I agree that opn space is a good thing. Who doesn't?
However, I do feel that the choice has costs and the cost isn't limited to the price of the land. There are several ramifications that reach further than initial cost. For example, open space reduces the taxable land used by local and county authorities to generate revenue not to mention that the initial cost reduces the funds already collected.
We need to consider these issues is my only point.
While open space may cost extra money, it's for a legitimate cause; open space not only protects the environment but also protects our existing quality of life.
I'll pay extra taxes for that.
Not in a million years would I consider it a better choice to develop that land and put a bunch of McMansions there.
I've got fond memories of Craigmeur (we even held our wedding and reception there), as I'm sure many others do as well.
Surely the owners of Craigmeur could've made a mint by selling to a developer.
I for one am grateful that they didn't, and am happy to support efforts to maintain the quality of life in our area.
I agree with you, I really do. My point is that there are trade-offs. I'm neither suggesting nor opposing any development. But...
To use an extreme example, if all development is denied it becomes very cost prohibitive to run sewer lines to Telemark or beyond. A developer will often extend the lines in order to reap the profit of his (her) development and the extended lines make hookups less expensive for residents. That is, without development, property taxes need to fund the line extensions.
I'm sure you'd agree that Mountain Lakes is a very nice area. Property taxes a sky high however. The fact that there is no commercial development in the municipality is the reason.
Why is there no realistic or reasonable way to get sewers north or Meriden at least as far as Hibernia and Telemark. I would seem that these two communities contain homes on lots small enough to justify sewers and also some of the homes border C1 streams that make sewers better environmentally than failing septic systems. For a lot of people, having to spend $25-30,000 on a new septic system could be financially difficult.
Why is there no realistic or reasonable way to get sewers north or Meriden at least as far as Hibernia and Telemark. I would seem that these two communities contain homes on lots small enough to justify sewers and also some of the homes border C1 streams that make sewers better environmentally than failing septic systems. For a lot of people, having to spend $25-30,000 on a new septic system could be financially difficult.
Sewer connections are not free either. You will get a sewer assesment from the town for probably about 10,000, and it will be on your dime for the hookup from the street to your house. Figure 2-3000 for that.
I'm sure you'd agree that Mountain Lakes is a very nice area. Property taxes a sky high however. The fact that there is no commercial development in the municipality is the reason.
Pound for pound taxes are higher in RT than any other town in morris county.
Even though there is an initial cost for the sewer assessment and hookup, it is probably offset by the increase in value to your home. Also it is a permanment and maintenance free solution. Septics on the other hand are a periodic costly hassle and environmentally may not be as good an option. I would gladly pay $10-15,000 for sewers and am interested in why Hibernia and Telemark can't have them given their small lot sizes and proximity to C-1 streams and the lake. Is there someone from the town that should be contacted to explore this possibility?
Would I like sewers, Yes. Is it ever going to happen NO. You need to go look at the details to see why. Basicly I will give you a few of the top reasons - 1. the town is alotted so many gallons of sewage by the local sewage authority - we are at the max at this time and can not add gallons as the system can not handle it. 2. The "green Pond corridor" has been deemed environmentally sensitive and digging up the entire length of the road will cause environmental problems not to mention what a potential leak could do to the many rivers and waterways in the area. 3 the costs are through the roof. Those are just the top 3 I can think of, and trust me I have given the matter a great deal of thought. Having a septic system you can not help but give think about all of your options.
THE brainless one - AKA hE wHO mUST nOT bE nAMED thinks that the big meanies up in Telemark have some dark plot re:sewers - he should really STFU when he has no clue what the issues are - oh ut wait then he wouldnt say anything at all...EVER. AH wouldnt that be bliss.
Of course there are feasible ways to extend the sewer lines. Residents can either pay higher taxes or strike a deal with a developer. Perhaps neither option is acceptable to you but saying there are no options is a bit extreme.
Regarding your contention that townships are alloted gallonage from the sewer district, check your facts. Do you really think the sewer authority can limit the growth of a town? In fact, back when the district was expanded to include "Pond View Estates", the ruling judge specifically stated that the remaining gallonage would be used on a first come first serve basis.
