Zoning change would be bad for Harts Lane

East Brunswick is considering changing the zoning on Harts Lane. No one will notice until it's too late. Most people can see the worry of homeowners along Guernsey Lane and Ryders Lane, with the possibility of over-height buildings containing 90 units impacting their neighbors, looking down into their homes and yards. Why did we bother to leave the city? It's come to meet us. The homeowners' concerns are valid, obvious and justified.

Harts Lane will change with the blessings of the mayor and Township Council if no one brings to their attention the fact that placing residential housing in the middle of Harts Lane is not just a bad idea for the street, it is an even worse idea for the township.

Unlike property owners in other areas of town, along Harts Lane, landowners will love this. Spot zoning one piece of property for one landowner will allow owners nearby to claim that their land is contiguous to the area and should also be allowed in the newly created residential zone. From the 400 units the town thinks it's allowing in, it could end up with several thousand more on Harts Lane alone. This won't just affect Harts Lane.

What is the justification for the requested change? Anyone who saw the meeting could tell you the answers are ratables and that the builder could not construct a huge enough warehouse on the property to make a profit. These are not valid reasons for a change. So the town has tied affordable housing to the project to give it appeal. That's just a very bad joke.

The Golden Triangle began as senior housing without an attempt at affordable housing; we all know what happened there. They did tie it to the housing off Main Street. That development never went up, but others have, all without affordable units.

The 90 units on Ryders and Guernsey deserve our attention - existing homes are involved. Every variance should be a concern. No one will notice Harts Lane until it's too late. Vigilance is the only answer.

Anthony J. Riccobono

East Brunswick