Group on Honeywell: Let Us Work With You

Late last week, the Daily Record reported Hanover officials say they'd welcome , if Morris Township shoots down plans to expand the company's corporate campus.

In response, the Citizens for Better Planning in Morris Township group, which has watched Honeywell's plan closely and raised concerns to municipal bodies, sent us this letter, saying it should be possible to meet Honeywell's needs and still protect the community. Whay do you think?

Citizens for Better Planning in Morris Township, Inc. (CBPMT) seeks to increase awareness of planning issues and the planning process used to resolve them in our Township.  We advocate for balanced, open, evidence-based planning. Rational planning decisions benefit the Township as a whole. We are pleased when our appointed and elected officials are open to debate to distinguish fact from fiction. On March 5, 2012 our community planner highlighted inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the proposed Honeywell redevelopment plan which need to be addressed by all. This discussion and debate will continue on April 2nd.

CBPMT’s goal remains unchanged: to preserve Morris Township’s open space and residential character, and maintain its desirability as a place to live, work and visit. We are confident the Planning Board can form a plan which earns the support of the entire community.  We are confident this can be done in a way that addresses Honeywell’s operational needs and also addresses residents’ concerns about the quality-of-life impact of potential development on this tract.  And we are confident this can be done quickly once we all agree to work together. We can envision a number of possible scenarios, and we want to participate in the design of a solution.  It is the job of the Planning Board to fully consider the options and find a suitable way forward.

Leaders who encourage open governance support a process that is fair, open and inclusive of all residents as well as corporate partners in Morris Township. The Public Hearings for the proposed Master Plan Amendment, which have only recently begun, afford the public our first official opportunity to be heard by the Planning Board.