To the Editor:
Keep Environment In Transit Planning
I am pleased to read that studies of a 350-acre redevelopment area around the train station are going forward, with consideration given to traffic circulation, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, parking, and mixed use development, as reported in local newspapers and in a June 20 township press release.##M:[more]##
However, I am troubled by the paucity of reporting on environmental concerns.
West Windsor residents have consistently shown our concern with the imminent build-out of New Jersey by voting for open space tax assessments. The state Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the U.S. DOT, in the 2004 Penns Neck Area Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), selected a preferred alternative with guidelines to assure preservation of crucial areas of open space:
Minimize potential wetland and floodplain impacts;
Minimize habitat fragmentation and avoid disturbance of potential habitat for the threatened long-eared owl, located adjacent to the Little Bear Brook on the Sarnoff property;
Minimize impacts to parks and natural areas, including the D&R Canal State Park, Little Bear Brook, and the Millstone River corridor;
Avoid disturbance to National Register eligible archeological sites located adjacent to the Little Bear Brook and Millstone River;
Minimize disturbance to other National Register listed and eligible historic resources.
One of the Hillier alternatives for redevelopment suggested preserving the land northwest of the railroad tracks, between Route 571 (Washington Road) and the Millstone River. Many West Windsor residents have embraced this concept as an excellent space for walking and nature trails, a natural treasure amidst dense development. Connections from mixed use development (new and existing) around the train station could offer refuge and lead people to explore our natural resources.
I implore officials from West Windsor Township, NJ Department of Transportation, and NJ Transit to make preservation and improvement of the natural environment a priority as we move forward with what can be a model for local and regional redevelopment.
Sandra Shapiro
15 Wycombe Way
WW Cyclists Seek Community Support
On July 13th, about 200 area cyclists will embark on the Anchor House’s 30th annual “Ride for the Runaways,” a seven-day, 500-mile bike ride from Rutland, Vermont, to Quakerbridge Mall. Anchor House is a multi-service agency for runaway, homeless, abused, and at-risk youth and their families. It is based in Trenton and serves families in central NJ as well as Pennsylvania. Anchor House is an amazing organization, providing comprehensive life-saving assistance through its services. Please visit www.anchorhousenj.com for more information.
Twelve West Windsor residents will be participating in the ride: Newell Benedict, Ken Bitter, Russ Buckley, Ken Carlson, Leslie Craven, Jack Hayon, Richard Jasaitis, Les Leathem, Daryl McMillan, Ken Naglak, DJ Varner, and Ron Weinstein. Training for this one-week marathon bike ride takes dedication (both in riding many miles and in raising many dollars) and a real passion to help the children of Anchor House. Many of these individuals have taken part in the ride for multiple years running.
Please consider sponsoring any of the riders and lending your support to Anchor House. Just go to www.anchorhouseride.org and select “click here to make a donation” and follow the prompts. Please be sure to enter the rider’s name in the designation window.
You can keep up with the ride’s progress by reading daily articles during the ride week in the Trenton Times or by reading the ride blog at https://blog.nj.com/times_anchorhouse. You can also greet the riders when we finish the ride in Quaker Bridge Mall on Saturday, July 19.
Please help Anchor House fulfill its mission by sponsoring me on this ride. Ken Carlson
West Windsor
Thankful Politics
Thank you to West Windsor Council members George Borek, Linda Geevers, Charles Morgan, and Heidi Kleinman for the opportunity to serve as Council President this past year. Your support and cooperation have been a credit to public service.
Sharon Young , Gay Huber and the entire Clerk’s Office have done an outstanding legislative support job. The inter-branch cooperation from Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh, Business Administrator Chris Marion and the staff is also very much appreciated.
Most importantly, I am thankful to the West Windsor residents. Your participation in our Township would make the Founding Fathers of our democracy proud. It is a privilege and an honor to continue to serve as your Councilman.
Will Anklowitz
