With all that New Milford is facing this year, I meant this article to inspire meaningful conversation about real issues. Looming over the town is the fate of the United Water property, but that's not the only concern in town. How about economic development? Attracting new businesses to fill those empty storefronts? Addressing the aging infrastructure? Continued conversation about open space and the possibility of a multi-purpose field? That's just scratching the surface. What are your thoughts?

I would LOVE an outdoor Farmers Market in New Milford that would be open in the Spring/Summer/Early Fall. I always thought the Lutheran Church parking lot on River & Ridge would be a great place for this on perhaps a Friday/Saturday schedule. Maybe it could even be an income generator for that church (fyi - I do not attend church there, but I know churches can always use extra income). And now that I'm dreaming, I wonder if there's a place to move it indoors during the winter, e.g. how Ramsey runs a very successful Farmers Market in their middle school on Sundays during the winter. There would probably be a million permits and hoops to jump through, but other towns run successful markets....

I would love the Brookchester complex to update some of their apartments so they can fulfill any COAH requirements and the improvements to their buildings would generate more revenue for the town. I suggested this a year ago to the M&C, that I’d like to see banners on River Road and Main Street’s lamps post that promotes the birthplace of Bergen County and the lower portion can be sold annually to local businesses for advertising space. Promote the center of town as our commerce area and wok closing with the Chambers of commerce to think of creative ways to promote New Milford’s diverse community. We have one of the oldest homes in Bergen county, the oldest commentary and revolutionary site we can promote to help local commerce. Have an anuual New Milford Day for all our residents. With the help of our grant writer and environmental groups purchase the UW property by the High School for a price a lot less than the $7.2M they are current asking, put storage tanks to help with flooding and add a high school field/park on top of it - this will increase our home values and make New Milford a more desirable place to raise a family. During summer months have DPW patrol our woods for debris (illegal dumping goes on, I know I clean up our woods). Ask the Hackensack Riverkeeper and the town’s Environmental Commission to have an annual river cleanup like they do in River Edge. Teach our kids the rich history in town so they can be proud of where they live

I'd love to see this miserable, should-be-condemned buildings along New Bridge Road on the South side of the street across from the gas station just off the intersection of River Road be torn down, and the town put up an OFFICE BUILDING with it's own parking. Could generate equity in ratables. REAL ratables.... those three houses and miserable business there are disgusting anyway.... Although I am sure the folks living on the opposite side wouldn't be thrilled.. but then again, is anyone ever thrilled?

Agreed Denise, but can't they be forced to do so in a more humane manner? Can't they clean up their act? I always thought those properties were condemned as they are all, including the business, in such a horrible state of disrepair.

Pick up co-mingles on time, not three days later.

I would like to see a more sustainable, environmentally friendly New Milford. This town needs an updated recycling program, a farmers' market, solar power on borough buildings, Sustainable Jersey certification, new/revised ordinances that support urban agriculture, responsable development, etc.

Yes. Would definitely like the town to be spruced up. Some benches along the river road. May be sheltered bus stops. I would also like Library to promote its services. Unless, somebody physically visits the library, there is no way to find out about it. I think we have pretty good library.

How about some free movies for kids/family at the library/Service citizen center during the WEEKEND or WEEKNIGHTS? May be some movies in the park during the summer? May be a Family Fun day during summer?

All of the above can be done without a substantial price tag or even with private donations. Not everything we expect has to increase the tax burden.

Let us take pride in our town. If we, residents, don't then who will?

A significant population in New Milford is Sabbath observant. That means Saturday meeting M& C meetings would exlude themn as well as Saturday Farmers' Market . How about letting everyone participate-which means no Friday night, Saturday meetings, and anything done on Saturday is duplicated on Sundays as well. Jeff B.

I'd like to see the boro get out of the "permit to-do anything" business. It's to the point where you almost can't trim your hedges without asking permission.

ROBERT
I do not know if autorizaation lies in the town of Oradell or New milford, but i would like someone to address the need to repave Elm st. from Oradell ave. to the end as you approach the the construction site of the bridge ( adjacent to St. Joseph's School. It is forever being patched in so many spots. There is alot of traffic between the church and the school and should be repaved. PUT OUR TAXES TO WORK!!

More like golf course. Just google Rutgers turf management. There's a three week prep course. I' m sure there's enough there to keep a field

Tony Mac & Jimmy Drake - I believe this is what you're referrring to:

http://www.golfturf.rutgers.edu/index.asp

Also, both UGA and Penn State have highly reputable online turf management certificate programs. Mainly designed as an introduction to the Turf Sciences field and degrees, it should provide enough information to educate those who have a recreational interest or those who need more knowledge when debating/learning the natural vs. artificial turf topics.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Jim, I'll follow up today.