I wonder just who his friends in New Milford are......

Mr. Sheehan supported EnCap, the Xanadu project in the meadowlands too just to mention a few. He receives lots of money from Inserra and United Water. He cares about his corporate sponsors more than the darn river. The field by the high school floods because the river just 10 feet south of the field is only 2' deep during high tide but he wouldn't now that because he doesn't come up that far in the river. On his news letter last month he told his members that the original plan presented in a PowerPoint presentation by the developers would have been approved already if it wasn't for SOD. He lied to his members because that plan was never submitted to the Planning nor Zoning board and the birth of SOD came in the Spring of this year. Mr Sheehan is only worried about his sponsors to keep his own salary and he could care less about the concerned citizens in New Milford. He's a sellout - just look at the meadowlands and all the development that he supported. Even the Seirra Club and other environmental groups question his acts... What a joke this man has become.

OK, Bill Sheehan creeps me out. Everyone in NM knows I post 'Good Morning New Milford' videos on youtube.com/radioinfom to show the flooding problems on the river but he adds my wife on facebook as a friend?..and not me. I know she's attractive but Bill, SHE'S MARRIED. Let's see, I own a boat, I'm on the river practically everyday & I've never seen him up near the UW property where garbage & obstructions cause major congestion due to neglect. Of course, flood mitigation is not a factor in his thinking because he's ignorant to the facts. Pay less attention to how many facebook friends you have and more attention to the river. Your not a politician; nobody cares what you think.

Listen to the Sheehan's argument; he's ok with a mega strip mall his friends InSerra and United Water want, that will pipe millions of gallons of water to the river, which during times of storms that's all coming to all the low lying neighborhoods throughout New Milford - his solution put trees were the field is it'll take care of Columbia Street's problems. Give me a break Captain Sellout and thank you for endorsing the Mayor's vision of making this town the birthplace of Hudson County II. Wake up New Milford and don't buy this corpoate whore's lies.

Sheehan, you don't live on Columbia Street so you have no clue what we experience and why. It doesn't take rocket science to figure out that during the worst storm surge in history we had less than a foot of flood water on Columbia Street when during Irene we had six feet. UW was not a factor during Sandy & good thing because they never released the Oradel reservoir as per Governor Christie's mandate no matter what the DEP says. I have video evidence as witnessed by Mr Berner & Mr Rebsch firsthand. But make no mistake about it, Sandy proves that during all other floods UW was a significant contributing factor & unless you can convince the residents of MN that more development will help flood mitigation, you need to stay out of this & keep your mouth shut.

I wish Bill Sheehan would sit down with the members of SOD to hear their side of the argument. Despite his contention to not "weigh in on every local dustup" he's supporting this obscene project on a single criteria: that, in his opinion, it won't increase flooding. Although we disagree with that contention, he doesn't seem to have considered the myriad other reasons that are driving dozens of us to spend night after night at long, boring meetings, hours writing letters and chatting up our friends and neighbors, and spending our money to fight this project. Those who do not have all the facts should not render an opinion!!

IF the current high school field was returned to its natural vegetative state, but the property for a field in the "original" Hekemian plan (which was never formally offered) is FAR TOO SMALL to take the place of the current high school field. It would not be big enough to have room for spectators or for a track. So the existing field could NOT be returned to a vegetative state and the flooding would only be exacerbated. The ONLY land left in New Milford that is big enough to relocate the NMHS field so that it could be returned to its natural state is the UW property, but not the small parcel that Mr. Sheehan has indicated. Mr. Sheehan, how can you possibly consider the removal of green space in a community that lacks green space to be a "good, practical alternative?" Mr. Sheehan, have you looked at this property lately? It is no longer industrial. It is GREEN! It has all kinds of flora and fauna. Are your political connections causing you to abandon true environmental concerns to follow the money? Maybe you should be urging Mayor Subrizi to support the majority on the council who support SOD's vision to maintain open space that will not impact flooding in a flood prone community, will not add to pollution (air, noise, water and light), will not impact negatively on the ability to provide emergency services, and will not add to already congested roads (necessitating the widening of River Road and removal of even more trees).Shame on you, Mr. Sheehan! I await your reply.

Appears that Billy Boy had a talking to. Does anyone remember Sheehan's Pub in Hackensack and all of the "goings on" that happend there? Someone called in a favor and here we are.

Is he a New Milford resident? If not, then put a cork in it.

According to the Hackensack Riverkeeper website (http://www.hackensackriverkeeper.org), the mission statement clearly states: "The primary Mission of Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. is to provide representation for the natural living resources of the Hackensack River. This representation is manifested in Hackensack Riverkeeper's environmental advocacy, education and conservation programs. The focus of Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. is to protect and defend the environmental quality of the eco-system of the estuary, river and watershed and the quality of life for the people and other creatures that inhabit the Hackensack River watershed."

