bobpbx
12-04-06, 09:53 PM
Scenic Vista Destroyed in Preservation District
Over 25 years ago, studies were commissioned to determine the boundaries of the most critical of all New Jersey Pineland areas; the Preservation District. It was this area that would receive the most protection, with the goal being to define and maintain a wilderness to be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The studies included surveys involving our NJ citizens to try and determine what is it about certain scenic aspects of the Pinelands that most appealed to them. Naturally, when shown a slide of a smokestack next to a slide of a Cedar tree forest, the citizens chose the forest. One scenic vista consistently came out on top in the survey; that of any type of waterway with trees in the background. Of course you say, that is in short supply in NJ and pleasing to the eye. With this and other data such as endangered species and water protection in mind, the lines for the Preservation District were drawn up and rules delineating their use were drafted in stone (or so we would like to think).
Fast forward 25 years later, and we see a disturbing trend of total disregard for the aesthetic standards that helped protect these scenic areas. None is more apparent than the recent decision to allow a cell tower against the backdrop of the cedar forest bordering pristine Bamber Lake in Lacey Township. The water entering Bamber Lake rises from a stretch of forest that extends for 10 miles without any sort of habitable dwelling. The Chamberlin Branch and Webbs Mill Branch join just upstream of the lake; both waterways are crystal clear and absolutely virgin. It is not enough to call them unpolluted, they are exceptional, and are they on the list for Category One status-the best of the best. To construct a cell phone tower in full view of the citizens who come to enjoy the lake waters and the natural surroundings is obscene, and violates everything the Preservation District stands for. The photograph attached to this opinion is undeniable proof of that fact.
You might ask how this happened, and who’s property the tower was constructed on. The tower was constructed on a working sand and gravel pit owned by a Lacey Township Committeeman. The tower was permitted by the Pinelands Commission, and the reason it was allowed is quite shaky. It was allowed to replace a local communication facility tower that was supposedly used to communicate with the truck drivers. The tower it replaces was 125 feet high according to the permit. The new tower is 180 feet high. The old tower could not be seen from the Lake, and one wonders whether it would have even if it were higher (no one can define just where it was).
No matter. The reason it was allowed is totally immaterial to the argument that the offending symbol of dubious progress changes the beautiful uniqueness of the lake forever. There is no record of Bamber Lake residents being asked if they would like a cell tower in this area. No longer will they enjoy the lake for its scenic beauty as before. No longer will they canoe up the gently waterway that enters the lake without having the to bear the cold symbol of greed that can be found in the bank accounts of Nextel and Cingular (and others). What we wanted from our Township and our Pinelands Commission is scenic beauty. We had it for 25 blessed years. Now, in 2006, we only seem to get the shaft. Could they have come up with a better location? Sure, just ask me. I can tell them where to stick it.
Bobpbx
Bamber Lake
http://forums.njpinebarrens.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10011/Cell_Tower.jpg
Over 25 years ago, studies were commissioned to determine the boundaries of the most critical of all New Jersey Pineland areas; the Preservation District. It was this area that would receive the most protection, with the goal being to define and maintain a wilderness to be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The studies included surveys involving our NJ citizens to try and determine what is it about certain scenic aspects of the Pinelands that most appealed to them. Naturally, when shown a slide of a smokestack next to a slide of a Cedar tree forest, the citizens chose the forest. One scenic vista consistently came out on top in the survey; that of any type of waterway with trees in the background. Of course you say, that is in short supply in NJ and pleasing to the eye. With this and other data such as endangered species and water protection in mind, the lines for the Preservation District were drawn up and rules delineating their use were drafted in stone (or so we would like to think).
Fast forward 25 years later, and we see a disturbing trend of total disregard for the aesthetic standards that helped protect these scenic areas. None is more apparent than the recent decision to allow a cell tower against the backdrop of the cedar forest bordering pristine Bamber Lake in Lacey Township. The water entering Bamber Lake rises from a stretch of forest that extends for 10 miles without any sort of habitable dwelling. The Chamberlin Branch and Webbs Mill Branch join just upstream of the lake; both waterways are crystal clear and absolutely virgin. It is not enough to call them unpolluted, they are exceptional, and are they on the list for Category One status-the best of the best. To construct a cell phone tower in full view of the citizens who come to enjoy the lake waters and the natural surroundings is obscene, and violates everything the Preservation District stands for. The photograph attached to this opinion is undeniable proof of that fact.
You might ask how this happened, and who’s property the tower was constructed on. The tower was constructed on a working sand and gravel pit owned by a Lacey Township Committeeman. The tower was permitted by the Pinelands Commission, and the reason it was allowed is quite shaky. It was allowed to replace a local communication facility tower that was supposedly used to communicate with the truck drivers. The tower it replaces was 125 feet high according to the permit. The new tower is 180 feet high. The old tower could not be seen from the Lake, and one wonders whether it would have even if it were higher (no one can define just where it was).
No matter. The reason it was allowed is totally immaterial to the argument that the offending symbol of dubious progress changes the beautiful uniqueness of the lake forever. There is no record of Bamber Lake residents being asked if they would like a cell tower in this area. No longer will they enjoy the lake for its scenic beauty as before. No longer will they canoe up the gently waterway that enters the lake without having the to bear the cold symbol of greed that can be found in the bank accounts of Nextel and Cingular (and others). What we wanted from our Township and our Pinelands Commission is scenic beauty. We had it for 25 blessed years. Now, in 2006, we only seem to get the shaft. Could they have come up with a better location? Sure, just ask me. I can tell them where to stick it.
Bobpbx
Bamber Lake
http://forums.njpinebarrens.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10011/Cell_Tower.jpg