O.B. residents don't need terrorist target in backyard
Ilive in the area where the 500 acres of township property called Crossroads is located. I have enjoyed the open space since I have lived in South Old Bridge, and I don't understand why Mayor Jim Phillips has been trying to develop this property while trying to preserve smaller parcels of property in other areas of the township in the name of open space.

I spoke out against the mayor's first attempt to allow the construction of 850- 1,000 homes on the property. Now I'm against his proposal to build a data center on the property.

I've done a lot of research on these data facilities and have found that they came into being because of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The facilities are constructed to store financial and sensitive data in an area away from corporate headquarters. They are built to withstand an attack and require maximum security. I don't believe that the residents of Old Bridge need a terrorist target in their backyard.

I would love to have the Crossroads property preserved as open space, but I do understand that the township does need ratables to stabilize taxes. I'm open to the development of the property if a plan is presented that gives the township clean, safe commercial ratables. An office park that provides jobs for residents and annual taxes would be ideal.

I do not believe that reduced taxes for developers and corporations is economic development. Where is the benefit to the overburdened residents of Old Bridge? Selling this property to a developer would only be a benefit to the municipal budget this year, and the township will be in the same situation next time around. What will we sell to settle the budget next year?

I don't believe that the mayor's proposals to develop the Crossroads property have been in the best interests of the residents of Old Bridge. I do believe that we need a change in leadership in Old Bridge. That is why I will be supporting Councilman Richard Greene for mayor and Brian Cahill, Owen Henry and Solon Fotis for Township Council in the November election.

Brian Adams

Old Bridge