AUDIO: Tomorrow, the crucial Planning Board meeting will be taking place at Town Hall, to vote on the proposed expansions of the Georgian Court University. The university is seeking approvals to add 1,200 parking spots, new dormitories, a soccer field, and entrances to the college at Cedarview Ave and at Case Road, as first reported in May.
This evening, an audio message (below) was sent out requesting residents of the 14th Street, Case Road and Forest Avenue areas to attend tomorrow night’s meeting.
“Hundred of cars will endanger our pedestrians and our children waiting for their school buses”, the prerecorded audio message said. “Our lawyers feel a large show of support is extremely important”, it said.
We should support this religious institution in our own town, even though it is not our own.
“Hundred of cars will endanger our pedestrians and our children waiting for their school buses”.
Ok, so let me get this straight, we don’t want GCU to expand, but its ok for other places to. People need to wake up and see how we use the double standard and create more distance from non-jews.
Furthermore, people drive like lunatics in that area. I’ve seen countless drivers go around a stopped car letting someone cross in a crosswalk. None of us live in glass houses, so please be very carefull when you throw stones.
I would bet that the planning board is not going to approve this and thats a shame. Lakewood needs positive expansion. Georgian court is a positive in Lakewood. When you look at the gangs, crime and other negatives, people should be embracing this.
There is a double standard in this town , if the excuse is there will be lots more trafic then the same holds true for more condos & townhouses
#2
You have a point many would opose those expansions too.
Another point GCU has how many Lakewood taxpayers?
Any?
#4, the students spend money. They rent apartments in town. Having a university in town is beneficial in many ways.
I do agree with previous posters that there is a double standard in town.
Let’s be objective – leave the respective religions out of it for a moment.
There is a small New Jersey Town, where traffic and housing have far outstripped what was originally envisioned. Every additional house, every additional business, every additional road, does add further to the overcrowding, traffic congestion and other problems.
In that town there are two institutions. One of those institutions have patrons that drive in from out of town, straight through its gates, and when they are done, they return straight home, without so much as a stop to buy a buttered bagel for the ride home.
The other institution has patrons that typically buy homes in the area to be near the institution (= property tax $$$’s), they shop in local stores (= spreading $$$ among the storeowners who in turn spend those $$$’s in another local establishment, etc.) These patrons also build numerous religious institutions, businesses, schools, all of which employ thousands of locals (more $$’s) who use their paychecks to buy houses ($$$’s) shop ($$$’s) pay taxes ($$$’s) and so on.
It is obviously appropriate that the former institution which is doing very little for the local economy, does not necessarily need to be granted the right to add congestion to an already overburdened town.
It is also obvious, that the latter institution, should be granted all kinds of favors – even if those favors add to the congestion in the town. Because if the latter institution picks up and moves to a different township, the town will be BUST! Thousands will leave town to be near the institution. The tax base will collapse, local businesses will close, foreclosures will soar, etc. Goodbye cops, goodbye garbage collection, (goodbye baseball stadium) there will be no money left for ANYTHING.
Any township would wisely treat the two institutions VERY differently for the good of the WHOLE town.
Now does the fact that one of these institutions is Jewish and one is Catholic change anything? It shouldn’t, unless you are a bigot.
This college doesn’t disturb a fly. Why should we male a Chilul Hashem and abuse enemies throughout New Jersey? It’s going to be in all the papers and won’t do any good to all of us.
We act like we own Lakewood. We forget we are on the USA.
& I beleive they were here first.
To comment #5. To begin with, GCU was here in Lakewood long before you and the multiple Jewish Religious institutiions. The many GCU students and staff would patronize “all” stores that offer anything for them to buy.
To #9 , all the food stores and restaurants are open to the public, but gcu hardly patronize. As for the expansion why not ,as long as there is landscaping around the expansion area as to keep the university hidden from the outside residents just like its now.
. This will enable the residents their privacy and lessen the noise from the soccer fields. As for the entrance on cedar view it should be nixed due to safety , there are three entrances to gcu. Including the new one on the corner of forest and ninth and private.
Maybe sequenced traffic lights on forest avenue would ease the traffic in town
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# 7
(Moderated)
Paying Taxes has nothing to do with this case thats a whole other problem I you want low taxes you will need to relocate out of New Jersey – no other way to do it we offer too many services that cost $$$
IMO If expansion is good for BMG its also good for GCC
We need to give a little to get a little. Current enrollment at GCU is close to 3,000 students. Have all these students bothered us in the slightest way? Standing outside BMG you will occasionally see the students drive by but that’s about it. Let them have what they need and let us stop being selfish. To those in the 14th Street area, it may seem unfortunate to you that you just built a shul near one of the proposed new entrances but is that the end of the world. Please relax and use your kesef more wisely. (v’hamaivin yovin)
well at least GCC is planning on adding parking spaces, frees up Lakewood ave for BMG….sounds like a win for all…
Most people do not understand thi issues . here . Nobody is against GCU expanding .The issues are about the fact that they can expand without causing traffic and safety issues . There are many technical issues involved here and all the neighbors are asking is that the expansion be done in the least disruptive way . This is a plan that covers expansion of close to One MILLION sq feet of buildings . There is nobody against the expansion but the neighbors are certainly entitled to have an input into the traffic patterns ,especually if they have proposed traffic patterns that are less disruptive .
