Thursday, September 27, 2007

Wellness Center Switched to Kindergarten...Ok, But...

Riverguy is a little puzzled....changes seem to be made around here quickly, and seemingly under the radar. A good case in point is the Wellness Center that was going to be built on the grounds of Toms River Intermediate East. Not too many people seemed to know about it, or understand how it came about. Just as awareness was growing, we suddenly learn that the plan has changed. A new building for a Kindergarten will be built on the site instead. Now, this seems to make more sense, and I'm not condemning the idea (actually I'm prone to praise it), but once again we had a fast action that didn't allow much discussion in the community. Now I know planning meetings do occur, and the more astute of you are thinking..."well, these other folks are sloppy citizens, and just need to pay more attention, and get to the meetings." Ok....but let's be real a minute. People are busy, distracted, and yes, a bit lazy. But the movers and shakers in the community owe it to all of us to announce and publicize the meetings and discussions of pending important decisions in a bigger way -- and well in advance. The public, collectively, does have a lot of common sense, and should be allowed to fully weigh in on things going on around town. Getting some public consensus will also dispel that feeling of things happening "under the radar."