Mercer County
Mercer County is dealing with the rise of warehouses in its towns and also in nearby towns right outside of Mercer County. Residents residing in Robbinsville, NJ sued the township over the new plan for a warehouse that was about to be constructed near homes and public parks. When the townships were making decisions, residents reported that they were given very little time to voice their concerns, which were mostly overlooked. Similarly, in West Windsor, NJ, residents are facing similar circumstances, feeling unable to voice their concerns in a manner that the township will listen.
Having attended Maurice Hawk, a local elementary school, I can understand the impact that more traffic, noise, and pavement will have on the school’s environment, making it harder to hold events that are key to its core experience. Children already suffered enough during COVID, and I would hate to see them losing out on memorable experiences due to the safety risks that cannot be overlooked. However, I understand that overcrowding in schools is a huge problem that is only growing, so there should not be more actions that could exacerbate the problem.
Camden County
Last year in Lawnside, Camden County, residents demonstrated against a proposed development by Vineland Construction Company, fearing the borough’s rich history was being paved over. Lawnside was a former home to free black people as early as the 1700s, starting as a stop on the underground railroad. As a result, Lawnside is home to lots of rich history and historical landmarks, all of which face challenges with the push for new development in the borough, one that residents believe is not meant for commercial development like the ones suggested.