Rt. 23 Mixed-Use Application 'Is Not A Plus For Wayne,' Letter Says

To the editor:

During the last five years or so I have attended meetings as one of the citizen observers to the appeals before the Wayne Board of Adjustment (BOA). Board members work off the master plan, which is adopted by the Planning Board, that sets out dos and don'ts to regulate Wayne's growth. Valid appeals are necessary to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. But some requests are made for individual profit and not in the interest of the town. These plans should be rejected quickly. One such case is before the Board now.

A proposal to build 232 apartments, sandwiched between a river and the rear of two food establishment and Rout 23 is being considered – a parcel that is designated as commercial and a wetland areas.

In my opinion, the request for a variance is purely to maximize profit. Approval for this project will only encourage future requests from developers and weaken the Board of Adjustment's position to reject unacceptable plans.

The proposed project is not a plus for Wayne. It is likely to increase flooding, which already has flooded Route 23. It does very little to address a future state-mandated affordable housing requirement. It will not help our schools. It is not a favorable place to live with children who will basically be confined in their apartments. With all of this information in front of the board, the citizens of Wayne find it necessary to be vigilant at the public Board of Adjustment meetings because they can not be sure of how the members will vote.

I would urge the residents of Wayne, especially the residents of Sandra Lane who will be more affected by this development, to share their concerns with the members of the Board of Adjustment. Their next scheduled meeting is September 5th in the council chambers at 7:30 p.m.. At that meeting they are scheduled to hear from the citizens and possibly vote on the project.

Stephen Palmino,
President, Wayne Democratic Club