I have to whole-heartedly agree with James Maltese in his assessment of our “Dismal Downtown” (The News, September 25). What I cannot understand is how this has been allowed to persist for this long. My family and I moved here in 2005 and were excited at the prospect of a new downtown based on the wishes of our fellow residents.
What we have experienced, rather than the expected renewal, has been a slowly deteriorating and woefully dilapidated town center instead. I cannot help becoming sadder and sadder every time I drive through our so-called downtown. And what is most disturbing of all is the absolute silence in our local paper (apologies to the editor) about this all since the last debacle of an election.
I voted for Mssrs. Morgan and Ankowitz two years ago because I absolutely do not want another Metropark. But all their win accomplished was an increase in the rancor of local politics. And since the last mayoral election (and maybe this is because the Mayor now has some breathing room — I don’t know), NOTHING has happened.
What I can say is this. I am embarrased. Embarrased by the politics, embarrased that we as a town can’t do better, and embarrased everytime I have visitors who have to drive down Route 571. Thank goodness we can all eat out and shop in Princeton, Robbinsville, Lawrenceville . . .
Dana L. Baber
7 Ginne Lane
