Week in Review: ShopRite, Sports, Elections

Inserra Supermarkets took another step forward toward possible Planning Board approval of its proposed ShopRite with a lengthy hearing this past week.

Architectural testimony was finally wrapped up after three sessions that resulted in tweaks to the design of the market proposed for Greenwood Avenue. Inserra reps believe the current design, featuring red brick, gables and varied roof lines, fulfills board and Design Review requests that the supermarket's design reflect the character of downtown Wyckoff.

Engineering testimony also was heard, with details offered on the challenges of the irregularly shaped lot, traffic, lighting and parking plans.

Inserra has a long road to approval, with several more witnesses to offer in addition to the board's own testimony as well as any witnesses offered by Gail Price, an attorney representing Stop & Shop, which has been involved as an objector to the proceedings.

In other news this week:

• The library Board of Trustees and township officials discussed their differences on the proposed expansion plan, whose price is a topic of concern for the Township Committee.

The township already has indicated it won't be quick to issue the necessary building permit for the job, although members on both bodies are finding common ground. The committee and library board plan to hold a joint public session to discuss the project in the near future.

• Thomas Madigan was officially welcomed as a member of the governing body at a swearing-in ceremony attended by family and friends.
• We checked in with the township police, who have kept busy of late with drug and drunken driving arrests, as well as an investigation at a township firm that resulted in the arrest of an employee on a theft charge.
• The Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education introduced a revised conduct policy in keeping with a state ruling that their prior policy, which allowed the district to levy in-school penalties for out-of-school infractions, went too far.

However, the board is pursuing an appeal and will revert to its scrapped policy if successful.

• We took a look at the lone Township Committee race this fall.

Mayor Rudy Boonstra faces a challenge from Democratic newcomer Dr. Henry Velez, with the winner afforded a three-year term in office.

• The Township Committee introduced an ordinance that will slash the cost of copies of public records in accordance with state statute.

Under the state bill, governmental agencies must charge 5 cents for letter-sized documents and 7 cents for legal-sized documents.

• Patch caught up with one of Ramapo High School's academic and athletic standouts, Sarah Halejian.

Halejian, a major basketball recruit and captain of the soccer team, decided to focus on academics and will attend the prestigious Yale University, where she'll play basketball.

• The Township Committee also worked on an ordinance that would introduce outdoor dining to local eateries.

Governing body members are committed to the proposal but are trying to settle the language of the ordinance to determine exactly how many Wyckoff restaurants would be able to apply to set up tables outdoors.

• Patch took a glance at what public officials were saying about a study that claimed that the ARC Tunnel to Manhattan, which could be shelved, would cut commutes significantly while boosting property values.
• Patch also attended a debate between the candidates for county executive, with incumbent Dennis McNerney and challenger Kathleen Donovan largely clashing over spending and taxes.
• Columnist Gloria Johnson took a road trip and decided to stop in at a variety of supermarkets to compare to our local options. Her conclusion? We have it made in north Jersey.
• Patch got to see some great tennis this week, compliments of the Lady Raiders, who beat Paramus and Montville to set up today's state sectional title showdown with Tenafly.
• The high school football teams both had rough outings this weekend, with undefeated Ramapo needing overtime to slip by Wayne Valley, who came into the game at 2-3, and Indian Hills suffering another double-digit loss to remain winless on the season.
• Both high schools' volleyball teams are doing well, with Ramapo earning an easy opening round win in the county tournament, and Indian Hills trying to keep their state tournament hopes alive.

As always, feel free to reach me anytime at nick@patch.com or 201-208-3349.