If You Thought That Was Bad, The Rest Was Worse

Folks, last week I published an article here on Patch that detailed a worrying lack of competence (or was it just indifference?) from then-Committeeman Santhana in relation to the Potter’s Farm property (along with other issues). His effort to facilitate that development without knowing “the specifics” was something that shocks me even now, nearly 4 years later.

Due to the overwhelming response I’ve gotten to that article, I thought I’d follow up and provide even greater context. The quote, as many of you many remember was: “I don’t know the specifics of it, I haven’t seen it, but I will vote YES.”

The vote at the time was to approve a $95,000 annual payment from the new owner of the Potter’s property in lieu of taxes (they were a tax-exempt organization). The issue at hand wasn’t just that Mr. Santhana voted without having done his homework, it’s that – as then-Committeeman (and former Mayor) Tom Critelli raised – this seemed to obscure our Township’s strict stance against “pay-to-play”.

You see, this vote materialized before the Zoning Board had an opportunity to vote on a use variance for what was to be a dementia center at the former Potter’s Farm property. Simply put, the property wasn’t zoned for a “dementia center”. As Mr. Critelli pointed out (and you can see his full statement here), voting to accept money from the prospective developer before the Zoning Board – which is an independent, semi-judiciary body BUT includes members appointed by the Mayor – weighed in was, at a minimum, a very bad look. In his words, it blurred the lines of influence between the governing body and the Zoning Board, people who do their very best to maintain their autonomy and vote in the best interests of our town. The timing of the money was an issue.

Knowing this and knowing he had not “seen it”, Mr. Santhana STILL voted in favor while trying to absolve himself of accountability by throwing it in the lap of the Zoning Board. Shortly after Santhana’s vote, Mr. Critelli’s words were heeded, and the Committee tabled the issue and they eventually went back into Executive Session.

Leadership clearly matters. Holmdel can’t afford to slip back into the days of indifference toward land use and development – this issue is too important to all of us.

Let’s make sure we keep moving forward.