Morristown rejects Red Cross clothing bin

by: Jason Springer

Tue Sep 01, 2009 at 04:30:00 PM EDT

The American Red Cross figured it would have little trouble getting approval to put a clothing bin outside its office in Morristown. After all, staff members said, similar bins are already sprinkled throughout town.

But after residents argued the six-foot high container would "not be appropriate" for their neighborhood, the Morristown Planning Board denied the request by the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey. The vote was 4-1.

Shepherd said the planning board rejected the Red Cross's request "solely based on the community's comments."

Residents raised concerns over security, debris, clothes that might have been left outside the bins and increased traffic on the road, said John Fugger, Morristown's zoning officer.

Trent Pines, who lives on Alamont Court, behind the Red Cross facility, said the bins would increase traffic on his cul-de-sac and would attract people who don't live in the area. He said other bins in town are already overflowing with clothes and people are frequently rummaging through them.

"We have the utmost respect for the Red Cross ... They are outstanding. This is just something we weren't comfortable with," Pines said.

Planning Board Chairwoman Mary Dougherty did not return calls for comment.

However, according to the minutes of the July 13 meeting, Dougherty raised "security issues" and spoke of "homeless people going to clothing bins."

Board Vice Chairman Michael Pooler said he could not fully remember why he voted against the Red Cross request, then declined to comment.