Transparency Concerns Raised By Residents For Chester Turf Project

CHESTER, NJ — Members of the public addressed the township council this week, expressing their frustrations and concerns about the Highlands Ridge Park project, citing a lack of transparency.

According to the agenda, the council was set to hear public comments on an ordinance that was introduced this month, calling for an appropriation of $1,190,000 to finance an improvement project of Highlands Ridge Park.

The ordinance requires payment for the construction of athletic fields, grass and/or artificial turf, as well as all seeding, sod, irrigation systems and structures, walkways, drainage facilities, structures, site work, equipment, additional parking and lighting structures.

Local resident Alison Dahl questioned the board for not including the ordinance in past agendas, saying that when the ordinance was first proposed the only people made aware of it were representatives from local soccer and lacrosse organizations, Dahl said.

"I would like an explanation of how the ordinance was proposed in light of the way that it was not on the agenda. I listened to the recording of the Nov. 21 meeting... There was nobody else there to hear it except for the three guys from soccer and lacrosse because it wasn't on the agenda," Dahl said.

Many other residents spoke out against the unknown financial burden that would come with accepting a project of this nature, claiming that elected officials are supposed to serve the people, not vote on projects without first hearing public comment.

Carol Post, a resident, expressed her desire for a traffic study to be completed in the area before any decisions are made, citing the already heavy traffic on North Road, which faces the park.

"I live on North Road and at the last meeting, I let you know that I think that there are enough traffic concerns, that it should not only be studied… The safety on our roads, as I have mentioned before… that is of greater concern," Post said.

In response to the comments, members of the board clarified the goals of the ordinance.

The ordinance, according to the council, will not serve as a final decision on building out athletic fields, but rather as a way to set aside funds for a potential future project with greater public involvement.