Progress Made on 'Blighted' Lotte Road Property

Neighbors of 205 Lotte Road are surely rejoicing tonight after a meeting between the owner of the 'blighted' property and village officials proved fruitful, according to Village Manager Ken Gabbert at Wednesday night's village council meeting.

It's a , one in which a resident told the council: “If you can’t do your job, leave.”

Gabbert reported Wednesday that property owner Suresh Sharma, of Ho-Ho-Kus, was in attendance to discuss the situation with neighbors on two separate occasions and has vowed to continue toward completing the residential property, seven years after construction began. 

The village manager told the audience that Sharma, who had previously not made himself available to neighbors or media, began moving forward by offering his cell phone number to concerned residents. According to the village manager, Sharma now has "strong" financial backing, and said he will complete the project.

Neighbors have complained about debris, garbage, construction materials littered throughout the property, as well as an oft-seen porter potty.

In a comment on Patch, Dr. Phillip Affuso, who recently spoke out against Sharma at a village council meeting, said things are improving.

“The blighted construction site at 205 Lotte Rd. has dramatically improved through the efforts of the Mr. S. Sharma, the owner and Village officials.”

Gabbert said that should the ongoing work be tripped up, the village will explore options to force Sharma into compliance.