Township continues on its “ratables” race, trying to build as fast as it can to help control taxes, a never-ending, impossible task, until nothing is left to pave over, despite residents’ opposition.
Residents fight new Galloway Township development, say downtown is already too busy
By JENNIFER BOGDAN Staff Writer | Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 12:15 am
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — For more than two decades, township officials have talked about spurring new development in the town center on the east side of the township.
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But lately that vision has drawn frustrated opposition from residents.
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“I don’t think we need any more development here. It’s congested enough,” resident Charlie Faruolo said. “I don’t like the idea of losing the trees either. The area is better left the way it is.”
Faruolo, echoing the worries of other residents, said Jimmie Leeds and Pitney roads are already too congested, and the roads won’t be able to handle increased traffic flow. He says residents are upset with the idea of losing the open space they’ve come to enjoy.
In recent months, township officials have discussed the idea of developing some of the 16 acres of untouched land in the township municipal complex with restaurants, shops or even housing for students from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. The township is currently banned from developing much of the property because large sections were inadvertently placed on state’s Green Acres list through a cataloguing error, which the township is fighting.
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Councilman Anthony Coppola said while the plans might upset some nearby residents, creating new ratables is essential to driving down the tax rate.
“Nobody wants development in their backyard. I know I don’t want it in mine,” Coppola said. “People like Galloway Township to be green, and they like the rural feel of the area. I understand that. But we need to move toward responsible, concentrated areas of growth here.”
... The township has also hoped to develop the Route 30 corridor, but those efforts have not progressed quickly.
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Risley has applied to the Zoning Board for a variance that would allow him to build the townhomes in an area that’s now zoned for commercial development. The board is scheduled to review his application at Thursday’s board meeting.
For the article in its entirety, please see here.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A lesson for Mullica Township
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5 comments:
A plan for 24 towhouses on 4 acres is very disturbing. That could send fifty or more kids to our new high school.
We have to be very vigilant if Brown starts talking about rezoning or extending the Elwood Village. We do not need this mess in Mullica.
I don't envy the people of Galloway. Some of them have moved to Mullica to escape the congestion there and to enjoy the rural life once again.
Once the sixteen acres are sold, that's it. Ultimately, the taxpayers will have to contend with the increased density and pay for the additional municipal services and schools. Its only a temporary fix that will wind up costing the residents in the long run. Unfortunately, most people can't see beyond the nose of their face.
"We have to be very vigilant if Brown starts talking about rezoning or extending the Elwood Village."
Don't be fooled. Its already in the works. They'll push it through before the next election, bought and paid for by the AC Republicans with their generous donation to the Brown/Riffle campaign.
Town only learns the lesson when its to late!!!!!!!
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