3 'JEERS' for A-DEL

OPINION: Closing arguments concluded last night with developer Attorneys Eisdorfer and DelVecchio at center stage. While Eisdorfer focused almost exclusively on New Milford's COAH requirements and how the Shoprite development meets our town's criteria for low income housing, DelVecchio focused on the jeers that he claims have come from the objectors over the past two years, mentioning it three times in his closing statements, oblivious to the fact that it's irrelivant and does nothing to support his client's case. Frankly, I never thought he would ever acknowledge the objectors, recognizing that we are not lawyers. But his outburst, turning to the audience with venom and accusing them of something that has no bearing on this case, was surreal. And then again, and again. In fact both he and Eisdorfer, who stutters anyway, kept repeating themselves all night. Perhaps I underestimated the eight year olds who made closing statements on behalf of the objectors because frankly, they were more professional, compelling and made a better case. Or perhaps if they had only 10 minutes each, like the objectors, they wouldn't have time to waste crybabying to the board about jeering. If he had a problem two years ago, he should have approached the bench and demanded it be addressed. But instead he waited until closing arguments? I'm no lawyer but that was ridiculous. On another note, it was ironic to see DelVecchio so sincere and humble when we alll know they are going to sue New Milford if they lose. Three JEERS for the objectors. We got under his skin, rattled him and saw him self destruct in front of the zoning board. If his objective was to gain sympathy from them because of our jeers instead of giving them a reason to approve the application, then it was another victory for the objectors.