About one hour after reading that Ocean Township voters did not approve the open space tax, I saw five deer grazing in a very residential neighborhood in the Oakhurst section.

It was heart-wrenching to see these beautiful gentle creatures surrounded by busy roads with no place to go and any hope of finding a safe refuge quickly vanishing.

I hope the Ocean Township residents who voted against the open space tax will be tolerant and compassionate toward the wildlife that is forced to take up residence in their back yards.

I lived in Ocean Township for 27 years and never saw a deer outside of a wooded area. I now live in the Elberon section of Long Branch, where the last 30 acres of open space is currently being developed, and we, too, have deer in our yards now.

It is blatantly obvious in our local towns that not all development is progress nor is it always necessary or responsible. Overdevelopment is an epidemic fueled by greed for which wildlife and people alike will ultimately pay the price.

Julie Rizzuto

Elberon section of Long Branch