United Water Property Hearings Begin, Mayor and Council Pass Anti-Semitism Resolution

After months of speculation, the final approval process began on what is the most important development project in recent New Milford history. Hekemian began the process of obtaining "D" variance approval for what is known as the United Water property, a 16-acre tract of land near New Milford High School.

United Water was granted a subdivision by the Planning Board in May, 2011. The developer, Paramus-based S. Hekemian Group, has entered into a contract with United Water to purchase 13 of the 16 acres.

The New Milford Board of Adjustment hosted the first of what will be a series of meetings on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Borough Hall, before residents who filled the room to capacity.

The meeting, a preliminary and final major site plan for the 13-acre parcel of the United Water property, allowed Scott Sproviera, the attorney representing the Board of Adjustment, the opportunity to qualify Christian Lessard of the architectural firm Lessard Architectural Group before board members and the public questioned details regarding the site.

Councilman Austin Ashley retained his own counsel, Marc Leibman, to represent him in objecting to the proposed development. (Full Story)

****

The Mayor and Council passed a resolution to reassess commercial and residential properties in the borough at Monday night's work session. The borough's tax assessor, Maureen Kaman, recommended that the borough perform a hybrid reassessment as a means to create stability and reduce the number of appeals. Kaman said that given the housing market fluctuations, tax appeals are on the rise with 123 property owners filing appeals in 2011. Performing reassessments will cut the number of tax appeals for 2013 and ultimately save the town money, Kaman said. (Full Story)

****

Also at Monday night's work session, the Mayor and Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning anti-Semitism making New Milford the first municipality in Bergen County to pass such a measure.

The resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Hedy Grant, is a response to a string of anti-Semitic incidents that recently occurred in Bergen County. (Full Story)

****

The Athletic Committee appointed to conduct a search for a permanent location for a new multi-purpose field that would be a shared service between the borough and the New Milford Board of Education reported their findings to the Mayor and Council at Monday's work session.  

The committee was appointed by Mayor Ann Subrizi to scout areas that could support a multi-purpose sports field after Hurricane Katrina and tropical storm Lee flooded the fields and prohibited New Milford sports teams from playing early fall home games. (Full Story)

****

New Milford Brownies Troop 4163 visited the Senior Center to make Valentine's Day gifts with the seniors. The girls were praised by all of the senior citizens for their manners, kindness and dedication. (Full Story)