We all have to go on 2/14 to shut thIs thing DOWN! SHUT IT DOWN!

Wow, talk about a quick turn around! Yes, Shut it down! We'll be there on Happy VD Day!!!

This affects everyone. Hope there's a massive turnout on the 14th.

This thing should be approved, instead! We need affordable housing in New Milford, our Shoprite sucks and we deserve a better one (ever been to Emerson?). This makes so much sense to me, why should I have to stop it?

Jerry, ever think what all those additional cars will do to your quality of life? There are so many alternatives to Shoprite. As for affordable housing, it seems to me that New milford has more of its share if you factor in Brookchester, Dorchester and all the small caprs throughout the borough. This plan eill completely change the environment and the small town ambiance that I for one value.

I agree that we need a massive turnout for this meeting. We DO need a better Shop Rite but it has already been approved to raze the old one and rebuild a new one in its existing location. We do NOT need the type of development proposed for that site. All it will do is lead to even more flooding in flood prone areas and a drastic reduction in the quality of life for ALL of New Milford, not just the neighboring properties.

I agree with Miriam. It seems the Brookchester Apts. alone more then fulfill any affordable housing requirements. Plus, the only bone they threw us was the school parking and a graded area for recreational purposes, which are no longer in their plans. Renovate the existing Shop Rite. There are suitable stores nearby to shop at until it is completed. I have a mistrust for anyone that has dealings with United Water.

Miriam, I see your point about the traffic, but think about it, no matter what will be built on this property (a park? Just houses? Just a parking lot?) the traffic is going to go up anyway... The only alternative would be to keep it like it is now, unused. Plus if these guys build the complex, our taxes will probably go down. I wouldn't mind $ 1000/year back in my pocket :)

Bobby, if I'm not mistaken, New Milford is required to build more affordable housing by the government...

The Feb. 14th Board of Adjustment meeting that New Milford Redevelopment Associates is scheduled to appear at will be at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of Borough Hall.

I am HAPPY it has been denied!! I agee with everything mentioned above!!

I understand also that NM is required to build more affordable housing by the federal government, however, this has been an ongoing issue for as long as I can remember.
Why hasn't this housing been built a long time ago & why is it coming to light only now?
I'm thinking, just where I always wanted to be on Valentine's Day...night, at a Board of Adjustment meeting........

I am so glad this proposal was rejected. Although, I am not much happier with the affordable housing proposal, in our current housing market I don't see residential housing being built there for at least ten or 15 years. Hopefully this give us the opportunity of really making a plan for the acquisition of the property by the town and eventually having the town build the open park space and sports complex so desperately needed and desired by our residents.

Worse comes to worse, if we cannot prevent them from building on that property, keep the property zoned for single family use and wish them luck selling 50 homes in a flood zone during a distressed housing market.

I don't want the town to buy the property, that would drive our taxes up. We have plenty of parks in the area already (van saun?) and one will be built sooner or later on van buskirk island, a few yards from this site, as we all know. Plus a park would be even worse than a shoprite, traffic-wise. I really hope this plan, modified to satisfy the requirements, will be approved. See you the 14th ;)

Thanks, Howard. I'm curious what percentage of housing is supposed to be affordable housing and do the Brookchester Apts. fall under those guidelines.

From a previous article on the same topic: Kirwin used a Rutgers University study to estimate that 42 children would enter the system; however Mayor Subrizi and Madaio believed the number would be higher. Scavetta was concerned with the school’s ability to handle the increased number of students. So, before you "shut it down", think about the consequences. The plan presented by the builder is the best compromise possible!

The real point, though, in my opinion is to understand what will happen to the area where the (old) Shoprite is located right now. What does the plan say about that? What could be done is to rezone the UW property for mixed use and let them build the new Shoprite there. But with the option for the town to buy the lot where the "old" Shoprite is sitting and turn it into a nice park. It would be right in the middle of our town, so easily accessible for everybody. Plus that area is less prone to flooding, which would save tons of taxpayers money for remediation and such. Let the builder deal with the flooding problems of the UW property :) Wouldn't this be a viable alternative?

