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Not Over

On Nov. 20, the Chester Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) approved the development of 47 Middlesex Avenue with conditions. That they approved the development with conditions was expected by those of us who have fought this since last January. What was disappointing was the handling of the so-called deliberation. Prepared talking points, prepared conditions, ignoring expert witness testimony, a deliberation where the commission was more concerned about finishing on Monday rather than having an open discussion among the commissioners this subject deserved. The conditions they set did nothing to protect the wells of the abutting properties, and stormwater at the site will be an issue.

Those of us who have spent months researching and delivering health and safety issues about the proposed development felt disrespected by the way the deliberation was run. After five hearings and more than 15 hours of testimony, the subject deserved better regardless of the outcome. The commission demonstrated they were in over their heads. How could there not have been more questions or discussion?

The fight is not over; on to the Water Pollution Control Authority.

John Maloney

Chester