be T.U.F.

Free Speech and Eminent Domain Again

Once again TUF finds itself defending the basic civil rights of the community. Two basic subjects continue to remerge time and again at township meetings, Free Speech and Eminent Domain.

Free speech

Now in question is the time allotted for each member of the public to speak at Township Council meetings. The time will be limited to 5 minutes at regular meetings and 2 ½ minute at agenda meetings. In the past citizens including much-missed John Grosso had fought for twice that much time. Worse, for the convenience of Council members, the number of meetings has been reduced from three to two. Thus with this ordinance total monthly speaking time has been reduced from 25 minutes to 10.

Add to this the sever limits on the posting of political signs around town and we are left with a stronger government and a weaker electorate. Throughout this country's history there has been an appropriate tug-of-war between individual liberties and public needs. We believe in Franklin in early 2005, local government is over stepping it's bounds.

Two articles (1,2) have appeared in the Star-Ledger on the Free Speech Topic. TUF has responded with a Letter to the Editor.

Eminent Domain

Those that have followed local politics will recall two areas in the Township that have been threatened recently with eminent domain (ED), the Renaissance 2000 project along Rt. 27 (that includes Block 123) and the Bennets Lane area. The Bennets Lane project proposed to declare farmland and open space as blight so that it can be condemned and then acquired with the use eminent domain. Fortunately after early missteps, the Council did an about face and stopped this project early on.

The Renaissance 2000 project sadly has gone the other way. At this time it appears that the homes in Block 123 will be torn down against the will of their owners. There may however, be some salvation for local businesses. The township has made some jesters towards removing ED from many businesses.

Now a third area, along Canal Road, is threatened with ED. Three properties are included that represent a mixture of landscapes. Historical buildings, open/brown space and a business are involved. The Township has a meeting on Jan 18^th to future explore the project. TUF is holding judgment for now until we learn more. In the near future we will have more information.

Stay tuned.