Ms. Scavetta, I'm aware that you're no longer a council member, I appreciate your comments and service too. Let's hope the grant goes through.

I'm from Cranford and let me warn you to watch yourselves dealing with the Hekemians. Do read the whole story of the Hekemian group also known as Cranford Development Associates at cranfordtaxpayers.com. It's ugly!

Can someone please tell me where you plan to get the millions of dollars needed to purchase this property? Saying the town should buy the property sounds great, but it also screams of a property tax increase.

Mike, you're correct. That's why I think a referendum is a better approach. By letting the tax payers decide, our elected officials remove themselves from making this decision and the onus is solely on the tax payers. If I was a politician, I'd take this route.

What makes you think UW will sell the property to the town?

Cranford Patch has been following the development of land purchased by Hekemian for the construction of 360 residential units on flood-prone property in Cranford. Here is an article "Update: Cranford's Fight Against the Birchwood Project" that may be of interest: http://cranford.patch.com/articles/update-cranford-s-fight-against-the-birchwood-project

The referendum should clearly outline how much each taxpayer will be asked to shell out, not just to buy the property but also to maintain and remediate the site over a timeframe of, let's say, 10-20 years. Because it's not going to cost us "just 2,500 dollars" (assuming that figure is accurate) I already pay more than $10k in property taxes, and my wife has been recently laid off. Do you really want people to start running away from this beautiful town? Let the Hekemian Group buy the property, pay the bill, and take care of the site. America is losing the competition with China just because of all this bureaucracy, politics, and "shut it down" attitude towards any kind of enterprise! We are becoming a nation of whining people who just say no to everything. Quite the opposite of how our Founding Fathers built this Country!

Jerry, I'm wishful realist, who has a wife that is unemployed too. When this all said and done with, there won't be a referendum and I'll be shopping, banking, and getting flooded by this complex that's going to be build in a flood zone (I live downstream from this future disaster).

Ulises, let's be really REALIST: how can the flooding problems be linked to the UW property on River Road?

Jerry, if there's less soil to absorb rain water and more storm drains piped to the Hackensack this will flood our low lying neighborhoods - that's REALISTIC facts.

So in other words, you're saying that it would be better to leave it like it is now? I'm confused :)

If I was the almighty one, yes. But you'll get all that your asking because the powers that be want this development, in a flood zone.

Ulises, don't get me wrong. I'm 100% with you. If it was for me, I would leave this area like it is, or actually use it to further mitigate the impact of floods in New Milford and adjacent areas. But since this doesn't seem to be an option anymore, if I must pick one of the alternatives on the table, then the plan presented by the Hekemian Group is the "lesser evil" in my humble opinion.

Just say no! There is no reason to approve the zoning change. If push comes to shove, let them build single family housing. Good luck in this market.

@ Hedy, I'd just like to comment on your posting so that the untruths may be cleared up. The presentation by the developers was done at the H.S. the second week of April. This means we had 8 months to examine the proposal and research our options, not a whole year. I feel you are distorting the facts when your post indicates we did absolutely nothing. Soon after the presentation, we asked Denns Kirwan, our boro planner to do a study on the issue. That alone took over two months where we listened to his presentation in August. Also, we discussed the possibility of purchasing the property on three different occassions. The reason that the M & C did not reach a vote to accept or deny yet is simply because these things take time. As you are well aware, we only meet twice a month and there are always other pressing issues. With two major floodings and a bad snow storm in the mix, priorities fluctuate. Also, there is no reason to enter talks with Mr. Inserra at this juncture because it serves no purpose. I must say, that when you say we "ignored it", refering to this matter, you are purposely misleading the readers. We welcome you to the 2012 M & C, and I trust we can further this topic, but I must remind you however, you ran for office, you were elected and the campaign is over. Let's not politicize at every turn, we all have the same interest in what is best for New Milford.

Mr. Drake, for all we know Mike is Mr. Debarri. But Mike did bring up an interesting question - where does Mayor Subrizi stand on this issue?