Mr. Sheehan: how do you reconcile your support of this development (with or without the housing component) with the mission of your organization? How do you reconcile the destruction of a large number of trees both on the property and bordering the property with the defense of the environmental quality of the eco-system? How do you reconcile the guaranteed diminished quality of life for the people who live near the Hackensack River watershed? Where are the studies and facts to prove that building here AND returning the existing football field to open space will be the panacea for the flood-weary residents of Columbia Street?

You insult our collective intelligence by thinking we will buy this snake oil solution.

Lauren, thanks again for trying to reach Captain Sellout so we can have a sit down and explain the facts but he ignored our request. Yet, when approached by the media, such as Patch, he's willing to speak. He's giving a bad name to all Riverkeepers out there.

The UW Property can be used to house large holding tanks for flood mitigation.

Sheehan is not an elected representative of the people or the river. The Hackensack Riverkeeper, INC is a non-profit, private COMPANY.

Stay educated and make calls for clarification. Let the HR, INC know people are paying attention.

From the HR website:
"Hackensack Riverkeeper is the independent, non-governmental advocate for the Hackensack River"

"By assuming the role of citizen steward for the watershed, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will participate in a proactive manner to promote sustainable development. It is our intention to work with local, county and regional planners to ensure that all planning decisions address effects on the watershed.

Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. also will participate in the remediation of historic damage caused by the human community. To this end, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. will seek the best possible "eco-logic" and economic solutions to the myriad problems that have been caused by the unfettered growth that has taken place within the watershed."

(201) 968-0808
Email info@hackensackriverkeeper.org
Website http://www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/

Sheehan seems to be talking out of both ends - On the one hand stating how "wonderful" it would be to preserve the UW property as open space, supposedly feeling strongly enough about it to recommend 1.5 million towards its purchase and considering it worthy of Green Acres and Open Space grants. What has happened since that he now considers the same space "post industrial" and not worth the effort? And are we supposed to believe that Sheehan is really so intimately familiar with New Milford? He knows all about Columbia Street, does he? He's had time to study our town, school system, streets and issues, in addition to being fully versed on the UW plan, both the original version and the revised version? Bull-oney. a) He was coached and b) He smells like a politician. Very interesting how he hangs Councilman Berner out to dry......

What I find disturbing is that Mr. Sheehan states that this is a quality of life issue not and an environmental issue. I have two problems with that point of view. First, Bergen County is an over developed county in an over developed state that is located in the over developed I-95 corridor that stretches from Boston to Washington. I would think that he, as an environmentalist, would fight for every square foot that could possibly be saved from development or fight for post industrial acreage to be returned to a natural state. It is an environmental issue. It is just beyond his narrow vision.
The second part of his point of view that I find disturbing is that he states this is a quality of life issue and dismisses the opposition to this development. It is almost as if the quality of our lives has no significance. It is a quality of life issue. It is a quality of life issue for every life in New Milford and beyond, especially our children. Do we not have the right to choose a how our community is to be developed, to choose what is the best course of action to persue, and to decide the best path to a better educational facility and future for the children of New Milford.
Make no mistake about it. There are very wealthy and powerful players involved in this debacle persuing their own greedy desires. Their influence will reach into politics and groups like the river keeper. We need to remain steadfast and strong. Make our voices heard.Together we can prevail.

FOLLOW THE MONEY!

Who will benefit? Will family members be employed (or currently) by Inserra or Heikemian? Will anybody be given lucrative investment opportunities here?

NM Resident, thank you for posting Captain Sellout's email. I just sent him an email on how he portrayed SOD in his newsletter to his members. I encourage everyone in disagreement with him to let him know.

I uploaded the River Creeper's news letter so you can see for yourself the misinformation he's telling his members about SOD. In his own word," SOD opposed it and by all accounts, their opposition was partly responsible for the counterproposal currently on the table..." There has only been one proposal so get your facts straight!

I am so disgusted I could spit. Those who have posted before me have laid out the case against the Riverkeeper. I urge all readers of the Patch to immediately send emails or call the Riverkeeper's office to protest this thoughtless endorsement of mindless development. I'd love to see some kind of investigation into who is paying him off.

It sounds to me like there could be a case for libel here. I'd be very careful with these kind of allegations.

Hey - how you been? Have you seen Mildred and Bonita lately?

And, by the way, I never said he was paid off, I said I'd like to see an investigation into if he was paid off.

The River Creeper has indeed sold his soul, he is a slave to the corporate money trail.This development is the single greatest treat to our quality of life , ever . If allowed to be developed the increase in traffic, noise, pollution , property values for the surrounding residences will nose dive , the additional work load for fire and police depts, the wear and tear on the boro streets, high school children will have to dodge the 33 + trucks a day and every drop of rain that falls in the 1000 car parking lot will collect the oil and drain directly into the river, not the soil . That one point alone should have the bar keep now self proclaimed river god at every zoning board meeting. Where was his interview with PATCH when he had the money, nowhere. The river creeper has lost all credibility, the residents don't need him to defeat this aggressive application before the zoning board and we will deal with MR Faust after we do.

