Forget ‘transit village,’ use land for rec complex

As an active member of the Pine Ridge Neighborhood Association of East Brunswick, I was asked to look into the plan to redevelop 30-plus acres on Route 18, currently occupied by Sam’s Club and others. In that process, I learned about the Toll Bros.’ concept of a “transit village,” which has to do with mixed zoning, i.e., allowing commercial, retail and residential units all on the same property.

As I was thinking about the potential impact on Route 18 traffic and on the already fragile environment in this area, I was struck by a thought.

East Brunswick has been a leader in preserving open space. Here, we own 30-plus acres between Route 18, Old Bridge Turnpike and Tices Lane. Why don’t we turn this property into a central recreation area for the town? It’s well-located, large enough to accommodate skating rinks, tennis and badminton courts, basketball and baseball areas, maybe even a football field and/or simple gardens, which could be tended by local youngsters.

Yes, East Brunswick would lose $1 million in tax revenue, and, yes, it would cost us to maintain such a facility. But do we really want another densely populated retail/commercial complex in town?

Even though it could mean an increase in my already very high taxes, I’d be willing to forgo commercial development of this land for something that would benefit all of us who live here and want more than stores, diesel fumes and concrete.

Please think about it, East Brunswick residents. It’s a real alternative to yet another glorified mall.

Mary H. McGuire

East Brunswick