Letter to the Editor: Township Trust Fund for More Than Recreation

To the editor:

My dear Moorestown friends, in regards to the :

A few of you who know me may remember how hard I worked for years on preserving Moorestown's open space and then trying to get the now-defunct Historic Preservation Commission in place. For those of you who don't know me, please read on and learn.

As a member of the Open Space Advisory Committee for seven years, even though tempted when some demolitions were pending, I never felt the Open Space Fund should be used for historic preservation or recreation until the possible acquisition of all open space in Moorestown had been exhausted. There are still several tracts that sit waiting for subdivision that could be purchased with open space funds.

Even if the funds are eventually dispersed to other areas within the guidelines of the OS Fund, why should they ALL go to recreation? As a mother who raised children in town I understand the need for recreational facilities, however there are THREE parts to the Open Space Fund: open space preservation, historic preservation and recreation. Not one dime has been given to historic preservation, nor will be if these resolutions are passed.

There are no historic structures or view sheds in Moorestown that need preservation and protection? Come on now—you don't want me to get started on that; we'll be here all day.

It is simply completely excessive and irresponsible of the council to proceed with these resolutions, in my opinion.

Thank you for listening. Even though I am now too far away to help, Moorestown is still my hometown. I hope you can attend the meeting tonight. You'd be amazed at what "filling the room" does to change the course of history.

Midge Ingersoll 
Three years Recreational Advisory Committee 
Seven years Open Space Advisory Committee
Former President 
2003 Citizen of the Year

To view the full town council agenda for tonight's meeting, click here.

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Got something to say? Send letters to the editor at local editor Rob Scott at rob.scott@patch.com.