The field proposed by Hekemian is basically space that is pretty much only the size of a soccer field, leaving ZERO room for stands or any kind of lockerroom facility... It would not be suitable for a high school's gameday needs! The space proposed would MAYBE be suitable for a practice field only!!!

Mr. Robalino I respectfully disagree with your premise that this developer is trying to compromise. This developer is trying to get every thing that benefits HEKEMIAN not what benefits NEW MILFORD.

It it not just about the residential units. It's about the increase in size and traffic and pollution and all the negatives that come with the development of both the residential and COMMERCIAL portion of this invasion. The traffic increase, both passenger vehicle and 40' tractor trailer, alone should be enough convince anyone about the safety of our children and seniors.

The possibilities I'm imagining are of our senior drivers and high school pedestrians being mowed down by a 40' tractor trailer in the neighborhood.

Quote:
"Comments are welcome. First names (only) or pseudonyms need not reply.
Diego Robalino"

Has the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment been suspended?

What would happen to the old shop rite? More stores that we don't need? How about razing that for a field complex?

Diego -- before, when those who were pushing for this development spoke of compromise, it was between a greater evil (the proposed development with the apartments), and a lesser evil (the proposed development without the apartments). Now the compromise in the context of your letter seems to be between an outsider “community wrecking landlord” and the residents of your hometown.

The “gamble” that SOD and the other objectors were being accused of taking by fighting this development, has been taken off the table. So what is your reason for asking for a compromise? I am confused. I believed that with these new plans, we would see support from you and the mayor now that the perceived risk has been reduced to that of the original plan.

I don’t know anyone who has attended the meetings (beyond that of a handful of cameo appearances), and is for this thing, mainly because the attendees have glimpsed the inside of the soul of this developer and the proposed overdevelopment. Hekemian’s representatives have shown themselves to be heartless and untrustworthy. Hekemian has also shown his hand, so any honest judge will see that his motivation is merely to develop, not an altruistic one of advocating for the poor.

cont. Being that you don’t want people hiding in anonymity when they respond to you, I think that it’s only fair that you name the people who you say want this development, or refrain from referencing them since no one has any way of gauging this vaguely referenced unknown group of supporters for Hekemian’s proposal. If you name them or they decide to present themselves, I’d like to know what their reasons are for being for it. Are they truly wanting to shop in a Super ShopRite so badly that they’re willing to overlook the people it will hurt? What type of person does that? Can you imagine Jesus saying, “Yippee, a bigger selection of ice cream, screw my neighbors, I’m skipping to the new Super ShopRite for some chunky, chunky delight?”

Can you explain to me how they can continue to want this development when people’s home values/equities/life investments will plummet, their peaceful sleepy existence will become the scene of a circus, the parking lot of the ShopRite will have students drifting over from the high school, putting themselves in harm’s way, the Senior Citizen’s Center will be smack in the middle of the mess the development will create, shops like United Meat Market will be threatened into nonexistence, many residents from Brookchester and Dorchester will be at a sudden loss having located themselves near a supermarket within walking distance, etc.?

Mr. Burdick, a neighbor on my street (and schoolmate’s father), was killed in the current ShopRite parking lot by a senior citizen I believe who ran him over; and I can tell you of a multitude of accidents and fender benders that I personally know of, that happened in and around ShopRite parking lot because of the amount of cars combined with the high level of activity.

Hekemian has taken away 197 apartments, but he has not taken away the tractor-trailer traffic along the routes of the children, the noise and air pollution, the two years of disruptive construction, the swarms of traffic that will be attracted to a new super ShopRite, and more.

I can’t speak for anyone except myself, but this is what I bring to the bargaining table: I don’t believe in making deals with the devil. And as long as one person is going to be hurt by this, I can’t go forward and turn a blind eye.

You have invited a dialogue. I am opening one. Please follow Howard Berner’s courageous lead and stay in this forum and answer our questions. I know I have a lot of them, but your passion was strong enough to write this letter. Please see it through. I would also like to know what the motivation is that is causing you to support Hekemian instead of us. You speak of the “will of the developer” instead of the “will of the people” you were elected to serve. I don’t understand that. I don’t think you realize how exhausting it is to fight you, the mayor, and this parasite too.