I don’t really see the issue on the expansion. They are expanding on their own property, it is just a shame that there is so much complaining about that. The growth in this town over the past 10 yrs alone has blown up. You can not go anywhere around Lakewood and not see new development for housing. I think we should support the University for what they do and how long they have been doing.
They are trying to sneak in an expansion of buildings that are about SIXTY times as large as the new BMG building ,with a very vague site plan that will grandfather them in for the next twenty five years . That is a very sneaky way of getting an approval .
The issue here is NOt the expansion . The issue is how to deal with the traffic flows . There are several possibilities ands these should be explored without ramming one down the throats of the neighborhood .
So GCU can’t make traffic WOW I have been in this town 35 years and I am watching development after development go up and traffic absolutely horrible HORRIBLE!!!! And people are worried that will cause a danger??? Not the speeding cars on Friday afternoon or the people who I can’t imagine who gave them a licenses, no the threat is that the school serves some in this community and not others and that is why it is a problem. I have one word for those that feel since the school does not serve some in this community it should not be allowed to build on it’s own property SELFISH!!! Oh by the way I live in Lakewood and attend GCU. I guess I don’t count anymore.
To all those that think we should “give a little” please attend the meeting this evening and voice your opinion publicly. Perhaps when you see the enormity of this project with its intention of creating nite lighted, mutiple stadium sized ball fields and gymasiums, you will understand why this effects the whole klall and not just some zealous neighbors.
To # 20: AMEN!!!
Be careful! Monmouth University’s expansion has created quality of life problems for both Long Branch and West Long Branch residents. Parking is restricted on many side streets during the day, and overnight parking prohibited on others- even for local residents! By all means – grow and prosper, but do it with a minimal impact to the town.
The real issue is that the property is owned by GCU. They are asking for no variances. And in any town in America the planning board would approve a well-thought out long-range development plan that has considered traffic patterns.
GCU is a nobel institution of learning that often reaches out to the greater Lakewood community to provide the results of studies as they reach out to members of the community that need a hand. They work in tandum with BMG and the schools have always had a good relationship. Since GCU added more programs and obtained university status, growth was bound to occur. However, the growth is internal, where the use of their land will be utilized mostly for housing and parking.
Based on most of the comments that appear on the issue, I believe that the Orthodox Community will support this application. The more that all communities work together in a spirit of cooperation, the more we can advance our partnership in Lakewood Township.
GCU and BMG are good for Lakewood. Education is the foundation upon whch we, as a people will be prepared for the duties and responsabilities of a better life.
Let us pull together, and support this application.
Bill Hobday
I am disappointed by the tenor of the call that was sent out, as well as some of the comments. As an outsider, I can’t speak to the specific traffic issues, however, I can mention the following items that I see in the community when I visit that should be considered as part of the self-examination that should take place before commenting on the issue:
1) The vast majority of expansion that has caused traffic issues is related to the growth of the Jewish community.
2) Growth of the community has occurred into areas that were previously un/under-developed.
3) GCU is one of the foundations of the community, being in existence for over 100 years.
4) Some of the new developments in town are overtaxed by very high population density, and driving through them is difficult/hazardous by definition.
5) There are a large number of businesses in town that operate beyond the zoning laws among other things, and the traffic associated with them is not brought up as an issue.
The anti-GCU voices sound very much like they do hold a double standard rather than really caring about the traffic issue. If they really cared about over development and traffic, this kind of call should go out with every expansion request placed before the zoning board. In following this site for a while, it appears that this is not the case.
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s probably a duck, not goose that has an issue with traffic patterns.
Who cares what they do on their property, i believe the only issue is the entrance. Yes it will cause more traffic, yes it will cause a little displeasure for those that live near it. However its part of life, it happens get over it.
Let GCU do it education is what its all about.
To all those claiming that GCU was here before BMG, I would like to set the record straight. GCU may have existed at another site before moving to their current location, however they were not on this campus before BMG moved into town. In fact according to local legend the property was originally offered for sale to the Yeshiva. They were not able to afford it so the owners donated it to The Sisters of Mercy who had a college that needed a campus.
As far as the neighborhood goes, I understand the fustration of many commenters however if you look at the side streets that would be affected they are simply not built to handle the crush. Yes, there are many institutions that have moved into residential neighborhoods and i feel that those are wrong too. There are many, many, many Orthodox people here that are simply disgusted by the way that some of the new institutions simply muscle their way into a property with little to no regard for the neighbors. Myself included.
However two wrongs do not make a right.
You are all missing the point. Its true that GCU is asking for a right to expand on property they already own. However, They are asking for a right that will enable them to make improvments, build enormous building and encrouch on neighborhoods without EVER having to submit to a public hearing again in the future ! They are asking for permission across the board, grandfathered forever..thats the absurdity that is being fought by the community. Such has never been proposed in Lakewood, for a school to have unequivical non-revocable permission to build. It would be a gross mistake on the part of the Planning Board to allow such a precedent.
