Here's a topic that has been on my mind for several months... the use of construction with the main purpose of profit at the expense of the quality of life.  Sure, the state will benefit from the various end uses of this type of project, but will NJ be better for it and our lives improved?  With doing little of my own homework and at the risk of being considered ignorant, ideal or even naive, nonetheless I have my doubts.

Near the end of last February, the North Jersey Branch of ASCE invited the community on a tour of the Xanadu project in the Meadowlands.  I was grateful to be leaving for the Adirondacks that Friday... where REAL leaisure time exists (and real snow, too).

My personal opinion... I believe most of this construction is sad as there is no shortage of things to do in this area.  Well, maybe the state needs more residents as our congestion isn't nearly as high as it can be.  Hmm... more taxpayers dollars and property tax?  The state will get its cut for sure.

The main driving force behind this is money and aside from engineering projects that have become beneficial to live and interact in the way that we do, it feels like that will always be the main driving force behind such projects.

Does the engineering community really see this sort of project as a benefit to our community?  Sure, the economy will get its cut, but so will the increase in traffic, so will the continued suffering environment that struggles to recover from decades of pollution and negative impact.

People think society needs another piece of entertainment while it devalues the things we already have... the environment and each other.

Sincerely,
Steve