Just because the purchase of the property would have added $4-8 million dollars to the towns long term debt, does not mean that the purchase was “not a possibility”. That statement is not factual or accurate, is disingenuous and quite frankly insulting. You can do the math on it, any number of ways, but in the end, the amount of a tax increase needed would not have been unreasonable. What is a fact, is that YOU did nothing to even explore this purchase as an option for the town. If the published reports are correct, YOU did not even have the courtesy to let United Water that the town was not interested in entering into negotiations. The time for negotiation was then, not now. In my opinion, you and the other elected officials have taken this town from a position of control, to a position of weakness. You want to be a leader? Tell the developer, the property is zoned single family, so they can build single family homes (some of course designated lower income) if they care to. Anything other than that they should expect a fight in court.

I'm wondering at whose kitchen table, when and to whom Hekemian "confirmed" that the April 2011 concept would be "an option" for NM (although you say that that concept would have to be revised - is Hekemian on board with the revisions you would like?). Was this brought to the council for discussion? Please also tell us the source for your statement that "if the plans are ultimately denied locally, the county court will most likely approve the application." You know this because...?

Councilman Robalino, I only use my first name here so if you don't wish to reply back to me I won't be offended.

Why is it so important for you to rezone an area as commercial, that is along the river, along the flood plain (without the berm it is in the flood zone, as admitted by Hekeminian's engineer to me when questioned at a ZB meeting), by the high school, in a quite part of town and across the street from our Senior Citizen Center??? Do you care about the people that live on Demarest Ave because that will become a cut through? Do you care about the additional flooding this development will contribute to our low lying neighborhoods? Do you care about all the trees that will be knocked down and the endangered species that live on and adjacent to this property (yes, we have a list of these federally protected species)? I can go on but the answer is you don't care about the few things I mention and it's so obvious.

The area to develop is in the center of town, not by the river. COAH can easily be removed from this lot and put somewhere else in the Master Plan. A deal could be brokered with the Brookchester to develop there, which will fulfill any COAH requirement and increase their property value which in turn, increases our tax revenue. Why can't you get that? If only we had leaders like Oradell’s Mayor, we wouldn’t be in this quagmire you’ve help to create.

DO NOT REZONE TO COMMERCIAL!!!! WAKE UP NEW MILFORD!!!

"Now is the time for the entire town to come together and embrace the idea to re-zone the property." You really expect the majority of people in this town who oppose this development to follow you, Subrizi and Colucci down this path that would ruin the whole character of our town. You're starting to sound like a cult leader. Are you that naive, or just plain arrogant, that you cannot see the whole picture and how this would adversely affect this town. If you want to make a pact with the Devil that's your business, just don't expect too many followers along the way.

"com·pro·mise
1. A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions."
Mr. Robalino, where are the concessions from the developer? We give them everything they asked for in April 2011 and we get what??? NOTHING, except total destruction of the quality of life we expect; total destruction of the only open space left; total destruction of trees and the habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna; massive increases in traffic; air, water, noise and light pollution. When do we get to the good stuff? Oh, that's right: there isn't any good stuff for New Milford, just for the Hekemians and Inserras. Why don't we count? WE LIVE HERE.

And let's not forget the impact of building a mega grocery store adjacent to NMHS. We have asked repeatedly for the developer's witnesses to come up with another location where a giant grocery store is next to a high school in Bergen County. They couldn't come up with one. But a New Milford resident, a retired teacher, came up with one: Fort Lee. So I emailed an administrator in Fort Lee and asked about the impacts: 1. thefts of alcohol by the students from the store and then attempted sales of that alcohol in the school (due to "poor management by the grocery store of their liquor section") 2. This mega-supermarket attracted customers from all of the small towns that surround Fort Lee. Long time residents were not happy when they erected the A&P due to the expansion of business it led to surrounding it. It led to more parking lots, a gas station, a McDonalds, a bank, a couple office buildings, etc. etc. When you drive through that area of Fort Lee now, it is extremely developed and urban. However, residents can tell you that not that long ago that area was still much more residential and suburban than it is today, even with the GWB having been only a block away for decades.
You state that residents have told you they want this. I repeatedly hear from residents who don't. Ulises asked for a referendum in April 2011. I asked for one in September 2011. What were you afraid to find out? Maybe that the residents of New Milford want open space and for ShopRite to stay put?

