Zoning change would sacrifice quality of life

This is an open letter to the mayor of East Brunswick.

When was the last issue to bring out more than 200 of the people you represent to protest a proposed zoning variance?

Plans are under way to attempt to modify the permitted use near the corner of Guernsey and Ryders lanes in an effort to build Quail Cove, a 90-unit age-restricted development. This land is presently zoned R-3, which would allow for roughly 15 single-family houses to be built under the present code. The bordering neighborhood is single-family homes. All the owners of these homes bought their properties with the understanding that the township would protect them from overdevelopment by adhering to the master plan of the town.

Changing the permitted use and adding 90 units in the middle of our residential neighborhood would drastically affect our quality of life. It would add excessive traffic to Guernsey Lane and totally change the profile of the area with the addition of four tall buildings that are not in keeping with the character of the single-family homes that have been there for more than 30 years.

Under federal law for age-restricted housing, the number of schoolchildren from 90 units of age-restricted housing could in theory exceed the number of children from 15 single-family homes. That fact alone should deter you from seeking these new tax ratables at the expense of the cohesiveness, character and quality of life of our neighborhood.

Joseph and Sheila Behrman

East Brunswick