The plans to build a “pocket park” next to the new 7-Eleven in West Windsor have come to the forefront recently in the public’s attention. After having attended the informational meeting, it seems to me that this 1.5-acre park will not only require a considerable amount to build ($200-$300K estimated), but will also require significant funds for indefinite upkeep and maintenance.
The plans that were presented at the meeting were all based on hypothetical donations, as our mayor claims that no tax dollars have or will be used to fund this park. Not only has the mayor already spent tax dollars for the landscape architect to draw up the plans and do the research, but I am sure that nobody really believes that such a park will never need taxpayer support. The only donations received to date have been in the form of trees and landscaping materials.
What is difficult to understand is the reason this park was designated an Asian park, and who made that decision. At the last council meeting Councilman Bryan Maher expressed his opinion that it would be better to build a park that honors the ethnic diversity of all Americans, rather than honoring only one specific ethnic group. He was immediately accused by some as “racist,” but I believe his critics, in their rush to judgment, completely missed the point and meaning of his statement.
Do not all of us who hold American citizenship, consider ourselves to be Americans, first and foremost, regardless of the nationality of our ancestors? And if Mr. Maher is being called a racist for expressing his opinion as an American, then what can be said about a mayor who is pandering to the 40 percent Asian population in West Windsor for their votes? Is this not also a form of racism?
My suggestion is that West Windsor build a Veteran’s park, like so many other towns across this country, to honor those of any and all ethnic backgrounds, who have served, fought, and died to preserve our great American melting pot.
Debbie Hepler
West Windsor