This is the "game" I have been talking about. If you do not want the housing, re-zoning is the thing to do.

Pat, in this "game" if you don't want a ShopRite there you don't change the zoning to commercial. In this "game" if you don't want apartments on this lot you amend the Master Plan.

Thank you Councilman Robalino. The more I read these Comments the more I think they should change their name from SOD to SAD - Stop Any Development.

Where are any statements from the Democrats? The only thing I've seen is Miss Grant Commenting on something that happened a while back, not what she is going to do now.

The master plan means nothing, it is not law. The zoning is. These boys have the sheet music and are playing their fiddles. This is going to end up in court one way or another. (I gave my opinion on that, the town loses. look at Cranford.) The song goes like this- They get some support on this idea, or they file a builders remedy lawsuit. then it will be a shoprite and 221 apartments. This band has been playing longer than the stones, they know exactly what they are doing. This town doesn't. The town needs to set themselves up in a better position for the lawsuit. The flooding does not matter to them, the DEP will absolutely give them any permits they may need. They have done it before. The town needt to focus on the impending lawsuit. The developer is not going away.

I'm sorry no name, but if the majority of people in this town agreed with re-zoning, your party would not have had such a big defeat in the elections. The old Shop Rite already has approval to make a bigger and better one, so we don't really "need" a new one. What about all of the senior citizens who live in Brookchester that walk to Shop Rite? How will they get to the store? It makes more sense to keep the current location in the CENTER OF TOWN for any supermarket.

Also, I believe that the decision as to whether taxpayers would be willing to spend the 4-8 million dollars should have been asked of us. I would bet the majority of people would be willing to pay...our taxes go up every year anyway, at least this way it would be for something that we want.

AML@ "Does not stating a name invalidate the opinion of an individual"? Not at all, I just like to know to whom I am referring. I will address anyone that has a question or concern. As my next door neighbor, you should know me better than that. Had I not known who you were, I would not have responded, this is just to avoid confrontation with nasty remarks from cowards that shield behind fake names. Don't get me wrong, I welcome input from everyone, but will only respond to people that identify themselves. If I know who you are, I will be more than happy to respond. You don't see me using my pseudonyms, fake names or in your case, initials. But to say I have a lack of integrity? Come on Anne, no need to get insulting.

Funny thing is that when the FOD was coming up for a vote I spoke to people who were for and against it, saw differences of opinions on the Patch and saw signs stating vote Yes or No. I can honestly say that I have not encountered one person that feels developing this property is a good idea. I see no signs on lawns except for SOD signs and the only people on the Patch that are for it seem to be Lolita and her cousin Bonita. Where are all these people you claim to be running into? Do they not wish have their voices heard or have you been anointed their spokesperson? I don't need you to answer me because I have a feeling I know.

Diego Robalino- thank you for realizing this forum is worth the time an effort to speak through. That said,
Again, another NM representative that can't seem to utter the words "I will fight to the end to keep the property green & in the best interest of the flooding and other real concerns of NM residents". I will fight for you NM"
1. Have a little self respect for your office & avoid participating in to loose language afforded this forum. You are, for the time being, an elected representative of this town. Step it up.
2. No one on in NM wants the property developed that is not somehow tied financially to the endeavor, so have even more respect for us, & yourself, and stop insulting our intelligence. What kind of bubble do you live in that you do not know this?
3. If even one child from the HS gets hurt, or one parent can't pick up their child in time due to traffic concerns- IT IS TOO MUCH. Get it together man...
4. Don't request people participating in this forum use their names, etc. just to talk with you. This is a real forum for discussion- & whether you respect it or not- we all have legal rights and reasons to post under anywhichwayname that we see fit.

