Letters

In a deft maneuver of scheduling slight-of-hand, the Red Bank Zoning Board of Adjustment has effectively usurped the rights of the citizens to hear and be heard on an important application. This application, by Metrovation/Terranomics Development, which seeks to demolish the Red Bank Antique Center and build more than 100 housing units and a six-story garage in its place, was continued to Oct. 6.

For some inexplicable reason, this hearing has now been moved forward on the Zoning Board’s calendar to Sept. 1. Honestly, it would never occur to me — and probably not to anyone else — that a meeting would be moved forward on a calendar. What kind of way is this to do business?

This application is so large, its location so critical, that if approved, it will affect every member of the community.

Every effort should be made by the Zoning Board to ensure that this hearing is given the widest possible audience. Instead, it has been moved to the Thursday night before the last holiday weekend of the summer.

Whether you are for or against this type of massive development in Red Bank, I urge you to attend this hearing. As residents, you have the right to hear all the facts, and to have your opinion heard.

Please plan to attend the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Kaye Ernst

Red Bank

Citizens don’t want Sandy Hook developed

Thank you very much for your coverage of the Fort Hancock situation.

It is very sad that the National Park Service does not stand for the people. They are a tremendous disappointment.

The grass roots groups who are working very hard to thwart development deserve thanks. I commend those who respect the natural beauty of Sandy Hook and I condemn those who are attempting to exploit it.

History is important, but the commercialization of the park will result in even less citizen access than we now enjoy.

Our elected officials and local leaders should know the people do not approve of selling a national treasure (at less than market value!).

Jeffrey T. King

Tinton Falls

Peace vigil to continue

I would like to comment on your article about the peace vigil held in Red Bank 10 days ago.

I attended it, as one of almost 200 people who were mobilized within 24 hours’ notice.

Your characterization of the pro-war protesters as a “small group” seemed an exaggeration to me, as only three people showed up to protest against peace and bringing our soldiers home.

Their organizer complained that he had such a paltry group due to the short notice of 24 hours; yet, that was exactly the time frame we all had, and almost 70 times as many people showed up to protest the war.

The pro-war supporters like to characterize us as being against the military, which could not be further from the truth. We hate to see our sons and daughters sacrificed for an unjust war.

We plan to continue our vigils each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., should others like to join us.

Sandy Van Sant

Little Silver

Politics plays part in base closure

It is proper to assert that a state’s political leanings should not impact support by the federal government. That means that a state like New Jersey, which through history always votes for Democratic candidates, should be treated fairly when matters like homeland security or military base closures are determined.

But the reality is that the federal government, which is controlled by the Republican Party, has nothing to gain by treating New Jersey fairly. For that reason, I think that the closure of Fort Monmouth is a foregone conclusion.

Bob Witt

Tinton Falls

Tapes underscore 9/11 EMS casualties

New York City’s recent release of more 9/11 tapes hopefully makes the public aware of what we in the emergency medical services community already knew: EMS responders, volunteers included, played a much more vital role in the day’s events than reported until now.

The overall feeling is that the day’s EMS efforts and losses largely were overlooked in the enormity of the situation.

As one of the many New Jersey EMS volunteers who responded to the city on 9/11 while thousands more stationed to help on this side of the Hudson River, I witnessed innumerable acts of compassion and selflessness as everyone attended to victims.

With the civilian losses, we mourn the rescuer casualties suffered on every side of the police/fire/first aid triad.

Without wanting to minimize anyone’s grief or suffering, however, EMS responders can’t help but reflect on their own colleagues who died that day. Although far fewer than in the other departments, the number of EMS lives lost was devastating nonetheless.

In light of the latest EMS accounts and with this new view of 9/11 fresh in our minds, now would be an excellent time to focus on strengthening the often-forgotten EMS side of the triad, starting with adequate funding for volunteer EMT education, training and equipment.

Sue Van Orden

Northern Area

vice president

N.J. State First Aid Council

Lincoln Park