Sunday, July 16, 2006
By JAN BARRY
STAFF WRITER
RINGWOOD -- The Borough Council will take another crack on Tuesday at approving open space funds to buy land from a developer whose assisted living complex was rejected as unsuitable for the rocky site.
Last month Republican council members, outnumbered 4-3, took advantage of a Democratic colleague's vacation absence to forge a 3-3 deadlock and defeat the purchase. In Councilman Bill O'Hearn's absence, a resolution to approve a buyout contract was defeated, as was release of $50,000 from the borough's open space fund as the town's contribution for the purchase.
The Republicans argued that more money from the open space fund should be provided for recreation projects and that there is no longer a need to buy open space since Ringwood is now in the preservation area that was created by the state's 2004 Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act.
At issue is a deal to buy a 7-acre site off Skyline Drive from Sal Falciglia Jr. for $600,000. Most of the money would be provided by the state Green Acres and Passaic County open-space programs. Ringwood's Board of Adjustment rejected a proposed assisted living center on that site because of concerns over storm water and septic field drainage on the rock outcropping.
Back from vacation, O'Hearn -- who recently became conservation director at the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference -- said he is looking forward to providing the needed vote for the buyout.
"It has potential for a municipal park," O'Hearn said last week of the wooded parcel on a ridge top near the Fieldstone Plaza Shopping Center. "It's a willing seller. So it's the right thing to do."
O'Hearn said the buyout price is based on appraisals approved by the state Green Acres program, which is providing half of the funding. Passaic County is providing a grant for most of the remainder, except for $50,000 that is expected to be Ringwood's share.
After the defeated motion last month, Borough Attorney Joseph Maraziti warned that delaying the vote until July might kill the deal as currently negotiated. 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.
Mayor Joanne Atlas warned that Falciglia had threatened to sue the borough.
Copyright © 2006 North Jersey Media Group Inc.