If you can't see your way to go down fighting for this town- GET OUT OF THE WAY. Be selfish, realize you will not be re-elected if you do not do that anyway- so just do it because it is in your best interest!
Drug & Alcohol Municipal Alliance
Board of Education
drobalino@newmilfordboro.com
12/31/13

I also think it's funny that so much leverage is being given to SHOPRITE, INSERA, ETC..- As if A DOZEN OTHER CHAINS WOULDN'T KILL to have OUR business in this town at ANY PRICE they could pay to get in on this town (insert sarcasm here..)

Anyone that knows the supermarket business knows that the biggest fear of a supermarket chain is that if even 1 family shops their weekly grocery needs at another chain store, its too much. Multiply that by hundreds...

I think its about time that we start to assert some financial pressure on this deal and let SHOPRITE know we will either A. start to use any one of the other dozen supermarkets within 10 minutes of our town if they stay in this deal- OR- B. we will be loyal to SHOPRITE in the downtime if they take the time to rebuild the existing store, and return as loyal customers if they rebuild better.

Geez... How many of us would sign that letter...

btw- Kudos to Michelle and Ulises, and all...

simple question. why does this town need another bank?

Diego -- Thank you for your responses. I might need a little bit more enlightenment however.

One:
This is the forum in which you chose to make your views known and on which you invited comment, therefore I see it as the most appropriate forum to address our comments. What forum would be better?

Two:
Your response to my saying “the ‘gamble’ has been taken off the table” makes no sense to me. If this goes to court for review, and Hekemian wins, where is the gamble? His revised plans are almost exactly what the original plan called for (but better thanks to the efforts of SOD and the objectors).

We either rezone and get a super ShopRite, a family restaurant, a bank, a 10,000 square foot strip mall, and a 145-space parking lot OR we fight it and lose (your idea of the gamble) and get a super ShopRite, 24 apartments, a flood-storage basin, and a flood-retention basin. Seems like we would fair better in the 2nd (and present) scenario.

Again, to me, the biggest gamble is saddling up with the likes of Hekemian. Their attorney, DelVecchio, and their team of “experts” have shown a despicable disregard for the residents of New Milford, not to mention the fact that they have a shameful track record and have made A LOT OF PEOPLE UNHAPPY.

Three:
You said: “They have reached out, now where will you meet them Oh, so again, compromise is not a word to be considered.” ← Right…in this you are correct.

Who are you representing here? Hekemian or us? It feels as if you’re advocating for Hekemian with more strength than that of a large group of NM residents who you were elected to represent. Why?

Four:
We still have a COAH obligation, leaving us vulnerable to more parasites. Please tell me how do you plan to address NM’s COAH obligation once you re-zone commercial? Since you are so actively pushing to re-zone, you must also have a COAH strategy in place. And does your plan include the growthshare that the commercial development will create?

Five:
If you feel “the issue is not whether to re-zone or not,” what do you perceive the issue to be? Would you mind articulating that for me so I can understand your position more clearly?

Six:
I’ve no doubt that there are people who want this development -- you have come forth, Mayor Subrizi has come forth, bizarrely enough the Riverkeeper came forth. But tell me please, what do you know of the will of the people you represent? What is the ratio of those who are for this development, to those who are against it in your experience? Please include me, SOD, all the objectors in your answer. (It would be very difficult for me to believe that you have spoken with 100’s of people who are for this, but I would like to hear how big this group is that is beyond my “little circle.”)

Seven:
You failed to answer the most important question. The one about what will happen to all the people who will be hurt by this. Tough luck? Maybe this is the spot where Jesus and the devil fit in.

If the ZB denies this application and Hekeminian loses at the county court house the SUEZ United Water property value will be less than today's asking price, perhaps Councilman?. So, why is the M&C in a hurry to change the zoning? Is it the looming deadline on the contract of sale? Why not wait for the contract of sale to expire? What's the rush? Whose turn is it next to support the River keeper's vision, Coucilman?

