Debunking the Crawford Hill Myths – Part 2

In a mailer sent to Holmdel residents, Crawford Hill Holding LLC (CHH) made several assertions that appear to be false or misleading. In Part 1, we debunked the assertions that (a) the historic antenna “is not at risk and never was at risk” and (b) that the proposed residential development is a low-density project when the proposal is 4-10 times the density of most Holmdel residential developments south of the NJ Transit train tracks that are on 1 to 2.5 acre lots. Let’s take a look at other assertions that appear to be false or misleading. I. The proposal will generate considerable tax revenue and will have a positive economic impact Developers always claim their proposals will generate tax revenue. However, that’s only half of the picture. The costs of providing public services such as police, fire, EMS, street paving, snow removal, etc. will typically exceed the tax revenue generated by residential development. Over the last 20 years, there is a body of evidence that makes a strong economic case for preserving open space. Studies from the likes of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, Mercer County Planning Department, and Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, documented that the benefits of preservation can outweigh both the cost of an open space purchase and the loss of a “ratable” from tax rolls. In addition to environmental and recreational values that are created, hard benefits include (1) avoiding the costs of public services that would be required of developments, (2) the enhanced value to nearby properties by creating an amenity value, increasing tax revenue collected as assessments are adjusted, and (3) potential to positively impacting local employment outcomes and economic growth. For a more detailed discussion, please see Economic Case for Open Space II. There are no sensitive environmental areas on the property Contrary to this claim, Crawford Hill is in New Jersey State Planning Area 5, a zone containing sensitive environmental conditions and irreplaceable natural resources. In describing Environmentally Sensitive Planning Area 5, the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan adopted by the NJ Planning Commission states “The future environmental and economic integrity of the state rests in the protection of these irreplaceable resources.” The Plan goes on to say “These resources are critically important not only for the residents of these areas, but for all New Jersey citizens.” Specifically, Crawford Hill serves as part of the headwaters of the Swimming River Watershed, an important source of potable water for many Monmouth County residents. Increased impermeability, runoff, and pollution in this area will affect stormwater recharge and impact the drinking water of over 300,000 Monmouth County residents. III. No residential neighborhoods will be impacted The Crawford Hill property has only one entrance for cars to enter and exit – Holmdel Road, a County road that is a through street with both cars and commercial traffic. In addition to houses situated right on Holmdel Road, the Longview Drive neighborhood with 37 houses is located literally right across from the Crawford Hill entrance. Further up the street is the Georjean Drive neighborhood with 29 houses. Claiming that no residential neighborhoods will be impacted, whether during the construction phase or on a permanent basis, is simply not true.

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