Your Turn
Guest Column
Keavy Franzoni
An open space tax increase would
be better than overdevelopment

I am writing in response to two letters published in the Bulletin July 23.

I agree that it is great that Brick is working on acquiring open space, but in the same breath, the Planning Board is granting variances every week to increase the density of Brick, i.e., allowing 60 feet of frontage when 75 feet is required. This behavior is a backlash to the open space program.

Also, how fair would it be to condemn someone’s property when that individual has no immediate intentions of developing their land? There has to be a better way. Change the zoning or ask for right of first refusal when the individual wants to sell the land. We truly do need to curb overdevelopment in Brick because it is rampant.

In my neighborhood, a development for five houses was passed for a 1.65 acreage site where one house sat for 100 years. This was deemed legal because the zoning has not changed since the ’60s. I think all the board members disliked the idea but felt their hands were tied because it fell within the zoning laws established in the ’60s, before overdevelopment was a problem.

The current zoning needs to be adjusted to help prevent this. We need to stand up to the developers and change zoning, midstream if necessary.

In reference to the rude comments Ross Smith made about Willie deCamp, deCamp has the best intentions for everyone. He truly values the importance of open space and proper development. He has worked hard and long with Mayor Joseph Scarpelli and other town officials to help acquire much of the land Brick has acquired for open space. He has run into a stone wall with Traders’ Cove because everyone thinks the ratables will be so great. Remember, money is not everything.

The 2-acre parcel Smith refers to is another example of the Planning Board granting a variance to increase density. It allowed three houses to be built with 65 feet of frontage when 75 feet was required, again increasing the density along the Metedeconk River, our water supply.

I believe, along with deCamp that 62 condos, a restaurant, a ship chandler’s store and a marina is overuse for this waterfront property. I think a restaurant, a ship chandler’s store and a marina would be adequate use for this property.

Mr. Smith continually mentions the ratables associated with development. Perhaps he is unaware that residential ratables do not always cover the costs associated with new residents.

I think we need to curb overdevelopment, stand up to the builders and become more aware of what is happening in our town. I personally would be willing to pay 2 cents per $100 for open space in addition to the money I currently donate to open space programs. Maybe we can all vote on increasing the open space tax to 2 cents.

Keavy Franzoni is a resident of Brick Township.