GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED ASSOCIATION Spring 2001 |
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| Letter to the Editor March 2001 To the Editor, For those of you who were here a few years back for the Einsiedler Estates saga, the sequel is out. An application known as Rose Wood Estates is proposing a subdivision that involves the extension of Charles (Einsiedler) Road to Woodgate Lane and Carlton Road. The property, consisting of mature woods with wetlands and steep slopes, lies entirely within the Great Swamp watershed. The planning board rejected the original proposal for seven lots last summer and is now hearing a proposal for five lots. Four of the five lots are in violation of what the applicant refers to as "literal reading of the steep slope ordinance." To my eye, they are all in violation of good planning practices. The applicant makes no attempt to use modern stormwater management principles or to position the houses to conserve trees and other natural features. The hearing will probably conclude at the April 24 planning board meeting in Long Hill’s Town Hall. A strong public presence might help the board make the right decision. The irony of this 1950’s vintage proposal is that it comes on the heels of a particularly sensitive development just down the road. Menza and Beissel, Inc. worked with the Watershed Association to outline a plan that meets the no-net requirements of the stormwater ordinance and preserves most of the woods through conservation easements. Michael Menza presented the details of this and another model project within the watershed at the March meeting of the Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management Committee. If you are a developer and reading this, take note: One of Menza and Beissel’s projects was approved in two meetings and the second in one meeting. When you are friendly to the environment, the boards are friendly to your application. Len Hamilton |
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