At issue is a negotiated deal to buy a rocky 7-acre site off Skyline Drive from developer Sal Falciglia Jr. for $600,000, with most of the money provided by the state Green Acres and Passaic County open-space programs.
The net result is likely to be another vote on the matter at the July 18 council meeting.
The GOP council members, outnumbered 4-3, took advantage of a Democratic colleague's vacation absence to forge Tuesday's 3-3 deadlock and defeat the purchase. Delaying the vote until July might kill the deal as currently negotiated, Borough Attorney Joseph Maraziti warned. He said Falciglia was looking for a quick payout. The West Milford-based developer recently gained approval in Wanaque to build a combined commercial and office building in the Haskell business district.
Ringwood's Board of Adjustment has rejected a proposed assisted-living center on that site because of concerns over storm water and septic field drainage on the rock outcropping.
Falciglia did not return a telephone call Wednesday seeking comment.
"I'm not giving up on this," Mayor Joanne Atlas said Wednesday. "This is a prime acquisition for Ringwood. If that goes for development, it will never be the same. I'm going to work very hard to see it's done in a timely way that meets Mr. Falciglia's needs."
In the absence of Councilman Bill O'Hearn, a resolution to approve a buyout contract for the land was defeated as was release of $50,000 from the borough's open space fund as the town's contribution for the purchase.
"Until I see a dollar-for-dollar match on recreation, I'll vote against open space every time," Councilman William Marsala said in leading off debate on the issue.
Marsala argued that Ringwood's open space fund was designed to also include recreation, but had primarily been used for conservation buyouts. Noting the $50,000 request from the open space fund for the Falciglia tract, Marsala said he wanted a similar amount pledged to help build, for example, an all-weather sports field, which generally cost about $1 million. No action was taken on his proposal, which would require a bond issue.
GOP Councilwomen Donna Anderson and Linda Schaefer said residents had asked them to oppose buying open space, since the entire town is in the Highlands preservation area.
Atlas replied that landowners who can't develop property should have an opportunity to sell to governments with open space funds that were created with voter-approved special taxes. Atlas said she would support spending $50,000 on recreation, but wanted to see details of a specific project.
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