Millstone Bypass: Still an Issue##M:[more]##
West Windsor Township has just issued a redevelopment Request for Qualifications (RFQ). This has been sent to planners who might be interested in designing the Princeton Junction redevelopment zone. The RFQ contains the following paragraph:
“Millstone Bypass: This proposal as West Windsor conceives of it would provide additional east-west circulation, bypassing the Penns Neck area of the township with a new two-lane roadway starting at the railroad bridge at the base of Washington Road, traveling to the north side of the Sarnoff site, crossing Route 1 just south of Harrison Street.”
Nowhere in the document is there an acknowledgment of the December 2004 Penns Neck Area Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which denied federal funds for a road through the northern part of the Sarnoff property. The RFQ does not mention the FEIS preferred alignment for the roads in Penns Neck, including Washington Road going over a depressed Route 1 with frontage roads alongside the highway.
The FEIS found that there were major impediments, both archeological and environmental (runoff from a road into the Millstone River; disturbance of threatened species; as well as the concern that disturbing the contaminated soil of the Sarnoff property could cause the TCE, chlorinated hydrocarbons, to migrate to the Millstone, a source of drinking water), to building a roadway through the Sarnoff property. Studies showed that an east side connector road (i.e., the road through the Sarnoff property) would induce more traffic into what is proposed to be downtown West Windsor.
Some West Windsor residents and officials have steadfastly stuck to the original plan for a bypass road despite years of open roundtable discussions and studies. While West Windsor needs and wants a downtown, it cannot operate in isolation, deciding what is best for the region without input from the rest of the region.
The relocation of the University Medical Center at Princeton to Plainsboro will require the completion of all of the elements of the FEIS (including an overpass at a reconfigured Harrison Street, depressed Route 1, frontage roads, Vaughn Drive connector road).
The impact of traffic to the entire region from the redevelopment zone and from a relocated hospital cannot be overstated.
Sandra Shapiro
15 Wycombe Way, Princeton Junction
Editor’s Note: The exclusion of the so-called “East Side Connector,” also commonly known as the Millstone Bypass, from the 2004 FEIS only means that state and federal funds will not be used to construct the road. West Windsor officials continue to support the construction of the bypass, and the road remains on the township’s master plan.
Teen Driving Deaths: Another Perspective
The sadness and impact that our family experienced as the result of the recent deaths of three young women from the West Windsor, Plainsboro, and Princeton areas, due to car accidents on wet roads, has had a significant effect on our lives. Both my high school daughters, one from South, the other from North, were acquainted with the parent of and/or student, involved in each of these tragic events.
Our eldest daughter is presently a provisionally licensed driver since July, 2005. Previously she participated in WW-P High School South’s classroom driving course, passed the required motor vehicle written test, and fulfilled the requirements regarding the six-hour, on the road driving school instruction, resulting in receipt of her driving permit.
In the year or so ahead of taking her road test to obtain the “Cinderella License,” my husband and I provided our daughter with extensive hours and opportunities to drive in most types of traffic and weather conditions; she was offered additional driving instruction based on our combined 60 + years of driving experience. Despite our efforts, there were those few “almost mishaps” when our hearts were pounding and we heard ourselves bellow “hit the brakes” or “don’t go yet.”
Presently, our daughter has been diligently following the conditions of her provisional driver’s license, practicing the driving rules and instruction she had formerly received and has been independently driving for the past eight months. On one early evening in December, 2005, my daughter called me explaining that she had been involved in a car accident. While my heart pounded, she stated that she and the other driver were not injured; however, she reported that the collision was her fault. My 17-year-old daughter further explained that she proceeded through a “T” intersection in Plainsboro and broad sided a van that she recalled “did not have its headlights on.” My husband, myself, family, friends, and all who know my daughter will always be grateful for her and the other driver’s safety and for the quick response of the Plainsboro Police and Rescue Squad’s immediate attention, support and reassurance.
Finally, I am fully aware that the insurance statistics reveal that experienced drivers, generally over the age of 25, incur significantly fewer car accidents then newly provisional and licensed, younger drivers. However, it is my belief that, no matter what the age, education and experience of the driver, there are some circumstances that may occur beyond one’s control. Ann M. Wezel
Kinglet Drive North, Plainsboro
The Candidates: Boal Responds
I’m a candidate for the WW-P Board of Education from West Windsor, and I’d like to respond to Mr. Lloyd George’s thoughtful questions. Mr. George and I agree that WW-P has long been a strong district, and I appreciate the efforts of the citizens who worked hard to build WW-P. I’m a candidate because today’s issue is educating today’s students, cost effectively and without undue pressure, and I believe WW-P is well positioned to be a luminary school district. Unfortunately, many WW-P parents believe they must send their children to a private high school for a good education.
