Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-12-09
A PROBLEM FOR WOODBRIDGE

woodbridge has an important decision to make. An asphalt
mixing concern has asked for a permit to erect a plant in the
Edgars Hill section of the township. The township authorities
have the matter under advisement and, in an effort to get the sen
timent of the public, a public meeting has been called in Wood
bridge for Tuesday night.
Like a great many other places, including Perth Amboy
Woodbridge is without a municipal plan or zoning system. The
fownship is spread out over a wide arear with various sections
adapted for all kinds of development, but in the present hap
hazard method of growth there is nothing definite, nothing secure,
nothing to build on for the future.
At the present time there are numerous settlements growing
up IN different sections of the township. Each one of these settle
ments is developing into a town by itself having its own local
problems and local interests. More or less rivalry exists between
the different places and in their enthusiasm for their own individ-
ual development they are apt to overlook the welfare of the town
ship as a whole.
This is something to be considered in connection with the
proposed establishment of an asphalt mixing plant at Edgars Hill.
In the first place, it should be remembered that the township is
rich IN clay deposits. It lis natural, therefore, that the clay indus
try should predominant. But the clay industry, at best, is unsightly
and unattractive from a residential point of view. The sur
roundings are invariably bare and barron; buildings are of the
crudest sort and, in order to carry on the industry, the clay has
to be mined which makes great, yawning holes in every direction.
There is nothing more deadening to a neighborhood than an
abandoned clay pit. But because of these valuable clay deposits
that exist in the township it is reasonable to put up will the
unsightliness that the clay pits mean. The fact, however, that so
much of the township is taken up with clay mining makes it all
the more imperative that such sections are IS not adapted for
that purpose be safeguarded in every possible way so that there
will be some attractive residential sections.
Edgar's Hill is particularly attractive as a place of residence.
fs is high for one thing, it has railroad Accommodations for COM
1nuers and, with the chemical plant that was located at the station
abandoned, it is without industries at the present time. With so
many sections of the township already spoiled for residential pur-
poses by the clay pits and other industries, it is now proposed to
put a blight on Edgars Hill by the erection of an asphalt mixins
plant.
1t is not surprising that people interested in that section Of the
township should object. The women, particularly, whose homes
are in that vicinity, have become aroused and even made a trip to
the northern part of the state where the concern that desires to
locate in Woodbridge has another plant in operation. They got
The sentiment of the people living there and they brought back
pictures showing what the plant looks like. No wonder that they
are more determined than ever to fight the granting of the pro-
posed permit.
The only argument thus far advanced in favor of granting
the permit is that it will mean another industry for the township,
and thereby increase the ratables. But the plant will be of little
value as a plant, being merely q lot of sheds and it will employ
only a few of the cheapest kind Of labor of which the township
already has an abundance. It's advantages to Woodbridge as a
taxpaying proposition must be weighed against the future de-
yeopment of Edgars Hill section as a residential section with hun
dreds of beautiful homes, each one Of which must pay a tax as
of improved property.
There are reports that because this asphalt mixing plant, is
going to buy some materials from certain Woodbridge concerns
that influence is being brought to bear to have the permit granted.
Where is nothing that will kill the township quicker than such a
marrow, selfish policy. If properly developed, Edgar's Hill is
destined to be a beautiful residential section. Care must be taken
shat its ~birthright is not sold for a mess of pottage.