By Jay Cook
HOLMDEL – A number of Holmdel residents who feel disenfranchised by a recent decision by the town’s elected officials moved their fight to the courts last week.
“Preserve Holmdel,” a newly formed nonprofit organization opposing the construction of two collegiate-sized synthetic turf fields at Cross Farm Park, has filed a lawsuit against the township, demanding that the decision for the park’s expansion be put up for public vote this year.
A petition signed by 746 citizens demanding the referendum was submitted by opponents prior to a Sept. 6 committee meeting, where a $3.3 million bond ordinance was unanimously passed for the turf field installation.
Holmdel Township Mayor Eric Hinds said the petition’s signatures are in the process of being verified by the township clerk. “We’re not afraid of referendum,” he said on Wednesday. “If the petition is legal and verified, then that’s fine.”
HOLMDEL – A number of Holmdel residents who feel disenfranchised by a recent decision by the town’s elected officials moved their fight to the courts last week.
“Preserve Holmdel,” a newly formed nonprofit organization opposing the construction of two collegiate-sized synthetic turf fields at Cross Farm Park, has filed a lawsuit against the township, demanding that the decision for the park’s expansion be put up for public vote this year.
A petition signed by 746 citizens demanding the referendum was submitted by opponents prior to a Sept. 6 committee meeting, where a $3.3 million bond ordinance was unanimously passed for the turf field installation.
Holmdel Township Mayor Eric Hinds said the petition’s signatures are in the process of being verified by the township clerk. “We’re not afraid of referendum,” he said on Wednesday. “If the petition is legal and verified, then that’s fine.”
Hinds has been a strong champion for improving the township’s turf fields for what he has described as the town’s 50 soccer teams and booming lacrosse participation.
“For Holmdel to be a better place, we need to make upgrades to our parks,” he said.
Opponents of the project say they have concerns about the appropriateness of using funds from the township’s Open Space account to build fields; potential hazards of turf field materials; and worry that runoff could pollute nearby Willow and Hop Brooks, Marlu Lake and the Swimming River Reservoir.
“For Holmdel to be a better place, we need to make upgrades to our parks,” he said.
Opponents of the project say they have concerns about the appropriateness of using funds from the township’s Open Space account to build fields; potential hazards of turf field materials; and worry that runoff could pollute nearby Willow and Hop Brooks, Marlu Lake and the Swimming River Reservoir.
Resident Cathy Weber said the citizens’ group Preserve Holmdel, formed in September, will press for a public vote to gauge public interest. “Our intent is to represent and promote the petition,” she said. It has a five-person board of directors and hundreds of supporting members, she said. Preserve Holmdel will be represented by Red Bank attorney Ron Gasiorowski.
“Whatever the voters decide is okay with us,” said Gasiorowski. “Decisions should be made by the community as a whole, rather than five people who think it’s a good idea.”
At that Sept. 6 meeting, township clerk Maureen Doloughty said the time had passed for the issue to be placed on ballots. The only other way to put it up for a vote, she said, was by a special election, which could cost upwards of $30,000.
“Whatever the voters decide is okay with us,” said Gasiorowski. “Decisions should be made by the community as a whole, rather than five people who think it’s a good idea.”
At that Sept. 6 meeting, township clerk Maureen Doloughty said the time had passed for the issue to be placed on ballots. The only other way to put it up for a vote, she said, was by a special election, which could cost upwards of $30,000.
“We had a very, very short window of time and there was very limited communication to the township at large about this project and bond ordinance,” said Weber.
Along with the two synthetic turf fields, the proposal calls for an increase of 250 parking spaces, new bleachers and fencing fixtures, along with an added number of portable toilets on the premises.
Permanent light fixtures have been discussed for the site, yet are not currently part of the plan moving forward.
In the end, Preserve Holmdel simply wants their concerns recognized and acknowledged by township officials, said Weber.
“A piece of the issue here is providing a voice for all residents of Holmdel,” Weber said. “And that’s what we’re trying to do, is make sure that all residents of Holmdel have a voice and can be heard.”
Along with the two synthetic turf fields, the proposal calls for an increase of 250 parking spaces, new bleachers and fencing fixtures, along with an added number of portable toilets on the premises.
Permanent light fixtures have been discussed for the site, yet are not currently part of the plan moving forward.
In the end, Preserve Holmdel simply wants their concerns recognized and acknowledged by township officials, said Weber.
“A piece of the issue here is providing a voice for all residents of Holmdel,” Weber said. “And that’s what we’re trying to do, is make sure that all residents of Holmdel have a voice and can be heard.”