Conversations with WW-P students and teachers drove me to run for school board. They told me some teachers work to separate the wheat from the chaff, rather than to educate all students. They told me some honors classes are considered endurance contests that don’t prepare students for key milestones like the SAT II tests any better than the regular track. Let’s be clear: I do not advocate “teaching to the test” or watering down honors classes. I simply want WW-P to teach the material colleges expect students to know, as demonstrated in these tests.
I strongly support educational articulation and multiple tracks. My concern is that WW-P holds many students down and out of the correct tracks. WW-P unfairly holds back many seventh graders who are capable of pre-algebra, and would be in pre-algebra if they were in an average U.S. school district. WW-P places them in math 7, where they can’t get into certain science classes and don’t track into calculus as high school seniors. Also, WW-P high schools don’t bring as many of its eighth grade algebra students into calculus as the average American district. These policies impose artificial pressure on students and limit their math and science achievement.
It’s interesting to consider whether students who aspire to be judges should take calculus. Decades ago, only top students took calculus in high school. Today 17 percent of American high school students take calculus and over 6 percent take an AP calculus exam, and we are behind many countries. Many parents haven’t considered the implications of this. American judges should be among our most capable citizens, certainly above the 83rd percentile, and probably in the top 6 percent. As it happens, my father-in-law is a common pleas judge who took calculus. We know that half of WW-P sixth graders score above the U.S. 93rd percentile in the Terranova math test. This suggests that half of WW-P students would take an AP calculus exam, if only WW-P could bring its sixth graders along as well as the average U.S. district. Instead, about 20 percent do.
A 1992 WW-P task force projected the district’s population growth, triggering necessary building programs. That’s great, but I ask why WW-P’s current strategic plan does not address population growth and cost containment. I encourage West Windsor residents who want to see continuous improvements to vote on April 18.
Brett Boal
Park Hill Terrace,West Windsor
Gharpure’s Position
I am a candidate for one of the two open seats from Plainsboro. I have two children in this school district and I truly appreciate the quality of education our children receive.
Our excellent schools are an important reason why most of us have chosen to make Plainsboro our home. It is up to us to maintain the high standards of education, a variety of extra-curricular programs, and at the same time remain fiscally prudent. It is essential to appoint people with the appropriate experience, educational background and maturity to the School Board, for the district to function cohesively and productively.
I have been an active member of the High School North PTSA and was part of the measurement team during the WW-P strategic planning process. I have a masters degree in business administration, and have worked for various non-profit organizations. I consider myself fairly well informed about the functioning of the Board and the school district and feel comfortable in saying I will be able to contribute effectively to the Board.
I seek your support at the upcoming School Board election on April 18. I will put in my best effort to look after the interests of our students and to maintain the quality of education, while keeping in mind the tax burden on Plainsboro citizens. Please consider voting for me on April 18.
Anjani Gharpure
14 Blossom Hill Drive, Plainsboro
Phenes: Budget-Minded:
The following letter was directed to the Plainsboro Democratic Party, thanking the group for hosting a candidates’ night for WW-P School Board candidates:
It is comforting to know that each of the candidates possesses the requisite commitment for the position. We also share a deep pride regarding the successes of the school district and our beloved children.
It is also clear that there are significant differences over the issue of budgets and financing our school system. I openly expressed my concerns that increased taxes had a major impact on the financial well-being of seniors and all other households in Plainsboro. Conversely, it appears that my opponents, Ms. Gharpure and Mr. Fleres, were less concerned with expanding budgets and higher taxes and believe the academic success of the district outweighs the budget’s financial impact.
I want voters to be clear on this — I am extremely concerned over the costs of our school system. While home values have risen, we may begin to see buyers negotiating down prices due to the property taxes assessed. I will not be complacent about school finances. Strict fiscal oversight can co-exist with an excellent education to our students. These issues are not mutually exclusive.
Neal Phenes
Chandler Court, Plainsboro
For Fleres & Gharpure
As a 12-year resident of Plainsboro and with two children in the WW-P school system, I am very interested in the upcoming school board elections. Henry Wieck and Liyou Yang have represented Plainsboro well on the WW-P School Board over the last several years. I believe Anjani Gharpure and Anthony Fleres will continue the tradition of Henry and Liyou.
Both Anjani and Tony have demonstrated their commitment to the children and gained valuable experience by volunteering to help the school district in various capacities. Tony was the co-chair and treasurer of the WW-P Citizens Referendum Team that was instrumental in getting the school facilities referendum approved this past January. He was also a den leader and cubmaster for Pack 168.
Anjani has been secretary of the High School North PTSA for two years and has chaired the mini grants and corporate fundraising committees. She was also a member of the district’s Strategic Planning Team. Anjani was treasurer of Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey and a volunteer for the Red Cross Meals on Wheels program.
Tony is a professional engineer with a background in construction. His experience will prove valuable as the district undertakes the challenging building program approved by the referendum. His construction management background will be an asset to the school board.
Anjani has a law degree and an MBA in finance. As a chair of the North PTSA fundraising committee she has experience in exploring funds from alternate sources for funding special programs. As the school budgets get tighter in coming years, that experience will be valuable as a board member.
