Lestini discusses the need for opportunities for public comment.
For four hours on Monday, June 18, I sat listening to the Moorestown planning board discussion on the Pennrose application. This was the first publicly noticed meeting on the site plan for what will be a major development, located at one of the busiest and most dangerous intersections in the state. The design of this development, while seemingly on a fast track for review, will have significant impacts for the town and future residents alike.
Three hours into the meeting, the public was finally invited to provide testimony. To my dismay, as I stood to speak, with several residents queued behind me, the meeting ended. As the meeting closed, a board member commented that they had “day jobs.” I can empathize, as I have a day job as well. But that is beside the point, as is the follow-up meeting scheduled for June 28.
To me, the larger point is that, on issue after issue, our township leadership espouses a culture in which it’s acceptable to meet only the minimum requirement for obtaining public input. Why make people sit for hours, only to leave frustrated with not being able to provide input? Why not hold publicly noticed information sessions or town halls beyond formal meetings, to gain input from residents outside of sworn testimony? This would certainly help limit back-and-forth at formal meetings, provide opportunities for much broader perspectives on important issues, and be respectful of residents’ busy lives.
Or, since this is 2018, how about an online option for collecting public comments on open dockets? Many other governmental agencies do it, why don’t we? Concerns with transparency and accountability of current township leadership have been brought up many times. Our wonderful town is at its best when public input is desired and valued. Until we have a council leadership that actively promotes a culture of public engagement, we should expect our ability as residents to provide input will continue to be marginalized.
Brian Lestini
