Letter to the Editor: Dr. Brian Lestini

I read with disbelief and disappointment your article of December 15, which reported the Moorestown Town Council’s unanimous authorization to deplete $125,000 from the Open Space Fund to complete work on the Wesley Bishop Hockey Rink.

This action highlights some major concerns with the judgment of our township leadership. Firstly, it speaks to an apparent lack of oversight and planning of a project which resulted in an enormous and unanticipated cost overrun.

Secondly, while I completely support the improvement of public facilities for youth recreational activities, it demonstrates the misguided prioritization of a selected group’s very short-term needs over the longer-term interests of a much larger group of constituents who will benefit for decades from the preservation of ever-diminishing open space.

Thirdly, it shows an alarming willingness to divert funds, without a clear plan and timeline as to how those funds will be replenished.

Finally, it highlights a need for much more transparency and opportunity for public input by the Council when decisions of this importance are being made.

I implore the Town Council to quickly and openly communicate a plan confirming how the Open Space funds will be replaced, and a statement as to how the issues raised above will be avoided for future projects.

Dr. Brian Lestini