The Post Office re-development discussion in Maplewood has spanned many years; indeed Jerry Ryan has said that Township officials began talking about new construction at the site in the late nineties.
And even today the discussion continues–how should we make decisions like this? Is it about aesthetics, is about functionality? Could it be about even more? What will we envision as a community?
John Tierney reflected on these questions in his December 3rd “The Empty Nest” column. Re-printed below, along with a Letter to Editor that followed on December 10th.
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Cherishing the charm is in fact a reward we enjoy only if we commit to sustaining and nurturing it. Dr. Mindy Fullilove’s Urban Alchemy is available here.
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Development of the last of the available land in a community is no passing matter. And when that land is in the public trust, as almost all of the un-developed land in Maplewood is, the road to development is often a marked with “one-way” signs–when we choose to embark, there is little chance we will be able to return.
What we do here (life!), who we do it with (friends, new and old, and family!), and the view (the physical aesthetic!). Three themes, which together can create a sense of place that endures. When we control all three, great things happen. When we can optimize some, but are forced to accept others as they are, potential is inevitably lost.
In the new year we will strive to find a balance for Maplewood–through education, civic engagement, and new initiatives. Will you join us?
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March 15 Update: Some additional articles have been written this year. We hope all of this material will engender thoughtful discussion on town planning in the future, for all Maplewood neighborhoods.
- On the site history
- On the many views of real estate and having A Vision
- On Tax Income and Lease Income
- On decisions to Own or Sell Public Land
- On Assessments in Maplewood Village
- And details about all these numbers!
[We survive on community awareness. Please submit your email below for future updates. Also, explore our site and vote at bit.ly/VoteVillage as a way to bid a fond farewell to the Village Post Office]
Oh No 60 