Some members of the Maplewood Community Garden Committee, which was just formed to help create a community garden that residents can use to grow plants and veggie, are opposed to the use of space behind town hall.

In a note to members, organizer Irene Dunsavage noted meetings would be held Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

"Good morning to everyone, Thanks to those of you who sent emails to the Twp. Council," she wrote. "I would like to meet on Tues. at 7 so that we can move ahead with task assignments and plan a time line so that our gardens will be able to be planted as planned-Nature calls . Place to meet TBD-suggestions are welcome! have a wonderful and hopefully snow free weekend."

But one committee member, Vicki Arlein, passed on a note she sent to Dunsvage questioning the location:

"As you know, I am a supporter of a community garden for Maplewood and grateful to you for taking on the project. However, the majority of people attending the first steering committee meeting on Jan. 27 raised concerns about the site chosen behind Town Hall. There was also great concern about the sustainability of the community garden into the future. So, I was surprised to see your email today about moving onto the planning stage next week.

"Todd Lamm, supervisor of Parks and Shade Tree Department, attended the first meeting. He advised against using the Town Hall site. His reasons were largely due to the delicate balance of the land at the proposed site, caused by a stream that runs along the property line. If the balance is disrupted, it may cause flooding in neighbors' yards. He was concerned that the raised beds being recommended because of the wetness, may further cause water absorption problems.

"Members of the garden club who attended the meeting, as well as myself and others, expressed concern over the loss of the little park and green space where the garden club has built and maintained a stone wall and memorial garden.  Where there is now grass there will be a high fence. Views will be obstructed of the gardens. And when it is not growing season, a once green lawn will be gone.

"Additionally, concern was expressed that the site is not the best for children's safety. It is surrounded by a parking lot with moving vehicles. Concern was expressed about insufficient parking during working hours. And there was concern that the space for the garden is too small to be divided into reasonable size plots.

"Most importantly, there was a question of sustainability of the gardens beyond this year. Who will maintain and coordinate this project going forward? There is so much support for the concept of community garden in this town, but it needs to be a project with a long term plan as in Millburn, where the garden club has run theirs for 35 years.

"There have been several other sites suggested: Maplecrest Park behind the police station, land between the pool parking lot and Winchester Gardens, the Old Waterlands near the river and others. It would be good to let everyone know what sites have been discussed and why they have not been selected.

"There is a lot of planning and work that shouldn't be rushed because growing season is almost here, even if it means delaying implementation. It's great that you want to make this happen, but there needs to be a more open discussion and less rushing, so more people can get involved to make this an ongoing community project."