Dear Editor:Does Livingston need the 45 South Livingston Avenue redevelopment project? The density for this location will be greater than any other area in town. Why do we need such density close to one of the town’s busiest intersections? Exiting from Arden onto South Livingston Avenue can be very difficult around 4 p.m. That is already quite far from the intersection. How will 276 apartments complicate this equation?The main reason people move to Livingston is the schools. I recall reading in the Tribune that families usually do not rent two bedroom apartments. Will that still be the case for families that want to move here for the schools? Is our school system ready to absorb so many families and school children? How are we doing meeting the current population’s needs?Livingston has other amazing features, like the many community members who volunteer their time and energy to better the town. Every committee and organization represents, protects, and develops the town’s/our interests. I am confused how this plan is in the town’s interests. Just because it fits within the parameters of the “town plan” does not mean that it fits with the town in that location. How is the Town Council representing the town with this project? Who are they representing? How is this project in the town’s interest? Do any of our representatives have this project in their front or backyard? Would they think otherwise if they lived in our neighborhood?Livingston’s “town center” does not attract Livingstonites to gather and patronize the town, nor does it attract people from other towns. How often have the Council members gone out to dinner in downtown Millburn, Montclair, South Orange, Maplewood, Morristown… Wouldn’t it be nice if we actually had a downtown that attracted Livingstonites and people from other communities? This location, located downtown, could help in actually developing Livingston’s downtown. Whom would that benefit? All of us. Would it tax our resources (schools, police, fire, infrastructure)? Not at all when compared to 276 living units over retail space.As a child growing up near the mall, I remember the slow growth in town. The town’s natural growth and development happen slowly. New neighborhoods pop up, businesses come and go, the town evolves. Evolution is a slow process. Putting 276 living units in the heart of town is not slow and controlled growth but forced rapid expansion. How can we possibly know the impact this ...
