I was there and silent in my position because of the mob mentality. The undertones and bullying group of the Facebook mob, even without their "leader," were sad and disappointing. I have silently voiced my support to individual members of the committee in the days following the meeting. I am just grateful that I didn't do it before the meeting, or the Facebook mob would have taken my photo and publicly shamed me for meeting out of caucus.
LOL! You are neither silent or the majority! 80-120 taxpaying residents attended every public hearing on this over the course of a year, in person, as well as hundreds of emails and letters to the boards, commissions and to the media.....with 95%+ of them in opposition. Facts matter.
To the members of the Borough of Newtown Zoning Commission, please realize your job is to review the application and vote on its merits and not be overwhelmed by a facebook mob. Just like on our national stage, the silent majority are with you. Don't be swayed by a vocal minority mob. Stay the course.
I think you're missing the broader point. Yes, statutes should be followed, but in this case it wouldn't have altered the decision that would have been made. And, yes, 8-30G is getting rammed down our throats. But with regard to this particular application, it is not yet an 8-30G. However, I'm willing to bet that if this nimby nonsense continues it most surely will become one. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.