Sonali Atre
16 Poplar Drive, Plainsboro
Plainsboro voters have the opportunity, and the challenge, to elect two new members of the WW-P School District. It speaks well for the interest and commitment of Plainsboro residents that we have a full field of four candidates for these two seats. Unlike other years when few people raised their hands to volunteer to take on the often difficult task of serving as a member of the school board, this year four brave souls have stepped forward. We owe each of them a debt of gratitude for this.
But select we must, and I hope you will join me in supporting Tony Fleres and Anjani Gharpure.
Tony’s commitment to this district is well-known. His dedication was most evident when he took a leadership role in advocating for our recent facilities referendum. He patiently explained the needs and addressed each question posed. His engineering background will serve us all well as the facilities improvements move from promises on paper to concrete solutions.
Anjani’s interest in our schools was illustrated by her involvement in the recent strategic planning initiative, particularly as a volunteer with a talent for measurement. Her finance expertise will also complement the strengths of her fellow Board members as they once again regroup to form a new team.
Recent years, unlike the years that preceded them, offered anyone an opportunity to volunteer on a variety of levels in helping to move our district forward. Neither Tony nor Anjani are running for the Board as an initial expression of interest in our schools. Both have demonstrated their commitment, and have an excellent headstart in becoming reasonable and effective members of the Board.
Michele Demak Epstein
22 Blossom Hill Drive, Plainsboro
In the upcoming school board election, the voters in Plainsboro will have an opportunity to vote for two outstanding candidates, Anjani Gharpure and Anthony Fleres. Both these candidates are actively involved in the community and if elected, they will bring many assets to the board.
I believe that both these candidates are committed to efficiently using community resources to improve our already excellent school district. With their diverse and extensive experience these two candidates are very well qualified to represent Plainsboro residents on the board. When facing any issue, Anjani Gharpure and Anthony Fleres will fairly listen to all sides before making their decision.
Uma Kher
11 Rutledge Court, Plainsboro
For Gharpure
Due to retirement of both incumbents in Plainsboro, the upcoming school board election is important to the school district. The members we elect on April 18 will determine the direction of the school district for many years to come.
We need to elect candidates who have demonstrated commitment to the school district, have experience and can commit the time and energy necessary to be an effective school board member. I believe Anjani Gharpure is such a candidate.
Anjani’s daughter is a high school senior while her son will be a freshman in high school next year. Anjani believes her daughter received an excellent education at WW-P and our schools prepared her well for college. Having experienced elementary, middle, and high schools in our district, she is aware of our strengths and what can be improved from a parent’s perspective.
Anjani has demonstrated her commitment to the school district by volunteering in many positions over the years. Their entire family has shown their commitment to volunteering by currently raising three puppies for the Seeing Eye foundation.
Anjani has a law degree and MBA, giving her the analytical tools necessary to look at each issue from various angles. She has the necessary time required to become an effective board member.
Meena Deodhar
10 Hamilton Lane, Plainsboro
Geevers, Hasling Speak Up for Katz
Although I am a member of the West Windsor Council, I am writing this letter as an individual member of my community.
One of our highly dedicated Board of Education members, Stan Katz, has been instrumental in shaping our district for more than a decade. Stan was actively involved in the last two referendums, was a member of the 1994 Strategic Planning initiative and the 2005 Committee (which developed the 1996 referendum), and has served on the Board since 1997.
Having worked with Stan for six years on our School Board, I have found him to be quite impressive in the areas of statistical analysis and finance. As a retired member of the American Stock Exchange, Stan has incorporated his professional experience as chair of the district’s Finance Committee. He has also spent considerable time as a member of numerous negotiations committees. In an era of dwindling state financial support and uncertainty, Stan’s abilities will help us to improve upon our success.
West Windsor is moving forward with developing plans for a new Village Center at the train station. Stan’s statistical computations of future enrollment trends and school capacities will be critical in future discussions.
With no incumbents running in Plainsboro, it is even more critical that Stan continue to lead and integrate his historical perspective into the decision making process.
Linda Geevers
Hawthorne Drive, West Windsor
Stan Katz, the most senior member of the WW-P School Board, was a long-time contributor to our district before joining the Board. These experiences, as well as an amazing professional background in finance and a doctorate in Applied Economics, have been a tremendous asset over the past decade. Stan’s expertise will be extremely important as we implement the facilities referendum to upgrade our older schools, plan for any possible future growth, continue to review curriculum and quite possibly conduct a superintendent search if Dr. Loretan retires.
Stan has used his financial expertise and commitment to fiscal responsibility to help lower the district’s inflation-adjusted per-pupil cost every year over the last five years. He has guided several refinancings of the debt, resulting in considerable savings with no loss in services. He carefully monitors all budgeting and financial reports, and isn’t afraid to ask hard questions.
Diane Hasling
12 Jacob Drive, West Windsor
