Thanks to everyone who came to the May 12th meeting. The fight is far from over!
At the May 12, 2022 meeting, the Planning Board (the “Board”) exposed the Mercer County Park Commission’s (“MCPC”) attempt to disguise the extent of the massive $22 million development plan for Dam Site 21.
The MCPC presented their Phase 1 plan, which the Board found difficult to determine exactly what was being proposed and asked numerous questions about specifics of all phases. Friends of Dam Site 21 was able to provide the Board with a much better understanding of the magnitude of the development, specifically including the detrimental impact to the site itself and residents adjacent to the site, and how it could be minimized while still maintaining the character of the site and improving access.
Non-profit Save Hamilton Open Space was represented by legal counsel as well as an engineering expert and addressed the numerous negative impacts of the proposal, and also stressed that they are not opposed to trails, access, etc, but this is simply “Park Sprawl” and needs to be curtailed in order to maintain the uniqueness of the site. Members of the public had the opportunity to speak next and all raised excellent additional points supporting limiting the disturbance to the site.
The MCPC did not appear to be very interested in answering questions and seemed somewhat amazed that they were being questioned at all. Those of you who have been involved from the beginning wouldn’t be surprised.
The MCPC’s rallying cry of “we own it and we can do what we want” is simply not true. Do not let it discourage your support. It is taxpayer-owned land!
The Board’s recommendation to the MCPC was that they need more detailed information before they could even make a recommendation.
Thanks to all of those who attended, put up lawn signs, signed the petition, etc. Your support is greatly appreciated and together we can limit the MCPC’s obnoxious $22 million development proposal for Dam Site 21.
This website, the petition page, and our Facebook page are all active and there are also posts to NextDoor Hamilton Square/Hughes Drive site. Please stay tuned. This is far from over!
This was a HUGE OPPORTUNITY to make a difference. This meeting meant the difference between the Mercer County Park Committee's plan going into effect, and a more viable, passive alternative. Scroll up for a meeting recap!
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