LETTER: Where Would We Be Without Our Town Leaders?

To the Editor:

Years ago, our Township leaders told us that if we blight our community's landscape with a pair of high-rise office towers, our taxes would go down and there would be no negative impact to our lifestyles.  Did anyone see where the tax decrease went?  Is the 30 minute backup on Route 18, trying to get to the NJ Turnpike every morning a mirage?

Years ago, our Township leaders led us to believe, that by building new homes, town homes and apartments, on every square yard of property in East Brunswick, it would somehow benefit us all.  Has anyone seen the open spaces and quiet life style that many of us moved into town for, in the 1980s?  Thirty students per class is obviously a benefit, of some sort, to our children's education.

Years ago, our Township leaders told us that building retail space up and down Route 18 would help keep our taxes down, while providing residents with a "variety of fine shopping."  Again I ask....did anyone see our taxes go in any direction, but up?  However, I must say that all of the empty retail space on Route 18 does provide us with something... though I can't remember what.

And not so long ago; the Golden Triangle was supposed to bring a desperately needed Town Center type environment to East Brunswick, where people could live, work, stroll and shop in a pleasant environment.  After years of missteps, pandering and outright incompetence, our Town Center environment has evolved into a Walmart.  

And now; where would we all be without our Township leaders?

Ed Carduner