It is terrible how blinded people have become. If you were hear a child be so selfish as to ask for something for themself, but the same for others would be a harm, you would be disappointed. The College does not bother anybody, let all people live together in harmony. Such an outcry is selfish and a chilul Hashem.
I live in the neighborhood and will be impacted – my first priority is to be a good neighbor and promote good will. Lets all come out and vocally show support.
Bias works in two directions and I see that here in many of the postings here, for those who oppose this would that be your stance if the shoe was on the other foot???????????
#30 they have not bothered anybody up until now. What is the chilul hashem exactly ?? We have hired an attorney that will dispute their right to obtain their “across the board” approval, can you explain to me the chilul hashem in that? Speak up I cant hear you !
They are not asking for a typical approval . They are asking for a 25 “future vision ” approval so that if they come in for approval in 15 years from now with something that is no good ,they will be able to say ,”we are grandfathered in 15 years ago ” This is not right
#28 – please investigate your claims before commenting.
BMG was founded in 1943.
GCU was founded in 1908, and has inhabited the former George Jay Gould estate (its current location) since 1924.
Your local legend is just that – a legend.
to # 28 Native Lakewooder says
Stop trying to re write history GCU was here long before jus about aanything else existed in Lakewood
Good the Rat #35 I was checking dates too I knew that was not true about BMG being here first. It is funny how people try and make things fact just by saying it is so. You don’t make your point when people reading it say to themselves I don’t think so, you just look silly.
Those who feel that there is a double standard are uninformed at the very least or are extremely disliking of the Yeshivah.
The reason expansion by BMG which is not complained about or prevented is very simple. Although there is an increase in traffic which many find inconvenient however, the very people creating the traffic are also providing jobs and taxes for this township. GCC does not. They do not support any of the local business nor do they give back to the township anything in the form of taxes. They are just here. Before you go and promote someone else’s cause and make it your cause de celebre think about who pays the taxes. THEY make the decisions. Just remember what ever they use of the township streets and facilities YOU will be paying for.
At the end of the day what the objectors of a perfectly justifiable project must realize is that true lakewooders are tired and at some point enough is enough.
Who says it is justifiable? Based on what premise?
to #28 GCC was here before BMG. That is not the issue
The town has a growth problem,traffic is out of control and yet we still build more condos and houses. Never enough parking anywhere in town. This issue is about expansion on their land, no variances needed.Yet at any zoning board meeting variances needed are the norm. Apartments are built with parking for 1 or 1 and 1/2 spaces. GCC is not appearing at those meetings asking restrictions to be followed. The note about $ not being spent by the students is ridiculous, many students attending are from Lakewood and surrounding areas. This is a prestigious school and our town should be proud of this. No one living around the school moved their before the college! they certainly were aware of this school.
taxpayer also says
Really. So Lakewood people go there. BUT THEY ARE NOT THE ONES WHO ARE ADDING TO OUR EXPENSES AND NOT GIVING ANYTHING BACK. Wake up.
To the Rat and others.
I apologize and stand corrected.
I would like to point out that the area being discussed is one part of town that does not have townhouses, condos, or apartments. In fact many of the streets that would be impacted are extremely peaceful and quiet. In fact most of them do not have sidewalks. Take a walk there and feel the tranquility.
I think GCU is great for our town. They add color to the town, they are a prestegious institution and a friendly and peaceful neighbor.
I hope the planning board approves them tonight.
They need to expand and we should support them.
GCU is an asset to Lakewood , they have every right to expand on their own property . (moderated)
to Pera says
Your Bias is showing , hard to believe that someone who often is the object of this very same type of treatment is now dishing it out to others .
As GCU is in town, may I suggest that those living in Lakewood avail themselves of its resources. It took me only a few minutes on its site to discover its Community Learning Center and events that are open to the public. I’d be pleased to have such a resource where I live.
I have walked the campus, it is the most serene and beautiful area in Lakewood IMHO.
I got one question..in the article it talks about people complaining about all the traffic that will be going in and out of the school from the 2 entrances and exits, what about the already busy area with hundreds of cars that now speed up and down forest ave and the surrounding areas? Do they not put the residents in danger as well? I don’t see how not letting the school build on their own property is going to harm the town or the area residents. There is so much overgrowth in Lakewood, we are running out of room. It’s their property, if you disagree with another gate fine, but its THEIR PROPERTY, the taxes are paid every quarter, they have strict rules that are watched over by their administrators. You say they will be more reckless and have less of a regard for area kids, I have seen many local residents that have the same lack of responsibility to their community more than that University. Just a thought
my voice says
Play the race card Mr. GCU. Don’t pretend your one of the Lakewood Yeshivah community. You know good and well how much of an impact it will make on the citizens who pay taxes and you are using the “hard to believe that someone who often is the object of this very same type of treatment is now dishing it out to others”. Try it on someone else. It is you GCU who is biased knowing that it would be very difficult for the YC to say anything in their own defense without looking as if they are against the Church. The sad thing about it is that you know that is not the reason at all but you will play it anyways to get your way. Sorry this Jew ain’t biting.
why aren’t my comments being posted?