First of all...Hi everyone - it has been a while since I have posted. I have been away on business and my daughter had some surgery. All is well here and I hope you are all well too.
Now the meeting: The questioning of the environmental 'expert' was concluded last night - in honesty the man did not actually testify to anything significant. His testimony was confined to any issue that did not fall under the authorization of the DEP - in short the guy didnt say much because nearly all the environemental issues with the property are under the control of the DEP, this based on the direction of the board attorney. While we can see where Mr. Dimin is coming from he was not consistant in what questions he deemed permited and which were not. In the last meeting questions about the town well were permitted, last night they were not, we are looking in to this matter more closely and will report back.
There is a town council meeting tonight if anyone is around you may want to come down.
I will report more in the next day or two.
Take care, Lisa
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The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
The PB, by all means, should be concerned about so called DEP issues. The DEP is a huge organization responsible for the entire state. this is just one of many cases they are reviewing. We need to stay on top of them regarding what affects our town. Just look at the environmental impact issues they would have missed if town residents didnt point them out during the public comment period.
Good point. The planning board should not be assuming the DEP is all knowing concerning the facts of the application. Getting its own testimony would enable the planning board to test the reasonableness of the DEP's ultimate decision and ensure that there are no inconsistencies concering facts. By the way, does anyone have any idea where the DEP stands with its review or when we can expect a decision. I believe that the public comment period expired on Dec 2, 2005.
Here is a draft letter you can send to the DEP to tell them some of your concerns....feel free to add to this letter. PLEASE send it to BOTH Lisa Jackson and Larry Baier. Remember we are all in this together!! Lisa
Lisa Jackson Commissioner NJDEP PO Box 402 401 East State Street, 7th floor Trenton, NJ 08625-0402
And
Mr. Larry Baier NJDEP Watershed Mgt PO Box 418 401 East State Street, 7th floor Trenton, NJ 08625-0418
RE: 140 Green Pond Road. Rockaway NJ – Christ Church Property
Dear Commissioner,
There is currently an application before the DEP for a Highlands Exemption on the property noted above. I wish to bring to your attention that the property in question is not only in the core of the NJ Highlands but also contains approximately 19 open IRSA contamination sites. This property also contains a town well. The applicant is seeking to raze the foundation of the building under which sits no fewer than 5 contaminated areas. This foundation sits approximately 400 feet from this town well. They also seek to disturb thousands if not millions of yards of soil, to date they have not provided exact information to the planning board with regard to yardage. As a resident of the area I am greatly concerned for the safety of my drinking water. To date there have been no public meetings for the residents to voice their concerns to the DEP in person. This applicant, nor any other, should be permitted to disturb the foundation of this building. The DEP should take strong action to protect the health of those who depend on this water source daily. This exemption should not be granted. Please take action to ensure that the residents are protected.
Sincerely,
Address:
Date:______________
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The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
My wife and I will be sending in our letters over the weekend. We will also be drafting them for neighbors who may want to sign. For anyone cutting and pasting the letter, there is a typo. The letter should say that the applicant should NOT be allowed to disturb the foundation.