Mr. Robalino, I respected your wishes and used both my first and last names and still you did not respond to my comments. My fellow New Milford community members (those in SOD and those who are not) are concerned about residents’ and students’ exposure to serious health issues. As the Board of Education liaison, you are aware of the Board's concerns: the blatant disregard and disrespect of New Milford school & community interests. The BOE has told you that this is a case where school and community need should supercede any and all profit motives associated with development of the United Water property. They have told you that the property is too valuable an asset to the Borough and the schools to let it fall into the hands of a developer motivated by profit at the expense to the community. They have told you that this is one of those forever decisions guaranteed to have an effect on New Milford for many, many generations to come. They have told you that they are concerned with the health and safety of the students both during the construction process and after. How do you sleep at night knowing that the vast majority of your constituents share these concerns and yet you are advocating for the best interests of the developer?

Mayor Subrizi logs in her statement - - gets tarred and feathered by maybe 5 real people. Council MAN Robalino logs in and gets tarred and feathered by the same 5 real people. and then before the cock crowed three times -

Council person berner finally has an epiphany (after election) and berates something that was possibly said 1 year and a half ago and because it coincides with 5 people he is now "An anointed one".

Let me ask, if you were a Council MAN or WOMAN, would you put anything here from now on - EVER?

and a 'tip o the hat' to Lolita - where are the Democratic Comments?

Ohhhh that's right, the four democrats are not sworn in yet. GREAT, I'll be looking for their view the day after they get sworn in........oxygen tank at the ready just in case I should hold my breath waiting for their pronouncement.

Jimmy, at least Berner is telling everyone the truth and you're defending those that lied to us all.

Councilman Robalino:
I don't have the time to participate in these forums like others do but I want it known that I support your efforts to remedy this situation so it stays out of court. I do not share the confidence voiced in this forum that people in black robes will prevent any development on this property.

All of us in town live on property that was developed. Now that we have ours we want to keep other property owners from exercising their rights? If that is what America has sunk to then we have bigger problems. Because those that don't want a ShopRite there don't have the money to buy the property they want to deny the owners just compensation?

If rezoning allows the town to control what is done to address legitimate concerns about traffic and safety (thanks to SOD) and keeps out residential units, then that is what should be done.

I didn't get her name but I'll bet you also have the support of the lady I was near in ShopRite who could not believe they didn't have any fresh garlic in a supermarket in the middle of Bergen County.

Ulises, with all due respect, you told me to not include your name in my posts, my I beg the same indulgence?

Thanks,

GO GREEN!!!!

Hi Laurie!!

For the life of me I can't figure out why some of our elected officials, Councilman Robalino included, would believe that this new development proposal is in the best interests of New Milford. I know their answer will be that the cost of obtaining this property is prohibitive and the cost of defending any BOA action that turns down the variance requests will be too much for our Borough to handle. Defeatists. They are defeastists. There are few guarantees in this life. But one thing I can guarantee is that if this development goes through our community will be scarred and we will never be able to get back open space that can be used by all the community. I've read Mr. Robalino's explanation for supporting this plan. Certainly ratables are no longer on the table, since the Shoprite would just be relocating and the apartment complex is mostly disappearing. Empty stores and another bank do not make a prosperous New Milford.

I'm not sure I understand what the fear of going to court is at this point. Let's say Hekemian doesn't get his variances. Then Hekemian appeals. If NM doesn't do anything, which they haven't done anything to date, and are not out a penny because of the objectors, then we get an even better plan than what the rezoning would get us, at no extra cost to NM. Also, I don't understand the purpose of fighting the residents on this. This decision is up to the members of the ZB. We have nothing to do with the outcome except for our desire to see that property not developed, questioning the developers plans, and laying out our side. If not for the residents questions, Hekemian wouldn't have brought forth this new plan, and also would have went forward with things that would have been lethal, like having unfenced detention basins.

What are the endangered species on this property? I would be interested to see a list posted. Thanks

It is easy to see that the Hekemian group is motivated by GREED above all else. I am starting to question the motivation of some of the council members. Clearly the best choice for the town and it's residents is to upgrade the current ShopRite.

