Costanza responds to Baez letter on ATV controversy

| 28 Sep 2011 | 03:05

    To the Editor; In response to the comments of Daven Baez of Byram, I offer the following comments. I disagree with Baez that the Township Journal coverage has been one sided in this matter. Kathryn Kaplan has reported on the facts available to her. Neither my wife nor I dispute that this is a recreational community. No one needs to interview our neighbors to establish this fact. I do not know the exact numbers of acres owned by LLIC but I have never disputed the fact that LLIC has the power and ability to allow its members the use of the land for ATV use. Actually, I’m pleased that they have this land available to them. I never said that Baez does not have the right to actively pursue his outdoor recreational activity on the LLIC property; it’s the manner in which he chooses to access this property that I disagree with, and N.J. motor vehicle law supports my position. I agree the problem is no longer just an ATV problem; it is a Daven Baez — unable to understand that his activity on the township roadways is illegal — problem. I don’t know how many times or in how many different ways Baez needs to be told not to operate his “ATV-like vehicle” on township roadways before it sinks in. Neither the LLIC nor the neighbors of Daven Baez have the legal standing or the authority to grant him or anyone else the right to pursue his illegal activity on township roadways. Baez makes the assumption that I am not fond of recreation. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. I don’t need to belong to the LLIC to enjoy the outdoor activities that I do. The activities I choose to participate in do not require that I break any laws to enjoy them. In fact, hunting requires a license in N.J. Going to a shooting preserve in Pa. requires payment, and belonging to a gun club in central N.J. also costs money, but I don’t need to break any laws to participate in these outdoor activities. Our family belonged to LLIC long before Baez even knew of this area. As our children grew older, they used the property and facilities less frequently, and remaining members was of no use to us. Baez should check with his close neighbors as to who owes back dues. To the best of my knowledge, more than one of his neighbors don’t belong to LLIC or pay dues. So I, too, invite the Township Journal to speak with Baez’s neighbors. I don’t use the LLIC land or facilities and I will not pay extortion to the LLIC for them to pursue their activities. Jim Costanza Byram Twp.