3/27/2007 9:00 PMPeter Public wrote:
The traffic will be a killer around town. We can barely make it through in decent time during the day. Safety is a concern. Reply to this
10/31/2007 6:42 PM
Anne Anderson wrote:
Is it not possible to remove developers and their relatives from our Zoning and Planning Boards? Surely their presence on the boards reflects a conflict of interest, especially the interest of concerned Wyckoff residents! Reply to this
11/2/2007 9:52 PM
Diane Sobin wrote:
One way to address this is to introduce ethics laws to the Township Committee. I plan to do this whether elected or not next Tuesday. It seems that the process of recruiting board members should be as open as possible. It is a time consuming position and more residents should express an interest. This year a few members of Friends of Wyckoff expressed an interest to be on the Shade Tree Commission and even attended a course to become more qualified. All were passed over for the position. Another insider got the appointment. It is frustrating, but we must be persistant. If more residents attend the Township Committee meetings and express opinions, the powers that be should listen - or be voted out of office. Reply to this
5/15/2008 9:07 AM
Michael Brienza wrote:
Last night Kathy Scarpelli and the Wyckoff Wrecking Crew a/k/a Planning Board unanimously approved the demolition of yet another historic house (this makes 4 in 4 years) in the Business Triangle. Just four days after NJN aired a one hour documentary "Our Vanishing Past" on the importance of historic preservation (WYCKOFF WAS FEATURED in the film). The Board granted 4 variances to the OUT OF TOWN DEVELOPER including (what else?) lot coverage. The Township Committee is constantly patting themselves on he back for having all these ordinances which "protect Wyckoff from over development" yet they still grant variance after variance for over sized structures. This time allowing a house which is original to the Business District which our MASTER PLAN recommends preserving! What bothers me the most is this past January & February, a young couple (and new to Wyckoff), remodelled their home; they did not knock it down and super size it (as several of their neighbors did) but added to it. They appeared before the Zoning Board for a variance because as a result to the construction which was NOT uncovered until the last construction project began (the front entrance & walkway) which forced their front steps by less than two feet "encroaching" into the 30' front yard setback. They were put thought the wringer by the board, forced to hire engineers and other experts to testify, returning for hearings for two months (all along they were NOT allowed to live in their own house they were paying taxes on) and were DENIED because the board said they had to uphold the ordinances in place. And for what? Two feet out of 30'! The SAME Zoning Board approved a teardown replaced by a McMansion on James way for building the house LARGER THAN SHOWN ON THE PLANS. The DEVELOPER didn't have to get any variances before construction, nor were the neighbors notified, because he left one wall standing classifying it as a "remodel". The developer also cut down trees in a wetlands area next to a stream which feeds Atwood Lake and clearcut the entire rear of the property. The developer also REMOVED THE ENTIRE SIDEWALK along the property which is on a dangerous curve walked by children on their way to and from school. Cars constantly speed along there and its an accident waiting to happen. At the variance hearing I asked the Board to make them replace the sidewalk as part of the variance but was told by Mr Boonstra that sidewalks were a convenience and did not have to be replaced. I wonder what would happen if everyone decided to tear out their sidewalks? I have seen the same Board grant a variance for 2 feet off a property line so another OUT OF TOWN DEVELOPER could build a larger than allowed building (corner of Morse & Franklin Ave where Franks Barber Shop stood). Believe who & what you want but I have been attending all the Township meetings for 3 years (I have a better attendance record than Mrs Scarpelli) and NOTHING WILL CHANGE if she & Conolly are elected! Reply to this
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