Finally, someone who is sane, the property is not some pristine wonder. It will be developed. As a town, we cannot afford to pay 8 million dollars for something that will not abate flooding in any way and will only cost us year after year for upkeep, police, and DPW workers against zero tax revenue. We should be fighting to axe the apartments and obtaining that land for the high school, but havemthe store, bank and restaurant so we have some tax revenue to pay for a decent field for the school.

Bonita, the town would never pay $8M when there are grants and environemental groups, unlike the sane River Creeper you agree with, willing to help.

I'd like to know if this mis-information is due to his own negligence or if three certain people are feeding it to him. His statement contradicts the whole purpose of the Riverkeeper. Judging by his picture, seems like Captain Billy is spending too much time with Captain Morgan.

So now the man has been accused of being paid off and drinking too much Captain Morgan rum. There's an old axiom whereby if you see yourself in a hole - stop digging. I suggest you leave this man be and spew your venom elsewhere. We in New Milford have seen where words on a public website have led to libel suits and very expensive settlements have been awarded by courts. I simply urge discretion and forethought. You will not change any legal process here, but you can incur legal problems.

Honestly, scooby-doo, If you or anyone else typing on this thread think that I have the time to make up silly fake names and jump back and forth like some of you all do, you are completely out of line and couldn't be more ridiculous in your words. What exactly do you think, I DON'T GET? I don't need an answer because they would mean nothing to me. You are mean spirited, angry, bitter people. Have a good night and ohhhh let me jump in now as another name...FYI you would be very surprised how many people actually read the stories on Patch, however you underestimate the majority of the Patch community that do not speak into the computer and when they do, they feel the need to hide themselves from your rudeness and sour words.

Lolita, the River Creeper is blaming SOD, mostly made of New Milford residence, for the proposed plan, which he's lying about, yet, you're defending a man that lives in Hudson County or Seacacus, rather than your neighbors in Bergen County??? I'm willing to get sued by this Captain Morgan sipping River Creeper because your claim of a lawsuit would never uphold in a court of law - even if it went to the Supreme Court. It's called 'freedom of speech' - so please don't try scare tactics, they really don't work.

Mr. Ulises, read my blogs. I am not, nor have I been defending anyone. I'm only trying to make you all aware that this is a public website and the printed word is proof for legal issues. It is quite apparent that you and your SOD friends just don't get it. Any time anyone puts up a differing thought from any of yours, you group together and berate the person. You are the bullies of this website and anyone with an honest heart can and does see it. You are so engrossed in your righteousness that you have no tolerance for others.

If this matter were to be put on a ballot, the water property development would be overwhelming. Most especially when the other 16,000 people in town realized how much they would actually benefit by more tax money coming in.

SOD is embarassing themselves.... Someone had a different point of view; ACCEPT IT AND STOP WHINING!!
Believe it or not, some people would like to see something nice built on the UW property. That doesn't make them bad people and they shouldn't be bullied by your silly group.

I’d have to say, what’s in it for you Bill Sheehan that you have to come out publicly in support of Hekemian? It’s one thing to have an opinion, and another to push it publicly, especially when it doesn't involve you. Until this moment Hekemian and The Hackensack Riverkeeper would have created an oxymoronic image in my mind, to the extreme, but now you’re in bed together. Why? I thought you were a CONSERVATIONIST? Isn’t open space a natural resource? Isn’t the main focus of natural resource management “quality of life for present and future generations”? Doesn’t environmental governance and stewardship involve managing human impact on the ecosystem? Does a Super ShopRite and 9 ½ acres of concrete and asphalt factor into your idea of natural resource management and environmental excellence? Is the environmental community supporting urban sprawl now? I am such a purist, that out of everything that has transpired to date, this one floors me the most. I think I’ve been watching too much of the Walking Dead. Everyone is susceptible to infection. People turn. And there you have it: The Riverkeeper casts a vote for concrete and asphalt over soil, water, trees and animal life.

Austin Ashely’s words at candidate’s night visit me over and over again: The lesser of two evils is still evil. And as George Carline says, “May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house.” Because rest assured, it’s on its way.

I have supported the Hackensack Riverkeeper in the past. No longer. Captain Bill you have lost me as a supporter and I will spread the word.

Three Dollar Bill is a phony. From what I hear he is trying to establish himself in the northern part of the river. Just like Hudson County Politics has no place in Bergen County, neither does he. He is nothing more than a hack and a river rodent. This guys also chairs the BC open space funding, he needs to be sent packing. he is no friend to New Milford, Bergen County or the Hacky.

