With reference to a zoning variance to be heard April 7 by the town and requested by the Institute of Moslamic Studies, to include a 7,500 square foot facility including a mosque to be built on Old Trenton Road and Dorchester Road, the West Windsor zoners should consider the following.
Will the ordinance take away from taxes to be gained from the parcel as it is presently zoned for office and light industry? Will the traffic in the vicinity of two large “55 and over” communities be increased considerably? Will the township be required to spend dollars on traffic control? Will dollars be needed to approach the state for new lights, road improvements, etc. or will that need to be budgeted by the town? Will dollars be needed to insure the safety of the residents living in the area?
What about water? Will the D.E.P. have to be called in to insure that the new building doesn’t cause runoffs to the nearby road? It is West Windsor’s job to define whether this is the most feasible development for the area.
There should be no “entitlements” in the question of zoning. That’s why planning boards do Master Plans. Because of huge school budgets in our town, West Windsor Township must insure that the new ratables contribute to the taxes of the town so that residents see no increase in already high taxes.
I do not think it is the zoning board’s job to extend a variance based on what may be perceived as a religious sect’s rights. The variance should not be given if it greatly affects the traffic in the area or if the taxable revenue that could be obtained from someone doing research or office work is lost.
The town should only allow the variance if this would be the best usage and best taxable ratable for this land. I believe that is what we the citizens hope that they do.
Freddi Myers
West Windsor