I must ask Councilman Robalino:
Why not ask the taxpayers to burden the cost of the land? After all, we are going to burden the cost of a new Police station when this deal goes through...right????

Let's all understand just who Diego Robalino is. The week of Hurricane Irene in August 2011, rather than take action to support flood victims on Columbia Street, he had the audacity to complain that Ulises & I were 'grandstanding' by making residents aware of the garbage problem via 'Good Morning New Milford' videos at http://www.youtube.com/radioinfom . His insensitivy couldn't have been any more obvious and he continues to exude more of the same, a pompous disregard for the concerns and safety of our citizens.

To be added to the SOD mailing list, send a request to sodnow@yahoo.com. Our website is www.sodnow.org. Our next general membership meeting will be this Monday, Dec. 10 at 7 PM at the Senior Center. Please join us! Our fight is not over. We are in it to win it!

Councilman Robalino - I am a real person. You even cooked burgers for me and my daughters at a Republican Party sponsored cookout I attended with the express intent of asking you about your position on this development. Thank you for the burgers and the time you took to discuss this matter with me, but I'm afraid we will never agree. I do not want this development right next door to the high school my kids will attend in the future. I do not want it for my friends who live nearby and never expected that one day they might live across the street from a Super ShopRite. I do not want to see trees cut down or River Road widened or all the traffic that belongs in a business section of town in a residential section of town. Thanks for listening to my opinion.

He won't listen...no last name.

I would like to bet that anyone who is in favor of this development doesn't live anywhere near it. If it doesn't directly effect you then maybe it's not so bad. I live only a couple of blocks down River Road and I am horrified at the thought of this going through. As it is now, the large trucks going by once in a while are loud enough. I can't imagine construction equipment, constant tractor trailers, additional cars, etc. It would turn the nice home I've built into somewhere I didn't want to come home to at night. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. If you think it's a good idea, try living nearby and then tell me again if it's a good idea. Everything about this is horrible for the community. It is all about greed.

I have been reading the patch for some time now and to this point have not commented but after reading this article now I feel the need to weigh in my opinion. Being a resident of Charles St. and living very close to this development my husband and I are STRONGLY AGAINST this nightmare of a development.

My husband grew up in this town. We married, moved to North Bergen and then bought the house he grew up in a few years later. We have raised 2 children here and want to stay but if this development goes through I'm sad to say that we will most likely be putting a FOR SALE sign on our property. We moved here because of the green space and quiet town atmosphere.

My husband remembers farms, dirt roads and the post office by the CVS north. We implore all (zoning board, M&C) to please keep this last piece of open space green forever. This town will never be the same if this development is allowed to go through.

I do not shop at the current Shop Rite nor will I shop at the new Shop Rite if it is indeed built on the UW property.

Signed,
2 more residents that are AGAINST

Every time you open your mouth, Councilman Robalino, you hammer another nail into the coffin of your political career. Your response to Rick is childish and churlish, arrogant and petty, insensitive and inappropriate. Bye bye.

Mr. Robalino: I asked a question that has not been answered. Why are you ignoring the wishes of the NM Board of Education, the voice of the over 2000 students who don't get to vote??

Let's apply some common sense to the issue.
Look at the area. It cannot handle the volume of people a new shop rite will attract.
What about the kids? They will be sandwiched between two commercial properties.
What about our health, safety and over all quality of life.
This is a residential area.
Apply common sense.

And our kids achieved their sports status on the current environment.
I don't see anything wrong with them playing on what they have right now.
It builds character.
And we have really amazing kids with great character.
The UW land is a dump and is unsuitable for human use. We are misleading and not protecting our kids if we try to use it for anything. UW and the developers are trying to make money from that dump. We are fools if we rezone it to allow them to make that money.

Mr. Robalino, you seem to have misunderstood my question. I was referring to the wishes of the BOE expressed to the M&C regarding this property, in order to protect the health, safety and well being of the 2000 students they represent. You, as the BOE liaison, are most certainly choosing to disagree with their requests concerning this property. The BOE made their position known to you in a letter back in Sept. 2011, when we all thought it was the "compromise" that is being presented again. This was before any residential component was discussed. They were against this plan then. They are the voice of the 2000+ students when it comes to protecting those students' interests, whether or not those students agree or disagree with this plan.

