The West Amwell Planning Board Workshop meeting of February 11, 2003 was held at the Municipal Building at 150 Lambertville Rocktown Rd, Lambertville, N.J. Vice-Chairman, Bernie Meader opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. He declared the meeting was advertised and complied with the "Open Public Meetings Act." The meeting was taped and the tape placed in the general files.

ROLL CALL ON ATTENDANCE:

VanDerVeen-here, Schapella-here, Smith-here, Meader-here, Greenwood-here, Buchsbaum-here, Bleacher-here. Palladino-here (Township Committee) Hunt, Ent, Dudbridge, Perri-absent.

Also present: A.Mercantante, Planner.

A letter was sent from the Township, inviting the Agricultural Community to attend this meeting. The purpose: Conversation on the Master Plan and the zoning elements of this plan.

The issue: How these potential changes might impact the larger land holders.

Approx thirty (30) land owners attended. Some of them stated their concerns:

(Listed in order of speaking)

1. Pat Steifel - concern: cost of larger lots for future generations.

2. Mr & Mrs Richard Debastos - Questioned: How does the State Plan affect our Master Plan.

3. Jamie Kampf - Stated there is equal demand for open space.

4. Carolyn Deal - asked if the Township was considering a contiguous open space area between surrounding communities.

5. John Kvartek - He keeps livestock on his property. The trail ways are infringing on his property. What is the Township’s position on the D&R trail ways and trespassing.

6. Thomas Stover - In his profession as a well driller, he sees no difference in the amount of

water available from the wells he has been drilling.

7. Bruce Gage - Stated: He and Joan moved to West Amwell for it’s rural beauty and character.

He feels preserved land does not loose value. It becomes more valuable as does the surrounding land for its open space.

8. Mr & Mrs Adrain Nunn- Concern: Holcombe land is adjacent to their property and would like to know what is going to be on this land.

9. Mike Rassweiller - Expressed his displeasure with the Planning Board Professionals. He stated: The Township should protect the producing farmers.

10. Martha Gulick - Stated: she approved of the four (4) acre zoning. She would like more information on the Hydrology report.

11. Wayne Hunt- Stated: the quality of life in West Amwell should be incentive not to sell.

12. Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Kennedy had no comments.

13. Cliff Halper- asked what the Township was doing for Senior Citizens and low income housing.

14. No name, no comment.

15. Nella Hamtil - stated: She cannot afford the taxes and the cost of farming.

16. Carolyn Armstong ( StoneyBrook) - Stated: Do not let the size of the lots be the focus, keep and open mind.

17. Lambert Family Members- Stated: they were there to observe.

18. Bill Corboy - Stated: He would like to see more Senior and low cost housing become available.

19. Tom King - asked why the Township was increasing the zoning?

20. Hal Shute - presented a written statement for the board to read after the meeting. (Attached).

21. Paul Cronce - Stated: He would like the zoning to remain the same.

22. Bill Kiriluk- Stated: No sewers.

23. Boyd Hartpence- Stated: He must subdivide now, to preserve his legacy.

24. Mr. Ruggerio - no comment.

25. Bob Fulper and Family: Read a history of the Fulper Family and the farming challenges of their family. He stated: There is loss of local support. Land equity is all they have. He would support cluster and community septic systems. Water is available in Lambertville for West Amwell. He took issue with Matt Mulhall’s report, claiming there was no site inspection.  Mr. Fulper stated the Alexauken Creek begins on their property and he has never seen it dry.

26. Bill Comly- Would approve of four (4) acre zoning and clustering on Routes 518 and 179.

27. Tom Holcombe- Stated: he owns 230 acres and he would like the Lambertville Water Co to come up Route 179.

28. No name, no comment.

Bernie Meader read a letter which was sent to the Board from Betty Jane Hunt. (Attached)
Note:  call Clerk's office for copy of attachment. 

Motion to adjourn at 10.35 was set forth by Meader and seconded by Palladino. Roll call: all members present signified - ayes.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine L. Park, Sec.