Jackson resident James Rapp, an ally of local CUPON head Elenor Hannum was escorted out of last night’s Planning Board meeting by police after delivering a expletive-filled rant directed at the board members.
Rapp, who has spoken before the board at times in the past, was speaking in opposition to a planned daycare being built in his neighborhood and began his prepared speech by noting he was in the midst of experiencing a heart attack, but declined medical care when offered.
After speaking for about five minutes without interruption, with an additional 60 seconds, Rapp was informed that his time was up, but continued speaking over the board members, screaming that he was gonna finish his statement.
Rapp then resumed his speaking but was told by the board’s chairman that “there is a sense of decorum here” and was immediately approached by two police officers who were in the room.
One of the officers then moved the microphone away, while Rapp voluntarily moved away from the podium.
A few seconds later, as the board proceeded to a vote, Rapp stood up and made an obscene gesture at the board, while turning toward some of the crowd as well.
He was then escorted from the room, where Jackson Township EMS members were waiting, out of concern of a possible medical episode.
Rapp declined to be treated and the meeting concluded without further incident.
I would have a heart attack too if a daycare was being built in my neighborhood. Daycares don’t belong in neighborhoods. They are a disaster come drop off and pick up.
I understand and sympathize with his plight. But, for better or worse, neighborhoods sometimes change.
@tony. Daycare is one of the permitted uses as an accessory to a single family home. That is probably why it was in front of the planning board rather than zoning board where one would go to get relief from applicable zoning
Of course, part of the boards determination is based on input from the public as well but obviously there are rules and standards for public comment as well
It is unfortunate that on rare occasions meetings turn emotional and toxic. It really accomplishes nothing.
Hopefully we will not be having any more of these type of comments in the future