Activity Report
October 2005

• LAWRENCE:
  • Wal-Mart:
    The proposed Wal-Mart was supposed to go before the Planning Board on October 27, but it has been postponed until December 1.

• HAMILTON:
  • Downzoning Ordinance:
    Hamilton Township passed the downzoning ordinance with a few amendments. The Township also passed a stream protection ordinance.

  • Klockner Avenue Woods

    It was decided in court that Hamilton must start paying Fieldstone Associates, the owners of the woods, interest on the $4.1 millon to be paid for the woods. Meanwhile, the public has learned that price quoted was for 41 houses, even though that many can't be built there because of wetlands on the site. A wetlands assessment was never completed, so the true value of the property is not known. In a surprise move, the Township struck a deal with Fieldstone to allow them to build 100 apartments on half the site. This is election season, and the Republican challengers for the Democratic Township Council seats are claiming that the site is all swamp. They have mailed constituents a postcard picturing a swamp (in Maryland). SHOS held a rally at the woods on November 6. Approximately 50 people toured the woods after nearly 100 people gathered at the entrance to protest the development. A local independent film company is making a documentary called "The Garden State: Gone for Good?" The crew interveiwed Rocky Swingle and Laura Lynch, as well as residents and other activists involved in saving the woods.