Folks,

I think that it is a total waste of time, but here is my query to the DEP regarding the CC exemption.  I am sort of embarassed that I even wrote this given my life experience which tells me that these sorts of communications are merely thrown in the trash.  But here it goes:

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We, the residents of New Jersey, passed a so called "Highlands Bill" to protect the environment for those of us who live is this pristine area of the state, and also those of us who rely on the Northern NJ area for clean water for our big cites.  The ink on the bill was not even dry (no commission formed to hear the request) before the DEP provided one of the largest developers  in the state of NJ an exemption.  This exemption, provides for an organization who, claims to have only 5,000 members, to have the freedom to persue their "dreams" in violation of the basic intent of the "Highlands Bill" legislation.  Did anyone in the DEP ask these guys what the Highlands  environmental impact will be from an organization, who invested about 2.5 million dollars in their present and existing endeavour and grew to 5,000 members, and now wants to invest 31 million in our Township?  Did anyone ask what the total impact will be when the ratio proportionality of their new investment of 31 million dollars is felt on our precious environment?  We all know that the applicant is building a facility for not 5,000 people, but for 20,000 to 25,000 people.

The applicant's name must be obvious to you folks.  It is Christ Church and  David Ireland. 

If one of the largest proposed churches on the East Coast of the United States can develop a property in the Highlands area with impunity (once they are an "existing church," they are exempt from all "Highland" rules), then  I ask what is the "sincere impact" of this legislation? I suggest that this legislation is totally impotent if it can not stop the developement of an organization which wants to set up shop with an obvious projected growth equal to  the total existing population of the Township in which it wishes to reside.  What sayith you on your behalf to substantiate the merits of your decision regarding this application.

I, and other like minded citizens of Rockaway Township, insist on knowing the answer! 

Please advise.

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