I asked her in March and she said she can't comment because she's on the planning board. Well, we know where Councilman Berner stands because he said back in April, at the NMHS meeting, that he's willing to pay the extra taxes to purchase this land (btw, Berner is on the planning board too, although, I'm not sure if he was a member in April). As Councilman Robalino implied, the election is over and I really wish I knew were Mayor Subrizi stands on this property.

I have a feeling she’s for this development but doesn’t want to admit it because it’ll hurt her politically. I feel this way because when I was approached back in March, by a Republican Council member, to let people know that this property was to be developed, I created the flyer, which I just uploaded and it’s snowballed since. If a council member from her team approached me, to expose this development, doesn’t it sound like that member was/is at odds with her? I think so!!!

So, Mike - thank you for asking this question!

Mr. Drake, I never get played, i have way too much street smarts to let that happen. I'm just a regular guy who voices his opinion here, via his iPhone (with tons of grammatical errors as someone so kindly pointed out to me). Nor, due I grandstand or have an agenda as Councilman Robalino once accused me off.

I've said it here many times; i like our Mayor and if she keeps up the good work I'll vote for her, in a heartbeat. And I've said it over and over that I like Berner and Colucci too. I also don't think the mayor wants apartments but I think she'll let retail be developed here... But I'm not sure and i just want to know where she stands. It's that simple.

Jimmy go back under your rock.You just like to start trouble!!! Let the people we elected fix this problem put it up to vote in November

Build something that will help drive the taxes down. By the way the berm prevents flooding in that area. The water in the area is standing water, due to poor drainage. Besides, at least ,I hope, my taxes won't go up because of a new sports complex!

If I may:

Ulises, you brag about not being played, yet you also bragged about voting for the very people who used Water Company money to help their team in the election?!? You know - the WATER company - the people who were responsible for flooding you out !!!!

You were played.

I tried to warn you by being a good neighbor and telling you about the article from the twin boro regarding the water company contributing to the Democrats. I brought it to you because you ASKED for the link but the TB does not have a link to their advertisements. and all you did was post that my consideration to you made your wife feel uneasy. making me look like a complete idiot! As you know, everything I have said here IS in the Patch archives - just look.

newmilford1967 - as usual you hide in the internet . As every reader of this Patch can see, there were FORTY SEVEN comments put up here before I even got on. Yet you accuse me of starting trouble.

In our back and forth's on the Forum you have showed a definite allegiance to the De Bari regime and my TRUTHS about their shenanigans have made you try to diminish my credibility by your lies. Your problem now is that intelligent and well versed residents of New Milord see what you and their henchman try to do to a person.

Tell us your name as I do every time post and maybe you will have some respect. As is it now, you have only shown how stupid and cowardly you are.

and always have been.

Newmilford67- you are truly hilarious. You make it seem as if Mr drake started this entire debate. Did you happen to look at the dozens of other posts that took place before he even got here? Secondly you say that we should let the elected officials make the call and then IMMEDIATELY say we should put it on the ballot in November. You can't even hold a consistent thought in the same sentence!!
Finally, real people use real names like the council people who have spoken before and other citizens of new Milford. Only charlatans and cowards use fake names in respectable online chats such as this. Use your real name and lets have a grown up conversation.

Thanks Hank:

He/she won't divulge anything personal.

This tread is all about the swamp property.

theoretically.

Ulises, do you honestly think Mayor Subrizi overlooked your problem with the possibility of children, seniors or anyone being hurt?

Are you aware that we have a town of 16 thousand residents? Do you know that the mayor was on the case of EVERY public employee's supervisor during those horrible days to help everyone as soon as humanly possible?

You may remember, I myself was out of power for 7 days and six nights during that "perfect" storm.

I believe the Mayor and Council did everything possible to bring relief to us all. But with the limited amount of personnel, some of us had to wait.

and wait we did for 7 days and six black nights of freezing cold temperature, no heat, no hot water, no lights, no TV, no phone and I lost about two hundred dollars of refrigerator meats etc. At least we had our gas stove boiling water which totally messed up our wallpaper. BUT,

We didn't bitch.

