A New Sense of Perspective

Last night's meeting of the Cinnaminson Township Planning Board was interesting to say the least, and surprisingly a pleasant experience. Since the municipal court was in session, the meeting was held in the smaller conference room, which provided a much different atmosphere. It is always somewhat intimidating to make a comment or ask a question in the larger room. The committee or board members are perched high up on the dais, looking down on us, the common folk. It always makes me think of the old movies where the peasants and serfs come to ask a favor of the lords of the manor. Having the planning board sitting at eye level, and only a couple of yards away, and not having to worry about talking into the microphone, made it easier to talk to them. I felt like they were really listening to those of us who had something to say, and unlike some of the other meetings I've attended, the planning board was glad to have us there, and let us know that we (the public) were welcome to all of their meetings - the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.  So thank you to the planning board, for listening and making us feel welcome - it was appreciated! 

While many of the questions asked couldn't be answered by the planning board, they had no problem pointing us in the right direction to get the answers we wanted. They told us about changes in the COAH program and about the DCA- and explained the acronyms for us (commission on affordable housing and the division of consumer affairs), and told us about the state's affordable housing website. I was disappointed (but not surprised) to find that so many things that I thought were under the authority of the planning board are actually controlled by the township committee. With that in mind, I can now get ready for the next township committee meeting, and have my questions phrased more accurately, increasing the odds of getting a clear answer. (Of course, not getting a clear answer would then be an answer in its own way!)

What I got from tonight's meeting wasn't anything specific; there were no immediate solutions to some of the issues I'm concerned with. But I came away with a sense that trying to make a difference isn't a waste of time, that there is still a reason to speak up. Hey, if enough of us make our opinions known, on both sides of each issue, then they'll have to listen, right? Then some of us will be pleased that the decision went our way, and the rest of us can be okay with that, because we were given, and took advantage of, the opportunity to have our say. Gee, a government of the people, by the people and for the people - I wonder if it will catch on?

P.S. On the topic of people being welcome at meetings: The Pompeston Creek Watershed Association is meeting Wednesday evening at 7:00PM in the meeting room at the Cinnaminson Library. Come on out and see who we are and what we do - and then decide for yourselves if we really are a good-hearted bunch who care about the environment and our town, or just a gang of "radical fringe element whack jobs". Plus there will be cookies and a screening of Dr.Seuss' "The Lorax" just for fun! Everyone is welcome!