The Riverkeeper did call me with the offer of the $1.5 million last year and gave me limited time to accept the offer. While I did not bring this offer to the Council, I did dicuss it with the Mayor and she convinced me that this was not enough to move forward. Not having put the pieces together yet, I didn't realize this is the same Mayor that sat at my dining room table in March 2011 and told me that she was all for the developer's plan, while the Council members did not even know what the plan was. Interestingly, the plan was not disclose to the Council members until the public meeting at the high school on April 11, 2011, which gave the council only 19 days to consider buying the property before the expiration of our right-of-first refusal date. The Mayor has been all for the developer's plan from the beginning and never gave serious help to fully determine if the town could buy the property. In fact, she always road blocked the effort by insisting that the town could not afford it; something she still maintains today. To her, SOD has been the enemy instead of recognizing that they are a voice of her constituenency that she has never represented.

I have always suspected that the Mayor has never been on the side of of the residents. Thank you Councilman Berner for giving us some insight into how we lost the opportunity to buy this property.

As many many many times that I have lambasted the De Bari's, I never did, could nor would repeat anything that had been said when they were at my dining room table.

In my book, you could have attempted to redeem yourself in ANY WAY AT ALL - except betray the confidentiality of someone breaking bread with you in the (perhaps incorrectly assumed) confidentiality of your private home..........

I M O, if restoring your vestal innocence was most important, you may have made some inroads with certain special interests, but I just don't ever see anyone accepting an invite to dinner.

I'm glad Howard Berner found his voice. His admission confirms what some of us knew already and preached for months on the Patch. To the Field of Dreams group, Subrizi is the reason why the field is not by the High School, period. I know you think she would never do that but she has. Once she met with Hekeminian at United Waters headquarters, right after she got elected, it was a done deal for this development to move forward. Now, it's our batter to set things right and make sure she's a one term mayor.

SOD!

Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc, was FOUNDED by Bill Sheehan in 1997.

Through GuideStar the public can log in and view the non-profit financial data. A premium account is required for some information.

http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/22-3530496/hackensack-riverkeeper.aspx

If not, to maintain non-profit status, organizations are required to make their financial data accessible to the public, which should be able to be satisfied by sending a letter request to:

Mailing Address:
Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc.
231 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7304

Some of the more upstanding transparent non-profits I support make this information readily accessible straight from their website. Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc, founded by Ben Sheehan in 1997, does not.

Hackensack Riverkeeper, INC should know that residents of NM are now more educated about Ben's self proclaimed (and company supported) "position" as Riverkeeper and are very concerned about his recent comments.

This is all part of the bergen republicans effort to screw new Milford, it's clear, the new Milford mayor has a full time job with lath Donovan's board of social services, the hekimens are know to be big republican contributors, the Sierra club hacks all endorsed Donovan for her American dream support and Donovan now is failing to give open space money to save open space in new Milford,,,,, and now he town is becoming the next staten isldan,,,,imho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcwz8-EfFYE

Tom, howard is not a priest and his home is not a confessional. True. But, in a perhaps more appropo setting, I believe guilt is the key word.

However, as a man, homeowner and keeper of many confidential conversations from both the red and the blue side of the aisle, I am disappointed that a man as well educated, as he - had to use a lady's complete and innocent trust for his "get out of jail free" card........

Maybe I am a male chauvinist pig, but I am as deeply moved in his method as much as he would be - if I repeated what was said when he was in my home.

But everyone knows that ain't never gonna happen.

Jim, they were talking about a "deal" that would affect every man, woman, child, dog, cat, squirrel (and every other breathing creature) in THIS TOWN--OUR TOWN. This was not a personal business deal. This was a public debacle. Howard speaking up, being transparent (finally) is very appropriate.

It doesn't matter whether the participants involved are a woman or man either. Unless you're going with the "war on women" tactic from the Democratic playbook.

Thanks for getting back to me Tom:

In these days of extremists calling candidates and public officials absolutely terrible names such as slut, bitch, c word etc - - I never thought I'd be called out referring to a woman as a "lady". In my book, The mayor is a lady, mother, wife and possibly has messed up. Since the incident happened a year and a half ago, why did he suddenly have (you should forgive the expression) an Epiphany now? { I know you like putting things in religious settings} Was he using the Republican base to get elected, lost and THEN blew the whistle?

Regarding my own political situation, I am not an obamacrat nor a follower of the party that has been hijacked from me and millions of others by the Chicago gangsta's. I am a JFK Democrat ref - "ask not what your country can do for you"..

If I may ask, where are the Republican readers of this Patch? Other than Celeste?

Nowhere to be found. except you of course.

papa****, Never forget that iconic picture of you carrying that girl out of the flood in your firefighter action uniform after Eileen I believe.

Thanks for what you did. and do!

and you know why I'm deleting the last four letters of your email address.