Bottom line - The weather and our town's exposed power lines stink!

NOT the Republican candidates who took the weight for it, from the stupid people who thought they were getting back at the powers that be by voting against them.

YES, I said stupid because now look at what we all are stuck with. The DB machine cronies that want De Bariville and which will probably consist of lower income, multiple children, system depleting strangers.

OMG, for the record, all other towns that flooded did not send in private waste management crews to cleanup alone. If you do your research, like i have, from Nyack to Wallington they were cleaned up in days! Please let's move on from this topic...

the meeting is on Valentine's day...might hurt turnout

I hope this project is completed rejected. The town needs a sports complex, that hopefully does not flood. New Milford is crowded enough and we don't need another 221 multi family units in this town.

Jimmy Drake....Since you seem to know so much about the mayor, please explain why she refuses to comment on this issue. She must have an opinion on it, we all do. I know several folks who have asked for her thoughts, but she refuses to divulge them. Why do you think that is? Could it have something to do with her playing the fence, as to not seem to be on one side or the other of this topic. She will have to make her feelings known at some point, I'm just wondering what is taking so long. As for your idea of who I am, I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm just a citizen of this town who doesn't like some of the things that are going on.

Can't we leave politics out of this and concentrate on what's best for New Milford and its citiizen/taxpayers? This project is too big for our small community. We still don't know what will happen if houses and/or stores and Shoprite are built on this very sensitive environmental site. While it is not a direct flood plain area, how will the increase in sewers, etc. effect the water table and possible flooding? Has this study been done? If it has been done, what conclusions were drawn? What about the center of town? What will replace Shoprite? More stores? There are too many empty stores in town as it is. What about the traffic that will be caused by such overdelopment at this narrow point in New Milford? Can the current roads handle the new volume? What will it cost us to upgrade the roads and surrounding environs? Forget the politics! We need answers and we need to show up for the meeting.

Ms. Pickett, you're the voice of reason here.
Thank you.

Miriam, you are right. Roy Williams, you are right, too. We need to stand as one in this community to show our disagreement with this proposal. It is too big. It will change the face of New Milford just the way Brookchester did in the 50's. Why do any zoning changes need to be approved? Why do any variances need to be approved? If the land is zoned for single family housing, then let it be. There is no way Hekemian wants to build single family houses in a flood zone in a depressed market. Let the zoning board and planning board keep things as is and let's wait them out.

Lori, I agree with you 100%. The Shop Rite, bank and housing complex are the only things that would make sense to them. I'm sure somewhere down the road they will try to sweeten the deal by adding the recreation area and school parking back into the plans, which would be offering us nothing more than what they originally offered. If we can't get them to go away, call their bluff and see how anxious they are to build single family houses.

@Lori: " If the land is zoned for single family housing, then let it be. " To me it's like saying "If the Earth's shape is believed to be a disk, then let be it" and Columbus would have never discovered America. Things evolve, and we all need to keep the pace. Maybe building something there didn't make sense when the Earth was believed to be flat...

Good for you Jimmy. I'll let my parents know I don't exist.

Interesting debate by all. I have a question for councilwoman Grant though. Ms Grant, you campaigned on being against high density housing, so I assume (correct me if I am wrong) you are not in favor of this proposal. You made a point that the council had a year to rezone the property prior to your being on the council. So, if given the opportunity to have it rezoned today, and have the shoprite and football field, would you be in favor of/ vote for that as a current sitting member of the council, or do you prefer the land owner to build high density housing ?

Jimmy Drake....You're a real piece of work, huh? I have no clue who it is you think I am, but i can assure you that you are incorrect. What is the mayors stance on the property? you still haven't answered my question. I honestly don't know what her opinion is, and apparently, you don't either. Is that because she refuses to actually give her opinion? Your ridiculous comments do nothing but make you seem bitter and angry. Why do you feel the need to continue to blame the past administration for things that are happening now?

