try to navigate through traffic congestion, see roads and sidewalks that are in need of replacement, and have schools that are at capacity. Of notable additional concern is the threat of a huge residential development on the Howard Hughes site and potential tax spikes that could follow.
While going door to door over the last several months, you have told us that you do not want the zoning changed on the HH property, as its potential development under current zoning will provide much financial benefit and tax relief to our community, while more residential housing would require new schools and cause our taxes to skyrocket. We agree, and we unequivocally oppose changing the zoning on the HH property.
Instead, we plan to change how the township is managed. My team of Marathe-Geevers-Manzari proposes to bring in a business development director who has a proven track record of attracting and retaining high tech firms and other companies. This will be the start of correcting the 70/30 tax ratio imbalance of residential/commercial ratables, along with a revamped business-friendly permitting experience and use of the latest technology for efficiency.
Residents want high paying jobs close to home. For many, the long train commutes to NYC would be gone once more career opportunities are available locally. Think of all the employment opportunities for our younger generation who graduated from our outstanding WW-P school district.
The tremendous experience and proven leadership of the Marathe-Geevers-Manzari team is needed as we navigate through all these challenges. I have known Hemant Marathe for more than 20 years and can attest to his strong character and dedication to serving our residents. As an elected member to council he is familiar with budgeting and policy issues. His land use experience comes from years on the zoning board. While serving on the WW-P Board of Education, he was president for nine of his 12 years.
I have served for 12 years on council including being president twice and vice president three times. In addition, I served on the planning board for three and a half years with numerous other liaison responsibilities. From 1999-2005, I was elected and re-elected to the WW-P School Board. There I was vice president for three years and served as chair on various committees.
Virginia Manzari has been serving on the zoning board for four years and has spent several years serving on the site plan review advisory board, which reviews planning board applications as well. Her experience in marketing strategy and business development for three Fortune 50 companies will be invaluable as we attract and retain new businesses in West Windsor.
Outstanding experience and proven leadership of the Marathe-Geevers-Manzari team will meet the demanding challenges that we are facing. This is not a time for novices to be running our town. Many key decisions will be made, including the review of the Township’s Master Plan, early next year. It is critical to elect knowledgeable and thoughtful decision-makers who have the pertinent budget, policy and land-use experience. Be assured that we will continue to work hard for you to ensure the best quality of life for people of all ages.
I ask for your vote of confidence in electing Hemant Marathe for Mayor and myself, Linda Geevers, and Virginia Manzari for Council on November 7th.
— Linda Geevers
Geevers is an incumbent running for reelection to West Windsor Council
