Consolidation: Time for a Plan B?

Dear Editor: 

A growing number of folks in the Borough are questioning whether consolidation is a wise idea after all. The anticipated fiscal savings are not that compelling. And the cultural divide between the Borough and Township may be wider than previously recognized.

The public debate over the proposed Arts District, and the University’s repeatedly stated intention to relocate the Dinky station to the Township and much further from its ridership, have cast a harsh light on differences between Borough Council and Township Committee. While Borough Council has raised legitimate questions regarding the deterioration in transit service and inconvenience to the transit ridership which such move would certainly cause, Township Committee has openly embraced the proposed park & ride and convenience store / station and repeatedly pooh-poohed the concerns of the walking public and transit riders.

I personally favor consolidation, because I believe it will facilitate a process whereby we can collectively look at the big picture instead of constantly fussing with the trivial. I firmly believe we can achieve far better solutions if we work together towards a common, larger purpose and get our noses out of the weeds.

But if consolidation is rejected by Borough voters, I have another suggestion. Give those of us that live in the walking neighborhoods in the Township the opportunity to be annexed by the Borough. I for one do not want to live in a town governed by folks who put cars ahead of people and who would gladly compromise the only functioning transit system we have. We may not be able to achieve full consolidation, but we can at least unite those who favor a walking and viable transit community.

Carlos Rodrigues
Moore Street

Want to weigh in on the consolidation proposal, the arts & transit zone or any other local issue? Email greta.cuyler@patch.com.