WWTP, Inc.
Donation protected
In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy.
by John Sawhill, The Nature Conservatory.
Whitehouse Station was a sleepy community nestled in the northeast sector of Hunterdon County. As in other areas of the state, progress has brought much development and TRAFFIC to our area. The proposed Nelson Street Project to be situated in the heart of Whitehouse Station will only exacerbate our already highly abused Main Street traffic issues.
In addition to the traffic, however, is the concern of many residents that development of the Nelson Street site on ecologically sensitive land will create unforeseen hazards to the surrounding areas of the town not to mention the wildlife which inhabits the tract of land in question.
From the 2016 Preliminary Investigation of an Area in Need of Redevelopment (Nelson Street Tract) we know that the “Study Area consists, largely, of undeveloped deciduous woodlands that also contains freshwater wetlands, wetland transition areas, a section of the South Branch Rockaway Creek tributary (and associated riparian zone and flood hazard areas).” Note also from the study that the tributary is “classified as a trout maintenance waterway pursuant to the NJDEP Surface Water Quality Standards …and supports trout population.” And what of flood hazard zones? As is, the land is marshy and wet (see photos taken April 6, 2017 below). If concrete slabs and macadam for roadways and parking lots are introduced, who knows what future complications could occur when weather and other factors become involved.
Are there any rare or endangered species there? We know of one. In a letter dated Jan 20, 2009 received by a Mr. Edward A. Kuc of the Eastern States Environmental Associates from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection RE: Freshwater Wetlands General Permit No. 6, Condition #4 states, “In order to protect Indiana bat (Myotis sodalist) a Federally listed endangered species…” Could there be others? Or possibly RARE butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, plant life? The more we pave and build, the less likely we, our children or, particularly, our grandchildren will see our lands in any form of natural state. Many of us have seen hawks’ nests in the trees and owls as well. Deer and other critters roam the paths. The flora and fauna do not have to be registered on any endangered species list for us to realize that the more we reduce natural habitats, the less chance these creatures have of surviving.
Readington Township and Hunterdon County may still have some natural tracts of land, Whitehouse Station has little or none. The WWTP sees no advantage to developing the tract in question and several disadvantages. Every inch of undeveloped land NEED NOT be re-developed even if it is deemed ‘in need of development’ by a governmental entity. Where are all those members of our elite political establishment who ran on OPEN SPACE????
WE MUST SAVE WHAT LITTLE OPEN SPACE WE HAVE LEFT!!!
To preserve this land, Whitehouse Wetlands Tributary Preserve, Inc. needs to raise funds to pay for environmental experts and communication materials to keep residents informed of ongoing efforts to halt the development.
by John Sawhill, The Nature Conservatory.
Whitehouse Station was a sleepy community nestled in the northeast sector of Hunterdon County. As in other areas of the state, progress has brought much development and TRAFFIC to our area. The proposed Nelson Street Project to be situated in the heart of Whitehouse Station will only exacerbate our already highly abused Main Street traffic issues.
In addition to the traffic, however, is the concern of many residents that development of the Nelson Street site on ecologically sensitive land will create unforeseen hazards to the surrounding areas of the town not to mention the wildlife which inhabits the tract of land in question.
From the 2016 Preliminary Investigation of an Area in Need of Redevelopment (Nelson Street Tract) we know that the “Study Area consists, largely, of undeveloped deciduous woodlands that also contains freshwater wetlands, wetland transition areas, a section of the South Branch Rockaway Creek tributary (and associated riparian zone and flood hazard areas).” Note also from the study that the tributary is “classified as a trout maintenance waterway pursuant to the NJDEP Surface Water Quality Standards …and supports trout population.” And what of flood hazard zones? As is, the land is marshy and wet (see photos taken April 6, 2017 below). If concrete slabs and macadam for roadways and parking lots are introduced, who knows what future complications could occur when weather and other factors become involved.
Are there any rare or endangered species there? We know of one. In a letter dated Jan 20, 2009 received by a Mr. Edward A. Kuc of the Eastern States Environmental Associates from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection RE: Freshwater Wetlands General Permit No. 6, Condition #4 states, “In order to protect Indiana bat (Myotis sodalist) a Federally listed endangered species…” Could there be others? Or possibly RARE butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, plant life? The more we pave and build, the less likely we, our children or, particularly, our grandchildren will see our lands in any form of natural state. Many of us have seen hawks’ nests in the trees and owls as well. Deer and other critters roam the paths. The flora and fauna do not have to be registered on any endangered species list for us to realize that the more we reduce natural habitats, the less chance these creatures have of surviving.
Readington Township and Hunterdon County may still have some natural tracts of land, Whitehouse Station has little or none. The WWTP sees no advantage to developing the tract in question and several disadvantages. Every inch of undeveloped land NEED NOT be re-developed even if it is deemed ‘in need of development’ by a governmental entity. Where are all those members of our elite political establishment who ran on OPEN SPACE????
WE MUST SAVE WHAT LITTLE OPEN SPACE WE HAVE LEFT!!!
To preserve this land, Whitehouse Wetlands Tributary Preserve, Inc. needs to raise funds to pay for environmental experts and communication materials to keep residents informed of ongoing efforts to halt the development.
Organizer and beneficiary
Diane Brittman
Organizer
Whitehouse Station, NJ
Maureen Baumgaertner
Beneficiary
