[EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was received after deadline and did not make it into the print version.]
To The Editor:
I want to thank the 200 residents who came to the Council meeting Tuesday night to better understand the evolution of the Draft Redevelopment Plan for West Windsor’s Town Center. It is not easy to stay informed of the facts without being distracted by the political sideshows. I want to clarify my personal commitment to keeping the Redevelopment Process moving forward.##M:[more]##
The latest Hillier maps denote a new road layout. The Plan has evolved dramatically due to the integration of the data from traffic studies conducted by Intercap with oversight by our township consultants. The series of Traffic task force meetings integrating the technical recommendations from NJ Transit & NJDOT staff have given me the confidence we are heading in a positive direction to a workable road network.
Council’s next step is to discuss the zoning options for each block. The Hillier’s Draft Plan can be found on the West Windsor Website (https://www.westwindsornj.org/Redevelopment-Plan-Oct132008Version.pdf). Next week Council will meet to review the 75 page draft document during a working session. Council will have the opportunity to question, revise and reflect on the gaps in the document.
Creating a Main Street, similar in length to Nassau Street spanning over the tracks in an equal distance to connect both sides of the township is currently not reflected in the zoning. I will work to make sure this concept is not lost in the broader discussion. The location of the affordable housing units needs to be better integrated with the market rate units to garner my support. Phasing the construction of housing should not only be driven by school age children, but should be connected to the phased completion of road improvements. The complex discussion on zoning densities is a key component to determine the fiscal viability of the project and the tax impacts on our residents. Constructive criticisms by informed citizens are a welcome contribution to creating a quality document for our shared vision of the future of our community.
Stay engaged,
Heidi Kleinman
West Windsor Council Vice President