Wrong again Jimmy. I'd give you my address but I don't want to walk out of my house one morning and see you standing there with a newspaper and a loaf of bread in your arms. Creepy is putting it mildly. Move on. You're getting annoying.

Gee people, could you please stay on topic? All this arguing is becoming really annoying and counterproductive :(

Tell me about it Jerry!!

Having virtually the whole town realize what special interests want here, We voted out the bad guys in a town election

and

then have half wits who were mad about the weather erase ALL of our work.

You're complaining about annoying and unproductive?

Where were you two years ago?

Mr. Drake, mother nature had nothing to with the election, it was the inept response in helping those half wits, as you just called those flood victims, mad! You do more damage for the Republicans than you can ever imagine and Btw you get played here all the time!

Listen Useles,

Since you are such an afficienado of the FACTS from New York State to us here in New Jersey regarding the consequences of the flooding, why don't you request from New Milford town hall the FACTS of the election in Districts 3 and 4?

BECAUSE of the FACT that the team you love, had received money from the water company, YOUR district and the district next to you went 33% OVER for the Republicans who do NOT accept money from pay to play interests!

The stupids I referred to were NOT the flood victims, but they who did not have the debris removed from their lawns in other parts of town.

The Brookchester and the stupids made the Republicans lose - not me.

It seems that YOU are the only one defending they who not only took money from the people who screwed you, but YOU BRAG about them???!?

and me being played? It's possible, they are much better at lying and hiding in the internet than I am.

The idiots who voted against the innocent Republicans now may very well have to PAY for their juvenile vengeance - - along with the rest of the town.

and BTW, when I saw you beg the posters to stop this tread and move on to something else, I realized your attention limitations, so I'll just say good night.

Mr. Drake, the first time you addressed me on the Patch, it was with insults and you continue.

I always wonder, if your last name wasn't on the ballot?????
Now, think about this...
Actually, its a no brainer; the Republicans would have won this close election! That's the liability your are to them, especially on the Patch. It was only a few votes, so don't blame it all on the Democratic block at the Brookchester, that's a given, my friend. Because a vote for Daren, was really a vote for Jimmy to be heard. I guess you didn't count those lost votes, or were does votes 'useles'?

Sweet dreams Jimmy.

PS My apologies to Ms. Pickett - the true voice of reason in this exchange.

I would just like to ask that the comments remain on topic. Some of the comments are veering off into territory unrelated to the denial of the UW property application. I encourage dialogue and debate, but it only adds value to the conversation as long as we keep it on topic. Thank you.

Drake....What are you 5 years old? Are you intentionally misspelling names in order to be funny? You're delusional and an embarrassment to your party, and on top of that, it sounds to me like you have some type of prejudice toward the people who live in the Brookchester Apts. Grow up.

For those who missed the study, here is the PDF: http://newmilfordboro.com/attachments/096_6-27-11%20UNITED%20WATER%20REZONING%20REPORT.pdf

You're right Ann and I'll be the first to admit that I've strayed off the topic of conversation. It's just that after a while it becomes difficult to read some of the inane comments and accusations without responding. The old adage "ignore 'em and they'll go away" seems to be the best way to deal with some of these people. The focus should remain on stopping this development and rallying people for the Feb. 24th meeting.

Hit the wrong key. Mtg. is Feb. 14th - Valentine's Day

Mr. Drake, you brought me to this low road with your insults; you drew first blood, my friend, and you need to tone it down a bit... But, I'll take the high road first and apologize to you, Daren and anyone else that may have been upset we've veered off topic here - My apologies.

Thank you Jerry for the document you forward to us and I too voted for Subrizi's ticket in 2010.

apology accepted.

I don't live in New Milford but the this Jimmy guy should apologize to Ulises too, he did insult him.

Listen Glueteus Maximus Caligula or whatever:

This go around is within the limits of our family. The family that lives, works, goes to school, religious services, watches our kids grow, joins the community as adults and stays here. We have our arguments as a family and we fight. We throw things in each other's face because we are that deeply concerned and committed to the welfare of the entire community. Sometimes our differ. I haven't seen anyone on here yet who is worthy of a Pulitzer, so passion does exceed common courtesy and Poet Laureate consideration.

