I have recently moved to Cream Ridge after living the last 25 years in Freehold, Howell and Jackson, being attracted to the bucolic nature of Upper Freehold, and vowing to adhere to the “country code.” I was extremely disheartened to read about what the residents of The Woods are trying to do to the governing body of Upper Freehold, most especially Deputy Mayor [William] Miscoski.

I wouldn’t know Miscoski if I were behind him on line in Allentown Hardware, but I can say I support his stand on the special entitlements the residents of The Woods feel they deserve. They are annoyed by truck traffic they were apparently unaware of when they gave deposits on their homes, picked out the lots they wanted their homes built on, selected cabinets and flooring, had furniture delivered, and had lavish landscaping, in-ground pools, brickwork, mailboxes and driveways, etc., put in. They now want the very same trucks that brought these bricks, Sheetrock, shrubs, pipe, lumber, concrete, and roofing materials to construct their palaces magically rerouted to some other poor soul’s road.

Well, guess what? The deputy mayor is right - rerouting the trucks would be discourteous to the other residents, most especially to those who live in older homes close to the road. It’s the old “not in my backyard” syndrome. He is also right in acknowledging that they were well aware of the traffic on Sharon Station Road long ago. Now, they are using their children as shields, claiming traffic is unsafe during school bus pickup and drop off hours, adorning them with T-shirts blasting the governing body, as well as the deputy mayor’s interest in race cars to discredit his reputation.

I don’t blame Miscoski for getting upset when his ethics were questioned. Maybe he didn’t handle the accusations as cool as James Bond would have, but hinting that he is unethical on this issue is a common diversionary tactic. The bottom line: Upper Freehold, as well as the surrounding communities, depend on the movement of trucks and their cargo. Sharon Station Road is a major bypass that is the lifeblood of the area. If any resident of The Woods is not happy with the traffic, I suggest a simple remedy — move. But first, learn how to read a Hagstrom.

Joseph Paglino

Upper Freehold