Dear Editor:
This letter to the editor was submitted to Parsippany Focus after the author sent the following email to Mayor Pulkit Desai regarding the Forest Drive, Woodland Drive, and Pitt Road project:
“This email is a follow-up to a message I left for you earlier today with your secretary regarding the Forest Drive, Woodland Drive, and Pitt Road project.”
I have resided on Forest Drive for 34+ years. Since that time, our road has been resurfaced twice and this is only because the first resurfacing contractor did not do the work properly. Replacing was the only way to correct the issues.
As a resident of Forest Drive, I was blindsided by a letter that was dropped off by the Department of Engineering on Tuesday, 6/24, regarding a project beginning on or about Monday, 6/29. I reached out and verbally spoke with Mr. Niehoff on Wednesday, 6/25. I had many questions that received disturbing answers. I asked and learned comprehensive evaluations such as a traffic impact study and an environmental impact assessment were not conducted. Despite Mr. Niehoff being very professional and respectful to me, I found his responses quite upsetting. Another example is gorgeous, mighty (oak) trees are going to be removed. Mr. Niehoff explained that although the trees may look beautiful on the outside, there could be a hole inside. (could be!). They will not replace the trees as most people are grateful for the town removing them without any cost to the homeowner. Should the homeowner want the tree(s) replaced, the town will do so but only upon request, not with the same tree and at a much smaller size.
Mayor Desai, as you do not reside in this affected community, please note Forest Drive is a busy enough road that does, on occasion, become a Vail Road equivalent when there are issues on Route 287 and/or Route 46. Despite this, Forest Drive, historically, has an extremely safe record with accidents being slim to none each year; including when it is heavily traveled as explained earlier. Speeding, on the other hand, is always an issue as with most connecting roads within the township. Mr. Niehoff further explained to me we will now have on street parking, as if that was a benefit. Common sense dictates that if we acquire on street parking on both sides, the road becomes more hazardous for those walking, biking and even driving.
I strongly contend there is absolutely no local community benefit from this project, only harm, despite the letter received from the Division of Engineering on 6/24/26. My community wasn’t given the opportunity to address our cares/concerns in a timely manner with the powers that be. Other members of the community have also spoken to Mr. Niehoff. One of which was told, “You are fighting other people’s issues.” That statement alone to her is completely inaccurate. This resident may not be affected with much land loss, however, she will be impacted environmentally and physically, just like the rest of the community.
I ask you Mayor, who is benefitting from this project? Is it the residents from Pitt Road who have barely any traffic except during school morning drop off and dismissal? Is it the residents on Woodland Drive who have no thru traffic as it is a dead end? Is it the residents on Forest Drive who have historically slim to none incidents of motor vehicle and/or pedestrian accidents? Or, is it truly only the contractors and employees who will benefit from such a project?
I, along with my community residents, look forward to your response.
Regards,
Tracey Meunier