Ulises - who I do apologize to, have met face to face. He is a very decent family man, sincerely interested and active resident/voter and a considerate neighbor. We will always have our differences and usually agree to disagree.

But this is family business - not yours.

Thank you Mr. Drake.

Drake...That last post of yours can't be serious. What does "sometimes our differ" mean? Do us all a favor, and get down off your soap box, it's a bit much. This isn't a life and death issue, like you make it seem to be.

Readers:

Does this sound like someone who is FOR the community or just AGAINST me?

Sorry about the inconsistent sentence, but a sister having a major heart operation at 75 years of age will cause that.

I am both for the community and against your nonsense.

Ok here I go..."This isn't a life and death issue" Mike, whatever your last name is, you are half right. For some people who live in the birthplace of Bergen County, New Milford this IS a life or death matter.
For you, Mike to minimize it, I think that is just plain inconsiderate of your fellow neighbors. There are residents in our town who absolutely cannot afford higher taxes and literally may not be able to stay in their homes. The homes that they are so proud of and raised their families in. So there is a great possibility that some "residents" consider this a life alterating situation. Perhaps the death of their beloved homes' value.
There are ways to look at this "big elephant in the room." One is to accept the fact that it may become a commercial property and keep our taxes where they are and hope for the best that in some way NM can benefit from this too. Two-let the "builders" do what they choose and hope for the best in our hometown,
As I have followed this post from day one, reading how some of you bash each other is bothersome to me. Come out from behind your computer screens and introduce yourselves so that we may see who you are. Come to the mayor and council meetings and educate yourselves in the doings of our town. Just stop the bickering, you completely sound like immature babies....move on please.

Isn't it amazing?

The deeper the anonymity, the more courage some have.

Apologies to whom I had thought it was. You always did tell it like it is and that's why I contributed to your campaign. You (in retrospect) would never soil this well meant endeavor. and never use the words this antagonist uses.

Drake...Pot, meet kettle. Anyway, I never said I was for any of this, actually, I'm not. My issue with Jimmy is that he's full of it. If the town is so against this issue, then why would the Zoning Board even consider rezoning the property? The last thing any of us need is higher taxes, I think we can all agree on that. There is no way for this project to be built without the property being rezoned, it really is that simple. Let's just wait and see how the Board and Mayor handle this. What would be great is an idea from our beloved mayor on where she stands on all of this, wouldn't it??

You know, for somebody who does not even know me, you sure run your mouth. BTW, hero - why won't you tell us your whole name? Hedy did, Donna did, Ulises did, I do, Lori did, Joe Loonam did - but you won't. I guess we're all more man than you are.

Brief bio since you said I was a disgrace to my party.

The very first time I filed for Dem County Committee was October 26th 1970.... against a coward who sent snail mail out anonymously also.

Second, Third and fifth time I ran, I ran against the local Dems and won. Coincidentally, In 2010, I won in District 6 which contains half of the Brookchester Democratic vote -- AGAINST the DB machine. My son and his Republican team managed to tie in THE Democratic district in town. One of my trusted Republican voters couldn't make it because of illness and a Democrat was called away on his job in South Carolina for the week. It would have been only two votes, but it would have been a win for the team in a Democratic Valhalla.

At any rate, it must be really satisfying for a small minded coward to just rant on - knowing you're nice and safe and anonymous while you lambaste me.

Oh well, as I've been told so many times - anonymous Comments really have no honor and you prove it by going off on me as you please, when I know nothing at all about you.

With your vendetta for me as is shown with every Comment you make, I'm glad I don't know you.

Not just the Mayor. I'd also like to know where the council members stand.

Mike...I wouldn't bother giving your last name. Drake seems like a stalker. Showing up at people's doorsteps, searching the internet, harassing people. Strange dude.

