What does “Stop the Overdevelopment” Mean for Berkeley Heights

– Edmund Tom Maciejewski

Over the past half-decade, Berkeley Heights Township Council has sanctioned the construction of over 1400 apartments. While labeled as “Smart Development” by some, I see a stark reality of overdevelopment and urban sprawl. Forests have been razed, drainage problems have escalated, and the council has liberally granted tax abatements via PILOTs (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), shortchanging our schools and burdening residents. PILOTs are an incentive to boost developers’ profits.

As I step forward to run for Town Council, my primary focus is clear: halt this rampant overdevelopment. It’s a concern echoed by many in Berkeley Heights. Steve Mondragon and I have centered our campaign on this issue, which has been resonating with the community.

There are those who question if it’s too late to act, given the 1400+ apartments already approved. My answer is a resounding no. We stand at a crossroads where further high-density developments loom, and another round of affordable housing is on the horizon for 2025, during this upcoming 3-year term. The need for qualified council members who will firmly oppose such developments and reject incentivizing developers is more urgent than ever.

The core of our “Stop the Overdevelopment” platform is twofold:

• Unwavering opposition to any new development proposals, at least until these 1400+ apartments are built and we can analyze the impact on traffic, infrastructure, crime, and schools.

• A firm stance against PILOTs and tax abatements that unfairly shift the financial burden onto residents.

Beyond the pressing issue of overdevelopment, Steve Mondragon and I offer a diverse range of expertise essential for the Town Council’s responsibilities. Our combined skills are not only pivotal in battling overdevelopment but also crucial for effectively managing the town’s budget, overseeing infrastructure, and making informed decisions on land use, zoning, public safety, and public works. Our multifaceted capabilities enable us to address the complex challenges that come with the role of Town Council.

With my background in chemical engineering and experience in tech and finance, I’ve also closely monitored town affairs for over 7 years. My insights have identified potential savings in budgets and highlighted the excessive costs of projects like the municipal building, now at about $40 million. My expertise is also vital for addressing the town’s ongoing drainage and sewage issues.

Overdevelopment impacts are multifaceted. Adding 1400+ new cars could exacerbate traffic issues, particularly with only four main routes in and out of Berkeley Heights. While we hope crime won’t be an issue, we must ensure Berkeley Heights has the resources to handle such a large population increase. The impact on schools is also uncertain; we must evaluate the actual number of children in these apartments, contrary to the town’s assurances of minimal impact. Moreover, with more people comes increased wear and stress on existing infrastructure.

Join us in making a stand for Berkeley Heights. Help us Stop The Overdevelopment. Your vote for Mondragon and Maciejewski, Column B, on Nov 7, is a vote for a sustainable, well-managed future in Berkeley Heights.

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