Activity Report
August and September 2005

• LAWRENCE:
  • Wal-Mart:
    The proposed Wal-Mart will go before the Planning Board on October 27.

    Lawrence recently petitioned Mercer County to hand over 35 acres of farmland on the Pole Farm for use as ballfields. The transaction was agreed to by the County before any public hearings took place. We sent a letter to the editor of the Trenton Times, which got published, chastising the transaction. Many Township residents have been writing to local newspapers in opposition to the land grab. One resident has filed a conflict of interest complaint against the mayor because she, as a farmer, is dislpacing another farmer, in the land grab.

    Lawrence Township is also moving forward on its Sustainable Lawrence initiative. Laura is keeping an eye on it through the Sustainable Lawrence listserv and meetings. She has pointed out that Wal-Mart and ballfields replacing farms are not sustainable practices.

• HAMILTON:
  • Downzoning Ordinance:
    Hamilton Township held a public hearing for its downzoning ordinance. Opposing the plan were developers and landowners who want to build as many houses as possible for profit. In favor of downzoning were residents and local groups, such as Save Hamilton Open Space and the Sierra Club. The Township has delayed the vote until October. SHOS is heading a petition and letter writing drive.

  • ROUTE 92:

    It's well after Labor Day and still we've heard nothing about the Final EIS nor conflict mediation.