Sooo.

it's OK for Ulises to check facts about what happened from Haverstraw to Bergen County, but he's not an internet searcher. No offense Ulises - just making a point.

I go to the victims of the Flood and talk to them personally and I'm accused of "showing up at their doorstep".... I guess I offended the people partaking of the flood BBQ also.

I do Ulises a favor because the TwinBoro does not have a link, drop off the paper quietly and discreetly as a neighbor would and you accuse me of harassing people.
Again no offense Ulises.

Yeah - I'm a strange dude alright.

and of course at this point it may not matter, but whatever happened to the "stay on topic" requirement? diverting attention and making me bear the brunt of these attacks, benefits no one but the DBville advocates.

Hey Tony, isn't it odd that you warn mike not to give his last name because I might do to him (which I haven't) - what he has already done to me and you are now..........

Ok, how's about we let another group of non DeBariVille zealots take the bull by the horn and do exactly what had been done last year.............and then have a snow storm spit on all of our efforts.

Good evening all,

I hope you all made it through the snow OK. I just wanted to comment and say that I find it hilarious that one of the few people on this forum who uses his own name is considered creepy and a stalker. Why don't you put your real names on the forum and once we know all of your background we can determine who is the real stalker.

Who cares if anyone knows my full name? What does my background have to do with any of this? Drake is obsessed with blaming the towns problems on anyone but his party. He rants and raves, calls people names, and acts like some kind of tough guy, while never even considering someone else's point of view. I don't know the guy, but he seems like exactly the type of person who takes town politics way too seriously. Grow up Jimmy.

From http://newmilford-nj.patch.com/articles/united-water-property-traffic-impact-analysis-for-proposed-retail-residential-development

The study reports that a portion of the traffic will come from cars passing the proposed development on their way to some other destination that will stop for a retail trip. For the proposed supermarket, it is determined that approximately 10% of traffic may be drawn from the traffic flows along River Road and Main Street. The study also concludes that these types of retail trips "do not add new traffic to the adjacent street system."

So please don't tell me you don't want this development because of increased traffic flow, because it's just NOT TRUE!

Over the weekend, I did a bit of research on The Patch and this subject. I see where you have been the 'tough guy" since you came on here back in April. Mike, I'm asking you to dig yourself and realize that you have put your real name in the Patch already.

and, since you are doing all you can to embarrass me, I am going to ask you once more - dig yourself. I have to suffer from anonymous Commentors like you because I do use my real name and it is no Violation of T. o. S. nor Privacy for me to remind everyone what your whole name is since you already did it on your own.

Does your family really want to deal with the embarrassment you're laying on me?

Mine already has............

Denise, I don't see why you're attacking me like that, kind of rude. Anyway what is your alternative plan for this site? Leave it undeveloped?

No offense to either Denise or Jerry

BUT

don't you hate when that "getting personal stuff" happens?

LOL.

welcome to the club.

Jimmy, glad to be part of this very exclusive club :) LOL

Maybe tonight's B o E meeting will be interesting.

if the various PTO's realized the consequences of a LOT more kids in all of our schools, there would be more parents there, than who were at the high school last spring and the summer before that at Town Hall.

Take a trip to April 12th on The Patch issue and click on the article related to the Hekemian attorneys plan.

and just look at some of the Commentor's Comments.

Can't the "housing" part of the plan be done so that people 65+ can buy one of those units? If I'm not mistaken, in Dumont a builder completed a similar project not so long ago.

Councilwoman Grant- It has been a week and a half since I asked your position on the property. You complain the mayor and council did nothing, yet refuse to give your opinion/position to the people who elected you. THAT IS DOING NOTHING. I hardly think I'm asking you to go out on a limb here by asking your position. Assuming the Mayor and Council had all options available to them, including purchasing the property, what would you be most in favor of? You were elected because people want your opinion on these matters.

We interrupt this conversation to remind everyone to keep it civil and keep your comments on topic please. Differing opinions add immeasurable value to the debate, as long as those opinions don't swerve into the arena of personal. That serves no one and draws attention away from the very important issues that currently face New Milford and everyone who calls it home. Thank you!

