In Middletown Township, NJ, our community is facing a growing concern: the loss of our forests, open space, and quality of life to planned development at the former Circus Liquors property on Route 35.

Not long ago, my family and I watched as bulldozers cleared acres of woodland along Kings Highway East to make way for new townhouses. Now, history may be repeating itself with proposed settlement case MON-L-2588-23, which would clear approximately 52 more acres of forest for 450 new housing units, 68 of those units are for affordable housing.

Middletown is a community that has long valued its open spaces and natural surroundings. But our forests and green spaces are disappearing, while our existing infrastructure is already under significant strain. Traffic congestion continues to impact our daily commutes and our children’s safety, and our schools and other community resources face growing challenges.

Affordable housing is important, and we all recognize the need to provide housing for people in our community. But we should not have to choose between meeting that need and protecting the natural resources that make Middletown such a special place to live.

There are opportunities to consider more thoughtful and sustainable development, including previously developed or underutilized properties, rather than continuing to clear large areas of mature forest. Once these natural areas are gone, we cannot simply replace them.

Middletown deserves a thoughtful approach to development—one that considers our environment, infrastructure, schools, roads, neighborhoods, and the long-term future of our community.

Our voices matter. We need to show our decision-makers that Middletown residents want responsible growth, not development at any cost.

Join us in protecting Middletown. Stand with your neighbors, protect our remaining forests and open spaces, and demand a smarter approach to future development.

Please sign this petition and make your voice heard.