Editor's Notebook: Off for a Week (But Wyckoff Patch is in Good Hands)

After months of hearings and testimony, this past week brought more hearings and testimony on the proposal to build a ShopRite on Greenwood Avenue—except this time it counts.

The Planning Board began its review of the site plan and associated variances sought, with ultimate authority over the project after numerous visits before the advisory Design Review Board and Shade Tree Commission. However, the hearings didn't commence without a legal hiccup, in the form of a challenge to the Planning Board's authority to hear the proposal at all. Although the board went ahead with its review, a firm retained by Boulder Run property owner Munico Associates and Stop & Shop plan to object throughout the hearings.

The Planning Board had a busy session, having also approved revisions to the Master Plan, a document that offers a wealth of information about how Wyckoff has grown as a township and the challenges it faces going forward. The document is a bit of a development blueprint for the governing body, who could take up specific goals contained in the document, such as the introduction of outdoor dining, a historic preservation ordinance, more stringent tree ordinances, as well as legislation affecting the look, feel and accessibility of the business district.

The Legislature passed legislation recently that promises to finally slow the growth of property taxes—or be the latest futile effort to reign in spending, depending on whom you talk to. We took a look at how the 2 percent cap bill could challenge the municipal government, and expect to see Patch take a closer look at some of the proposals in the governor's "toolkit" in the days ahead.

The Wyckoff Board of Education continues to work to get ready for the coming school year, with the hiring of curriculum director Dr. Jessica Anspach and the adoption of a policy that could lead to a fee system at Eisenhower Middle School for interscholastic sports.

I will be on vacation this week, but Wyckoff Patch certainly doesn't get a break. Please welcome guest editor James Kleimann, a Wyckoff resident and Ramapo High School graduate who has written many news and features stories for Wyckoff Patch. Many of you may already know James, but if not, please don't hesitate to contact him at 201-788-4708 or jkleimann28@gmail.com.

A look at other items of note over the past week:

• Water restrictions continue to be in force, although Ridgewood Water has relaxed its outdoor watering ban;
• Volunteers continue efforts to clean up Union Cemetery;
• Columnist Marc Phillips explored the often frustrating nature of summer employment and internships;
• The victims of a house fire got the OK to rebuild their home;
• Ridgewood Water will be able to complete an offsite communications system with a rare application "do-over;"
• Columnist Gloria Johnson navigated the grocery aisles in search of decent olive oil.

See you next week!