Thank you Ann...some of these unamed posters are simply bullies...ha ha how ironic FYI posters, there is another story about bullying...go check it out...

67-Id tell you to fight your own battles, but it seems as though councilwoman Grant actually neds your help. Not sure why she refuses to answer, it isn't a trick question. As for my opinion..I think it is on the record. Check the minutes to mayor and council meetings. I am about as transparent as it gets, including puttimg my name to whatever I say. I am pretty sure I was the first one in the old forum to do so..at least in New Milford. BTW, I can't
go sell some cars, it is Sunday, there are blue laws. Plus, I have worked over 60 hours this week, everyone deserves a day off, even me.

Loonam... You seem to have a vendetta against Councilwoman Grant. I've seen this question posed before to the entire M & C and I haven't seen a response from any of them. Why don't you get on their case too.

Ann, any chance of changing a letter or whatever on this question so we readers don't have to waste time going ALL THE WAY DOWN to the current offering?

Tony- Why wouldnt you care to know Ms Grants opinion as well? I do not have a vendetta against MS Grant, I just care for her opinion. She has made several statements on this thread criticizing the mayor and council in regards to this issue. As a sitting council representative, it seems onlylogical that if she is criticizing their handling the matter, she would have appriached it differently. I am simply trying to find out how she would have gone about it. I have also stated she didnt do enough to make the planning board meeting that was coming to a vote on tbe proposed church at the racquetball club site. She claims a religious conflict on that date. So be it. I cant imagine the conflict she has giving the taxpayers her opinion on this property. My thesis is that she likesto criticize others without being held accountable. She can prove me wrong by stating her opinion

I want to know all of their opinions, not just hers. So address your question to the entire M & C, not to her alone. Then if no one responds you can go after them as a group and it won't appear you're singling her out..

When you stand in criticism of people, you position yourself above them and the only people truly qualified to do that are those who are more capable. Ms. Grant is being singled out here because she consistently attacks the Mayor and Council -- throughout her campaign -- and here in this forum. Now that she has won the Council seat she persists in her attacks as if she herself is somehow not part of the group she just joined. She can either do all those things she has claimed superior positioning on, or prove herself an empty dress by continuing her attacks. As a New Milford resident it is my hope that she can put her club down and become a team player so we can benefit from her contribution to the team effort.

I hope we can all put our clubs down, become team players and unite as one for the sake of our town.

Please, let’s not forget all that Ms. Pickett mentioned almost two weeks ago, see her comment below:

" miriam pickett
1:42 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Can't we leave politics out of this and concentrate on what's best for New Milford and its citiizen/taxpayers? This project is too big for our small community. We still don't know what will happen if houses and/or stores and Shoprite are built on this very sensitive environmental site. While it is not a direct flood plain area, how will the increase in sewers, etc. effect the water table and possible flooding? Has this study been done? If it has been done, what conclusions were drawn? What about the center of town? What will replace Shoprite? More stores? There are too many empty stores in town as it is. What about the traffic that will be caused by such overdelopment at this narrow point in New Milford? Can the current roads handle the new volume? What will it cost us to upgrade the roads and surrounding environs? Forget the politics! We need answers and we need to show up for the meeting."

I agree with ms pickett and ulisses on this. Regardless of how my posts hace been interpreted, my intent is to hear a good idea from MS Grant. Assuming she was correct, and the previous council was unable to come up with a solution,this is a new council and perhaps there are new ideas. MS Grant was vocal in her criticism, she cant just sit back and not offer any suggestions now. Trust me when I say, should MS Grant come up with a brilliant idea, I would be the first to support it! This mayorcand council needs to work together for all of the people in town, but it cant if some refuse to participate.

Being that I hate driving to Closter how about they put in a driving range for us golfers? If it floods who cares?

"Wouldn't you rather see more SOD, than asphalt, in your community?"

Let's Stop-Over-Development (SOD) in New Milford, together. Send us an email to SODNOW@yahoo.com for more information.