Everything or nothing before us
Itoo reside in the bovine borough of beautiful Eatontown, and although my palatial abode does not abut the proposed property on which said convenient store (aka Wawa) is proposed; I too feel your pain.

Quite frankly, the very thought of another behemoth leaves me agog. This type of establishment appears to attract the most motley looking collection of characters. Never have I observed such a collection of individuals who gravitate to one such establishment as these.

Observe their nutritional staple; beef Jerky, donuts, potato chips, a slushee, cigarettes and lotto. Note also their bawdy appearance and lack of grooming; obscure tattoos and body piercing. And garments, some not fit for the Salvation Army, and these are adults, not teens. If ever there was a more motley crew, I know not where else to find such a farrago.

But wait! Before you crucify me for my insipid portrayals and caricatures, consider the fact that these same individuals I portray pay our property taxes via their tasteless purchases. They have money and in these times money is king - never look a gift horse in the mouth.

One has only to stroll up and down Route 35 north or south of the abandoned roller rink to observe the number of "for rent" signs and closed establishments to realize that the economic handwriting is on these walls.

Walk further into the treelined, quaint residential streets and note one "for sale" sign after another on the homes. This is only the beginning; as the months draw closer and closer to Fort Monmouth closing, more and more property will be up for sale. And as businesses and residents will leave and bid us farewell, those of us who remain behind will surely see our property taxes escalate as the borough will not be able provide the community with basic services with empty coffers and, without enough funds our property taxes will surely be raised.

Therefore, the next time you, per chance, see one of those individuals I described; smile at them and treat them with respect because they are the very individuals that are keeping our property taxes bearable and may be helping to pay for our garbage to be collected.

The proposed Wawa, as another ratable, will also bring more taxes into the borough's coffers and perhaps even offer a few jobs to those now unemployed. And, for those of us who drive, it will furnish us with cheaper gas prices. These are the best of times and the worst of times, make the best of these times.

Thomas A. Blasi

Eatontown