Activity Report
September 2002

At the border of Washington Township and Upper Freehold Township is a 300+ acre parcel of undevleoped land containing Doctor's Creek and Indian Creek. The property also consists of large wetlands contiguous to the creeks. Washington Township has approved a General Development Plan that would allow 7 or 8 warehouses on the site. Three public meetings were held, with Upper Freehold residents opposing the plan, claiming that heavy truck trafficand no mixed-use development would be detrimental to their neighborhood. Washington Township, however, claims it needs these "clean" rateables and approved the plan. The Central Group provided advice and helped write letters for the residents. While the residents opposed the plan because it is 99 % warehouse and 1 % retail -- not enough mixed-use -- the Central Group will focus on the creeks and their wetlands in order to ensure that they are properly preserved and unaffected by the development; the wetlands permit applications did not inventory the wetlands correctly. The endangered savannasparrow has been seen across the street from the Matrix site, and endangered bog turtles live in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area three miles away.

Contact: Mike Buriani or Ed Pfeiffer.

In order to build more graduate housing, Princeton University has gained approval from Princeton Township and Borough to fell 1000 trees on Alexander Road and West Drive. The permitting process appears to have been rushed through without an ample public comment period and without a public alternatives analysis. The University plans to construct geothermal wells were the woods once stood, and to create a parking lot for the residents. The Central Jersey Group has sent a letter to Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman, with copies to Town Topics and The Princton Packet, asking the University to be a better community leader by showing concern for the environment.