mambo

Once again UCC expands it's illussions about wanting to be  a 4 yr University along with a University's athletic program.  I refer to the colleges' plans to build a multi use athletic field and track with lights and bleachers.  UCC is a Regional 2 yr college that happens to be in the MIDST of a residential neighborhood. As such it must be constrained as to expansion of facilities and enrollment.  Especially in light of the fact that the Township of Cranford provides both Police and Fire Safety services to the college.  Some Years ago I was part of an ad hoc committee called CARE ( Committee Against Regional Encroachment) which tried to prevent the taking down of 100s of trees to make room for expansion of the parking lots.  We were unsuccessful because the plans were already in place
before that information was released to the community.There was promises of plantings to minimize sound and light and flooding.  None of these are of value today.  Loud sounds from cars and car radios still disturb residents. Lights that remain on till after 10PM still get through to surrounding streets.  And most importantly,  we were promised that no more trees would be removed.  No trees were planted to mitigate the increased water flow into the Nomehegan lake.  This is not a problem only for the surrounding streets, this is a problem for ALL of Cranford, from Central Ave to Colby Lane. If you ever would like to spend time in Nomehegan Park when school is in session-forget about it.  If you live on County Park Drive, Springfield Ave, Harvard Rd, Pawnee, or Shawnee then you know what cleaning up trash and debris is all about.
There exists and will soon be added similar athletic fields in Warinaco Park and on the Scotch Plains Campus of UCC.  We do not need now or in the future a facility such as what is being proposed.