In early September, township commissioners gave approval for site plans for the $27.5 million center, which will feature a gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness club, elevated track and community room. They are expected to award contracts for the 90,000-square-foot facility in November with the opening slated for 2009.
Residents have raised concerns about the financial impact the facility would place on them with additional taxes as well as membership fees to use the center.
A new concerned citizens group plans to conduct an opinion poll to solicit township residents' thoughts about the project. Their aim is to put a number to the voices of dissent and find out just how many residents actually want the recreation center as it is currently proposed.
While understanding and supporting the intent, just how many of those eligible (registered voters, 18 years and older) will actually participate could be the deciding factor in the success of the poll. There are 20,000 residents in the township.
If only 10 percent of those eligible respond, is that enough criteria on which to change plans? If 50 percent voice their opinion, that information should certainly be effective enough to have an impact.
We applaud the township officials for the open process which has surrounded this proposed center. A summary of the project is posted on the township Web site, along with a variety of meeting minutes, design reports, pictures of the proposed facility.
This newspaper has also tried to keep the public informed about the progress of the rec center, including presenting both concerns and support for the project.
It is interesting to note that a township-conducted survery taken by approximately 100 residents indicates 90 percent of the respondents were concerned about the cost of the facility.
Although a citizens' referendum on the project was expected, it was later deemed not necessary by the township solicitor as the cost of the project would not exceed the township's debt limit as set by the state.
If township residents want to be heard - either pro or con - about the rec center, they should make themselves known by participating in the poll. If there proves to be an overwhelming amount of objections, this should certainly be considered by the commissioners, as it lends itself to the continuation of the open process upon which this project has been based.
It would be nice to see an alternative plan of action come from proposed poll. Individuals or groups which put forth a reasonable solution - whatever that maybe - are more likely to achieve a better response than ones which only complain.
Where controversy is concerned, no one is ever happy with everything but there are usually very good compromises which can be achieved by working together.