Council told Route 18 plan is not so golden
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - It's election season, and several local teenagers on Monday took part in the political process by sharing their views with the Township Council.

A number of teens took to the mic during the public session to voice their feelings about what's going on in the township. One of them was Michael Martelo, a Rutgers University freshman who last year served as student representative to the Board of Education. Some local Boy Scouts also spoke, voicing concerns about traffic and intersections in the township.

One of Martelo's criticisms involved the plan for the area of Route 18 known as the Golden Triangle, which was sold by the township to Toll Brothers for redevelopment.

"It's not exactly golden," he said of the plan, adding his belief that it is a bad idea to force out businesses like Sam's Club and the Route 18 Market and replace them with condominiums, offices, restaurants and a parking deck. He said the revenue generated will not make up for the "long-term damage" created by the new development. That would include a major burden on the already crowded school system, he said.

Because the council lifted the age restrictions that were initially applied to the residential units, it is now possible that school-age children will move in, he said. The school budget is voted down most years, and the council gets the job of deciding how much to cut it.

Councilman Donald Klemp said the council has said "time and time again" that age-restricted housing is not the only way to attract residents without school-age children. Rutgers University studies have shown that condos in transit villages such as the one planned for the Golden Triangle do not bring in many children. In fact, the studies show that about two children move in per 100 units.

He said it can be expected that "just a handful" of children will move into this development.

Klemp also noted that the condos will have only one or two bedrooms, and the lack of a quiet backyard may dissuade people with children from buying the units.

Martelo also said the flea market should be retained because it is unique and serves a purpose in the township. He believes it is favorable to more chain stores typical of a suburban area.

Martelo also criticized the township for not disclosing more information about the proposed parking deck and for what he said is a failure to improve traffic conditions.