Sensible thing would be to listen to facts on redevelopment

I understand the concerns voiced at the April 13 meeting of Milltowners for a Sensible Ford Avenue Redevelopment. I also question the word sensible in their choice of a name.

I, too, am a concerned citizen, a taxpayer, a parent and a resident of Milltown. I watch the televised meetings on Channel 22, I read the articles in the local newspapers (which are also posted on Milltown’s Web site), and from my understanding, Milltown does not yet own the land; the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is investigating and will be presenting its findings at the May meeting.

I understand, because I listen, that this is a step-by-step process. There is room for compromise, and these meetings have been going on for quite some time. The meetings have been very public — this was not done as a secret back-room operation, as some would have you believe. There have been more than 75 meetings over the past three years. People are acting as if this is the first they have heard about the Ford Avenue redevelopment.

The frustration I have is painfully watching the same people drag these meetings on, with the same harpings and accusations, taking 30 minutes to make a 5-minute statement. People are showing up accusing the agency of nepotism, past indiscretions, and Lord knows what else. Then when they are finally told to stop making these meetings a monthly circus, I read about how no one on the redevelopment panel allows anyone to speak. It seems to me the sensible thing to do is to listen.

Now I am reading about Robert Spiegel from the Edison Wetlands Association, who happens to drive by and decides to get involved. He is complaining that he saw drums of chemicals leaking inside one of the warehouses. Doesn’t he realize that these buildings are not owned by Milltown? This is why we are waiting for a report from the DEP. I resent Spiegel’s comment that “The only green that the redevelopment authority seems to care about is the color of money.” He now vows to work with the Milltowners for a Sensible Ford Avenue Redevelopment. This man wants more open space; obviously he is not paying taxes in Milltown.

I am one of the 6,900 Milltowners who did not attend the April 13 meeting, and I support the redevelopment of Ford Avenue. I also respect the restraint that the members of the Ford Avenue Redevelopment Agency have displayed under this constant assault.

Maria Grotkopf

Milltown