I've lived in New Jersey for more than 40 years, but I'll never be a real New Jersey girl. I grew up in Pennsylvania where there was lots of snow, one traffic light in town, and 90 kids in my grade--from kindergarten through graduation. I didn't know anything about The Shore, or baked ziti, or Chanukah until I came to Jersey. But, I've come to love all of that and much more--especially the history. I now know about the Jersey Dutch, strawberry baskets, railroad suburbs, the bridge that saved a nation, and so much more. I've learned that to tell the local stories about regular people I need to read wills, estate files, census records, pension applications, letters, tombstones, newspapers, and anything else I can find. So, that's some of what I want to share with you!

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Vanderbeck Hearing May 17

This message from Marc Colyer has been posted on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/948147208544075/permalink/1427880190570772/

At the May 17th council meeting they will be discussing changing the Master Plan/Zoning to allow high density housing on the historic Vanderbeck property. In my opinion this is not what Fair Lawn needs. The history of both the Naugle and Vanderbeck properties dates back to when American Indians lived there. The Naugle and Vanderbeck homes were built before the American Revolution and are on maps that were used by the Continental Army to defeat the British. Both homes are on the State and National Registry of Historic Places. Gen. Lafayette supposedly had his HQ at the Vanderbeck house.

The historic value should be enough to do whatever it takes to save the properties, but its not.
It’s also an environmentally sensitive area. The NJDEP classifies it as a "Well head protected area" meaning the rain that falls there helps supply us with clean drinking water. It also supports varied species of animals. Adding more impervious coverage will not doubt lead to more runoff and increased flooding. Any development leads to increased pollution.

Many people have fought long and hard to save the Naugle house. The Boro/County has spent millions of our tax dollars to procure, preserve, and restore it. However, the development plan calls for a road to be built very close to the Naugle house, such heavy construction could easily compromise the 260+ year old structure. On paper both homes are saved, but in reality building a town home unit next to the Vanderbeck house could jeopardize its stability. We could end up losing both homes.  Do we need more traffic at Saddle River Rd. and F.L. Ave, do we need more stress on our water and sewage system?

Attend the May 17th Council meeting and let your voice be heard.
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Bergen County Historic Preservation Workshop: Linking History and Community

The Bergen County Historical Society is sponsoring a full day workshop on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Historic New Bridge Landing including Preservation Tools in New Jersey by Jonathan Kinney, NJ State Historic Preservation Office, Historical Primer & Practical Guide to Bergen County's Domestic Architecture by Kevin Wright, How to Research the History of a Building by Peggy Norris, Jennifer Rothschild serves as moderator on 5 representative panel. Breakfast and Box Lunch. Free Invasion & Retreat Map raffle and Battleground Tour. By reservation only, limited seating, open to everyone. Download the schedule and signup form. Or sign up through PayPal.
The Preservation Workshop is open to everyone interested in history and preservation issues.
Attention Bergen County Historic Preservation Commissioners: This conference will provide attendees with a continuing education experience that is a requirement to maintain CLG status and, most importantly, to assist Commissioners in their work.
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, March 7, 2016

Update

Pam Coles clarifies the actual process.  The amendment is not coming up for approval tonight, but In tonight's Work Session the Council is considering its report from its consultant and from the Planning Board and deciding whether to introduce an ordinance to re-zone the VanderPlaat property (and the Vanderbeck house) for multi-family housing.  Public comment is only at the end of the meeting. If they decide to introduce an ordinance, it must be introduced at a regular Council meeting.  It is important for the public to make their voice heard at each step of the process.
Posted by at No comments:

Vanderbeck House Spot Zoning in Fair Lawn

Fair Lawn is amending the master plan to rezone the Vanderplaat property to avoid the proposal for townhouses from having to go to the Zoning Board for a use variance.  The amendment is coming up for approval at the Fair Lawn Council meeting Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 in Room 201 of Borough Hall.  If the zoning change is approved by the council, the developer may have to appear before the Zoning Board for other variances, but not for the use variance on which they were defeated before.  Their present plan is for town houses and repurposing the Vanderbeck house as a community center.  See agenda at this link: http://tinyurl.com/jm7s6bg (this opens the document in my Google Drive account) or go to the borough website: www.fairlawn.org


images posted on Dunkerhook Advocates Facebook Page by Bob Carroll
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)