From the outset of the community conversation about the uses of the Bancroft property that started over 7 years ago, there has been strong, if not universal, sentiment that the Bancroft parcel should be acquired for public use and residents should decide how it will be developed (or not).
There has been recognition that certain uses of the site could add tax ratables but also could have negative impacts on quality of life in the neighborhoods near Bancroft, and potentially more widely in the Borough.
Other types of development considered (family homes) could increase our school-age population, triggering the need for the costly expansion of an existing school or construction of a new school.
We believe the plan developed by the School District and Borough strikes the right balance and is important to Haddonfield for the long-term. It is a forward-looking plan that would create more passive and active recreation areas, potentially comply with COAH obligations, relieve parking issues, and bank land for future needs including the growth of our schools while preserving (and repurposing) historic structures and green space. Support for additional artificial turf fields has been omitted.
Once the property is under public control, the community will have an opportunity to help guide how it will be developed, and although there undoubtedly will be different perspectives on the ultimate uses on the property, there will be opportunities to discuss them and, in some cases, to vote on them.
The Borough will also continue its efforts to secure additional funding from governmental sources to lower the costs of the total purchase price. We are optimistic that the purchase price two years hence will be lower than the referendum amount.
First things first: let’s acquire the land by voting “yes” for the bond referendum.
Kim Custer, former member of the Haddonfield Environmental Commission
Jamie Horwitz Fram, former chair of the Haddonfield Environmental Commission
Andy Johnson, former chair, Haddonfield Planning Board