Mr. Robalino, this is Mr.Camacho and I must respectfully disagree with your position. You have much too great a fear of thse in black robes. Remember, they are bound by the law and if the basis for their granting Hekemian's proposed development was the inherently beneficial use argued by the developer at the Zoning Board Hearings I believe it is safe to say those who have heard the testimony can clearly see that there is no inherentl benefit from the proposed development. Please, stand with your residents on this and oppose Hekemian and his proposals. Myself and most who have fought this from the beginning have always predicted that Hekemian was submitting a monstrous proposal in hopes the fear of its manifestation would draw support for what Hekemian wanted all along which is the original proposal your residents opposed in April, 2010. The residents have made it clear where they stand on this, and it is truly hard to see why you refuse to stand with the residents.

I really think it is wonderful how many citizens have responded to this post, many names i am not familiar with.
I am not one of those who feel the necessity to discount pseudonyms, or single name posts- for or against my position. I don't fault anyone for not using their name, & I don't feel that these posters are cowards- as if their ideas & comments are not equally valid- as if their comments are posted for lack of a better thing to do with their time- It's a foolish notion- one that the councilman hides behind to discount or avoid commenting on things he has no answer for.

I'm still very disappointed that the councilman is not here to listen to his constituants- but only to keep pushing his position, as if he knows better for/ than the residents who voted him in. The idea that he has "many people" that support the development is a farce, & we all know that... yet he sticks his statements- either out of ignorance or arrogance- I'm not sure which- but neither matters at this point. We can all see him for who he is and who he will be going forward- & that's what counts.

Lastly, I don't care whether he chooses to use this forum again to stay in touch, & I am less concerned by his scare tactics idea that "the robe" will go against us if we don't learn to play ball. If the councilman had any perspective he would know that his job is to lobby on our behalf to convince "the robes" of our position. To find ways of making it work for us. But he does not. The end

Well said NM Resident!

I fully support Councilman Robalino's position that "Now is the time for the entire town to come together and embrace the idea to re-zone the property." ...and YES there are MANY MANY New Milford citizens that WANT a decent supermarket in town. The Developer is clearly trying to address our concerns. The way to get things done is to WORK TOGETHER.

We all want a better supermarket but why can't it be at their current location? The M&C had almost. two years to rezone and they dragged their feet on this decision. Why is it that it's so important now? It is the expiration on the contract? Of course it is.

The developer is not trying to address our concerns, it's all smoking mirrors. Their current proposal contains an apartment complex nobody wants, even at 24 units, and the original presentation on April 2011 at the high school had very little support then, which included no apartments. This developer has not addressed concerns of many as some may argue. Concerning traffic, their study was flawed because they never used counters mandated by the county they had people manually counting traffic at the least busiest time of the week. They now want to knock down more trees to widen the road, how many people really want that?

We all want ratables but why aren't our elected officials encouraging developers to enhance our center of town instead? Concerning the price of this private sales, well, I think it's overpriced. The town assessed this land just over $2M and United Water pays only $59k in taxes yet they are asking $7.2M??? It's over priced and they're special utility tax benefit has been ripping off New Milford for over a 100 years.

ok, if everyone else is going to chime in without giving a real name then i will too. I didn't grow up here but I want open space. If inserra wants to move his store to another town, let him. I think somebody else said he could go to the old huffman koos lot. I'm more ok with that than letting him ruin NM. And there's plenty of room for a DECENT supermarket, just not for a megasupermarket. Who needs it anyway? If you want to be able to sell your house someday, what do you think the new homeowners will look for? A megasupermarket (right next to the high school) or open space which might become fields someday? Ummmmm, I think they want the fields. and ya know, when people are looking for houses, they don't look only at the taxes. They look to see what they're getting.

After a great deal of reading, may I ask what is the SOD official demand of the property?

Go to sodnow.org to read SOD's mission statement and to learn more.