Regarding your article on West Milford Township's discussion to expand open space fund uses, I would like to point out that the fund's complete title is the Open Space, Recreation, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.�
As a champion for saving the historic Wallisch Estate, I believe more residents would welcome the proposed referendum if it also permits future open space funds to be used to maintain the Wallisch Estate buildings for adaptive reuse by the community.
However, the article makes it clear that those who proposed the amendment want to eliminate the open space and historic preservation aspects, and focus future funds only on building more sports fields, in addition to the 15 fields that already exist.
Many other New Jersey counties and municipalities have successfully revised their open space plans to include maintenance of both recreational and historic properties, striking the right balance between supporting sports and preserving history.
I hope that West Milford carefully reviews these other legislations. I am glad the mayor and some current council members are suggesting such a balanced approach.
That would be a home run for everyone!
Kerry O'Brien
Hewitt