On & Off Like a Lightbulb
We’re not going away local resident Mark Fisher warned the Atlantic Highlands planning board at its meeting last night when the question about Mother Theresa school property was on the agenda, but removed from action at a revised agenda prior to the meeting.
“This bouncing around thing,” Fisher continued has got to stop. He cited the number of times the sale and use of the property and the subsequent introduction of an ordinance to change the use have been the subject of several council meetings. “Ok,” said Fisher but “we’re letting you know…”
Interrupting Residents
Board attorney Michael Steib interrupted Fisher to make it clear the planning board is “well aware” of the activity and that while there appears there will be a public form in the future it would not be before the planning board.
Board chairman Douglas Pape pointed out that the planners “look at the consistency” of the proposed ordinance with relationship with the borough’s Master Plan. “The political issue is not before this board, just consistency.” All opinions or questions concerning the proposed ordinance should be taken up with the mayor and council, “not this board.”
No Action
Without the planning board’s report on the consistency of the proposed changed plan with the borough’s Master Plan, the governing body cannot take action on the matter at its Dec. 15 meeting, the last for the year. With a new governing body taking over Jan. 1, the matter would then have to begin at the beginning once again.
Pape Bows Out
Pape also announced at the meeting he does not plan to accept a reappointment to the planning board when his term expires this month. He said he would prefer to defer and enable others to serve on the board on which he has served for many years. He praised all planning board members for their dedication to planning issues, and the volunteer time they put into their exemplary public service with offers no benefit to themselves other than dedication to the borough’s high standards. He referred to both Steib and Engineer Doug Rohmeyer as the “consummate professionals “and thanked them and board members for all they have done.
