As most of you are aware, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection postponed its Dec. 19 public hearing regarding the Princeton Memorial Park Crematorium draft permit at the request of the applicant.
The NJDEP stated it wanted to allow for more public comment — that period was extended to Dec. 31 — and it also allowed us time to work with the owners of Princeton Memorial Park to explore other avenues, including the possibility of a non-combustible, zero emittance solution.
That is why the NJDEP stated “a new date for the public hearing will be announced after the facility has had the opportunity to communicate this proposed project with the Township of Robbinsville.”
NJDEP maintains it “will retain all written comments already submitted and any additional comments received by Dec. 31, as the closing date of the public comment period.”
The State agency plays a significant role in the process and appears to be going out of their way to give anyone interested in speaking out an opportunity to be heard on this matter.
As I stated in this space last month, just because we are not speaking publicly, or responding via social media does not mean we are not having meaningful conversations, both internally and externally, in an effort to bring this matter to a resolution acceptable to everyone.
Again, we must be very careful with our words because the last thing anyone wants is for this to end up being litigated in court.
New Jersey’s policy clearly is to support crematoriums in established cemeteries and elsewhere because they feel it is the best thing to do for the State.
Current bills before the NJ State Legislature, including A-4216/S3720, further support these initiatives as it proposes to amend current law by allowing for the construction of crematories as stand-alone facilities outside the grounds of cemeteries and funeral homes.
While we will not know the ultimate outcome of this application for some time, the Township will continue collaborating with the owners of Princeton Memorial Park Cemetery to find alternative solutions and continue to keep residents informed about any further developments.
* * *
Words cannot adequately express the extent of gratitude I feel toward Robbinsville Township Police Chief Mike Polaski, who officially retired on Dec. 31.
I have witnessed Mike’s growth both as an officer and as a person since my family and I settled in our former Washington Township just before the start of the new millennium.
His service to our community has been exemplary, and his steady leadership of the RTPD agency has absolutely helped me sleep better at night knowing he was in charge with no stone left unturned.
As mayor and director of public safety, I have been very blessed to work with unbelievably dedicated and hard-working police chiefs since 2005, and Mike can certainly take his rightful seat among the very best. W
e all wish him and his family the health and happiness in retirement.
At the same time, we are very excited to have another loyal and extremely professional public servant in new Chief William Swanhart at the helm to lead this great department effective January 1, 2025.
Happy New Year!
Dave Fried is the mayor and Director of Public Safety for Robbinsville Township.
,
