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:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)