Developer presses to sell Ringwood on senior housing
BARBARA WILLIAMS
RINGWOOD - Ronald Pagano is not backing down, or going away.
The developer from Glen Rock wants to build an assisted-living center of 204 units in five three-story buildings on Skyline Drive. And he's intent on getting his arguments out into the community despite already strong opposition by borough officials and residents.
"I've spent a good amount of money already on this project, and I'm not just going to walk away from it," Pagano said this week. "Besides, I really think it would be a good thing for the town and the seniors."
In his latest effort to sway public opinion, Pagano submitted a site plan to the Board of Adjustment showing a shopping center that could be put on the site within the current zoning laws. This project could theoretically use up 60 percent of the 16-acre site next to the Fieldstone Shopping Center, with 90,000 square feet of retail space and 540 parking spaces.
"I really don't think the people of the town would want that size project built there," Pagano said. "And understand, I'm not proposing this, I just submitted the plan to show what the law would allow, and how my project - which only uses 30 percent of the land - is a much better alternative."
Borough officials were unfazed by the comparison.
"I don't think senior citizen housing belongs in that area," Mayor Allan Van Eck said. "That site is zoned commercial and I would have to see a proposal before I could comment on whether I would support development there.
"Let's face it, I would love for Ringwood not to have another tree cut down, but to keep the tax base stabilized, we have to accept some development," Van Eck said. "I just don't think this project is it."
Although the zoning board is not close to making a decision on a required variance, another major roadblock to the project has already surfaced: Because the site is close to the Wanaque Reservoir and a municipal well, the state Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the proposed sewage treatment plan for the project.
The agency informed Pagano he would have to redesign it unless the borough changes its wastewater management plan, which allows only for small septic systems in the area. The council unanimously resolved to refuse to amend the plan.
Van Eck has recommended Pagano look at a site off Morris Road on land owned by Franciscan Sisters. The religious group has been trying to get senior citizen housing built there for almost a decade, and current zoning allows for a senior center.
But Pagano said he thinks the Morris Road location is too remote for senior citizens. The site he is trying to develop is within walking distance to banks, stores, and medical offices.
Although it is a short distance to many places, opponents say, walking is not really feasible since there are no sidewalks and trying to navigate Skyline Drive on foot is too dangerous. The close proximity to the shopping areas may also be a disadvantage for seniors who drive.
"Many of the seniors are concerned with the additional traffic that would be created from the project," said Stephen Cerniglia, the newly elected president of the Ringwood Senior Citizen group. "They get nervous in traffic as it is, and adding to that is not something they really want to see."
Pagano is trying to arrange a meeting with this group and another senior citizen organization from St. Catherine's Church. He is seeking their opinions, and wants to explain his project.
He is also asking the local seniors to attend the next Board of Adjustment meeting, Jan. 27, when he will be seeking a use variance for the project.
Barbara Williams' e-mail address is williamsb@northjersey.com
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