Parking Lot Exemplifies Public-Private Partnership: Councilwoman

MOORESTOWN, NJ — The new parking facilities at Esther Yanai Preserve are a perfect example of how a public-private partnership can work for the benefit of the community, Moorestown Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano writes. Her letter to the editor can be found below:

I recently had the pleasure of participating in the dedication ceremony for the new parking facilities at Esther Yanai Preserve located on Garwood Road along with fellow Councilmembers Mike Locatell and Nicole Gillespie, Deputy Township Manager Tom Merchel, members of Save the Environment Moorestown (STEM), and the Yanai family.

This project was discussed and evaluated by the Open Space Advisory Committee, spearheaded by committee member Steward “Gub" Maines. Gub worked closely with Mr. Merchel and Director of Public Works Doug Nims, with guidance from Joe Ponessa of STEM. The construction was funded by a generous donation by Esther Yanai’s husband, Steven, and facilitated by STEM. The site now boasts six parking spots, including a handicapped spot. In the next round of township road work, we will further enhance this space by widening and repaving the culvert at the entrance to the site.

We now have a township-owned open space, named after a founding member of STEM, which is vastly more accessible to all of our residents thanks to design and construction enabled by a township committee and staff, all funded by a private citizen thanks to STEM’s coordination. This is a wonderful public-private partnership, and yet another example of the way that Moorestonians time and again come together to better our township to the benefit of our whole community.

I’m proud to see this project, which began moving forward in earnest two years ago, come to fruition. I hope that you and your family will take advantage of this new facility and explore the local natural gem that is Esther Yanai Preserve. If you are interested in learning more about our township's open spaces and getting involved, attend an Open Space Advisory Committee, or join STEM at stemonline.org.