Politics & Government

Dem Council Candidates: Don't Spend Open Space on Fields Project

In a letter to the editor, Democratic council candidates Mark Hines, Greg Newcomer and Brian Sattinger urge the current council not to spend money from the trust fund on the fields project.

To the Editor:

The Moorestown Township Council has . The intent of this public hearing is clear: to hold a vote to utilize the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland Preservation, and Historical Preservation Trust Fund for funding artificial turf fields, parking lot improvements and other enhancements at fields. It will take only a simple majority vote (3 votes out of 5) to appropriate and deplete the current balance of this fund, now at approximately $1.6 million.

We oppose this expected action and ask council to refrain from doing so. It is clear the majority of Moorestown citizens do not want the fund used in this manner. 

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The Trust Fund is important to the people of Moorestown. Moorestown taxpayers have overwhelmingly supported this fund, with the expectation that it be used for acquiring and preserving open space. Residents want this fund to be available for open space purchases when opportunites are made available.

In just one instance, the prompt acquisition of open space by this trust fund prevented the development of up to 180 dwellings (the acquisition of the 129-acre Benner Farm/Swede Run Fields, which cost the township $3.2 million in 2005). The additional required services and burden on the school system would have made a major impact on our taxpayers.

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Using the Trust Fund to purchase open space has kept our taxes low, and has strengthened the financial stability of our town. And consistently we have received significant matching dollars from the state and county on those acquisitions. Using the Trust Fund for open space purchases is the most fiscally responsible use for this fund.

Moorestown Council: We ask that you do not vote to release Trust Fund monies for the athletic field improvements. 

Greg Newcomer, Brian Sattinger, and Mark Hines — Democratic candidates for Moorestown Township Council

Have an opinion? Send letters to the editor to local editor Rob Scott at rob.scott@patch.com. Include your name and address. 


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