Letter to the Editor: Rambaut Meeting a Great Start

To the Editor: 

I was encouraged by the turnout, openness and general tone of last night's special meeting of the Wyckoff Township Committee regarding Rambaut Lake and Dam. The courtroom was standing room only.

In my view, the feedback from the residents in attendance was overwhelmingly in support of our efforts to save the lake.

A call for a show of hands in support of saving the lake toward the end of the meeting serves as further evidence of my conviction. Preserving the few remaining areas of green space and enhancing the quality of life in Wyckoff were heard most often as the themes of support from the many residents who took the opportunity to speak on the open mic during the two-hour and thirty-minute session. A few residents also expressed their dissatisfaction with the class action lawsuit, which has been dismissed without prejudice this past February by the presiding judge in the case.

We appreciate the efforts of the township administrator, the mayor and the members of the Wyckoff Township Committee for scheduling this public meeting, for allowing us sufficient time to discuss the issues regarding the lake and dam, and to begin the process of identifying workable solutions to the problem at hand.  The town seems open to further exploring and acting on the many ideas generated during last night's meeting. I believe they also further committed as one immediate next step to call NJ DEP to discuss a timetable for the generation of a plan aimed at potentially saving the lake.

I am sure the Township Committee will take the time to further reflect on last night's meeting turnout and show of overwhelming support. I look forward to their response regarding the identification of next steps and dates. We are looking forward to working with them as soon as possible and are anxious to get started.

Tom Buda   

Wyckoff

Editor's note: Tom Buda represented Beekmere Inc. at the public meeting to discuss the fate of Rambaut Lake.