Repeal the Glen Rock Artificial Turf Field Bond Ordinance

Stewardship is “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care”. To be a steward is to protect and hold dear those treasures trusted to you with unequaled care and thoughtfulness to ensure they are in turn passed on for the benefit of future generations. Stewardship is a covenant with our history and an obligation to our future. A steward is aware not only of our present, but also of the journey of our past and the hopes for our future. In my opinion, with the decision to install an artificial turf field on Faber field, the Glen Rock Boro Council has forgotten this fundamental obligation to the citizens of Glen Rock.

Lower Faber Field is one of the last of the wide open green spaces that we are lucky enough to have in our small borough. While I agree a concerted effort to improve these fields must be undertaken, I do not agree with the council’s method and approach. The renovation of one of the remaining natural open fields in Glen Rock to an artificial surface reserved for the limited and exclusive use of organized activities is not responsible stewardship of our town’s limited and essential resources. Any investment in that field must be considerate of all of our citizens. Once converted for the exclusive use of these activities, there is no turning back without a substantial financial and environmental cost.

I believe our role as stewards is realized through participation in our democracy, particularly involvement with our local government. But this type of stewardship is impossible when we are not given sufficient time and opportunity to participate in a meaningful way. Knowing the divisive nature of this proposal and the strong vocal support from all sides, a genuine attempt to engage our citizenry by the Boro Council would have started with the open council sessions and continued with the formation a citizens group composed of representatives of all walks of life to ensure that this large endeavor is a reflection of all of our citizens. It is abundantly clear from the recent council sessions that our citizens want and need to be involved. In my opinion, the council has failed to organize this effort and provide direct and concrete answers to the issues raised by the community while also failing to address the more fundamental issues that the town is facing.

How can the council approve this debt increase when only last year they expressed concern about the town’s financial state of affairs?

How can the council approve this debt increase when our bond rating was just lowered?

How can the council approve this debt increase without a detailed plan?

How can the council approve this debt increase when seniors have repeatedly expressed worry and deep concerns about their shuttle service?

How can the council approve this debt increase when there is a substantial proposal on the table to build a senior complex that would have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of our own citizens who want to remain in town?

How can the council approve this debt increase when we have repeatedly cut the library budget?

I fundamentally believe as stewards of our community we have a greater responsibility to our citizens than to succumb to a quickly assembled decision with vague short and long term financial and environmental implications.

I would ask our members of the Glen Rock Boro Council to repeal their atrifical turf field bond ordinance. This issue has waited 10 years it can certainly wait another 6 months in order to assemble a plan that has the commitment and backing of the entire community. Stewardship is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

If you would like to sign a petition to require the artifical turf field bond ordinance be approved through a public referendum, please send an email with your contact information to GRTurfPetition@gmail.com.

Sean Brennan