Boards hear residents, strive to curb residential development

I recently read a letter to the editor from Pete Trabucco titled "A Job Well-Done, Fellow Citizens of Old Bridge" (Suburban, Jan. 18), and as a member of the Old Bridge Township Planning Board, I had some additional thoughts.

I agree with Mr. Trabucco that Old Bridge residents should be commended for participating in their local government and organizing to tell the Zoning Board of Adjustment how they felt about the proposed development on Route 516. Public participation in government is the key to shaping the public policy for Old Bridge, and Old Bridge residents have made it clear that they do not want any increase in residential development.

Where I differ with Mr. Trabucco's sentiment is that I believe the Zoning Board has listened to the people and is working to stem the tide of overdevelopment in Old Bridge. I must remind Mr. Trabucco that this board voted unanimously to reject the residential component of the developer's plan for Route 516.

In the past three years, the Zoning Board and Planning Board have seen applications for increased residential development from some of the largest builders in the state, but have remained committed to the needs of the people of Old Bridge. Recently, the Planning Board worked closely with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to deny a developer's application for 700 new homes.

In fact, only 24 new homes were approved by both the Zoning and Planning boards combined in 2006. This is an achievement in stark contrast to the previous administration's policy, which approved overwhelming amounts of housing, the effects of which are being seen today.

Under Mayor Jim Phillips' administration, every application for residential development is reviewed with the knowledge that more housing means more traffic, crowded schools, less open space and a lower quality of life in Old Bridge. We take our responsibility as members of the Zoning and Planning boards seriously and work toward achieving the people's vision for a better Old Bridge.

Larry Redmond

chairman

Old Bridge Township Planning Board