| Author | Message | ||
     Elizabeth Citizen Username: Elizabeth Post Number: 215 Registered: 7-2002 |
Sorry--I know this is lazy and I should go to the archives . . . Around the time I first discovered MOL there was a big hoo ha ha about the bed and breakfast in Maplewood. I don't remember the outcome, I don't remember the name of the owner of the bed and breakfast I don't remember the name of the bed and breakfast. But, if it still exists I need to talk to it. | ||
| steel Citizen Username: Steel Post Number: 322 Registered: 2-2002 |
FYI: It is not (at present), any longer in business though the owner has high hopes for the future. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1710 Registered: 9-2001 |
FYI, you're wrong Steel! But, thanks to the powers that be in Maplewood, the matter is still in litigation. Meanwhile, the Board of Adjustment decision that had stopped me from continuing to operate my bed and breakfast has been overturned on appeal in my favor back in June. This now makes the third successful decision in my favor in the New Jersey Superior Courts regarding my bed and breakfast... As it now appears, the town is moving towards the next round of litigation. This time it promises to be long and expensive for all of us. I for one would certainly welcome an equitable settlement for all parties concerned. The fact is that literally thousands of local residents have had their family and friends stay at the B&B in years past. It certainly would be encouraging if they would begin to take a more public and vocal stand in favor encourging the TC to end this matter once and for all. As for me, my hope is that my neighbors and the township committee would also be ready to stop with the litigation, and to hopefully find some basis of agreement, so that we can all get on with our lives again. Elizabeth, If you need to talk, the owner of Les Saisons B&B, 304 Elmwood Avenue, Maplewood, was, and still is Art Christensen, (aka Ajc) 973-762-8518. | ||
| Elizabeth Citizen Username: Elizabeth Post Number: 217 Registered: 7-2002 |
Dear Ajc--I thought it was you, actually, but wasn't quite sure. I'll give you a call. | ||
| steel Citizen Username: Steel Post Number: 325 Registered: 2-2002 |
Dear Arturo, Just curious, -please explain how I am wrong. Are you taking in guests at present? If so, I could have used your place for an out- of-town visitor a couple of weeks ago. If not, I was correct, -correct?. | ||
| duncanrogers Citizen Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 657 Registered: 12-2001  |
Steel.. you silly person. Dont you know that ajc is always right  | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1713 Registered: 9-2001 |
"the Board of Adjustment decision that had stopped me from continuing to operate my bed and breakfast has been overturned on appeal in my favor back in June." Steel, if you don't understand me, I suggest you listen to Duncan and Emma Lazarus. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." Be assured visitors will be in good hands with me. I will feed them and care for their every need. And, if need be, they will stay as my guests. | ||
| Ed May Citizen Username: Edmay Post Number: 1634 Registered: 9-2001  |
Art Your B & B served as a marvelous backdrop for tonight's SOMBI meeting. The food was great, the grounds are in tip top condition, and Libby's tour of the 160 year old mansion was super. You sure know how to treat your guests! Ed May | ||
| steel Citizen Username: Steel Post Number: 326 Registered: 2-2002 |
-Art -Good for future reference to know that you are open for business. You post was simply a bit unclear on that point when you said that the matter was still in litigation. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1719 Registered: 9-2001 |
Thank you Steel, I appreciate your interest in this matter. I'm really hopeful we can all settle our differences without any further expense. Maplewood, the defendant in this matter, in their latest post court decision motion, is requesting the judge to alter his ruling and remand the matter back to the Board of Adjustment. The town feels another hearing on the issue of abandonment is necessary, or as I see it, they want another bite of the apple. The legal arguments for and against the towns previously not raised issue, will be heard again in Superior Court on August 21st. Unfortunately, unless we can all get together and resolve the differences between us, regardless of whoever is successful this time, it's a foregone conclusion the judges decision will be appealed to the Appellate Courts. IMHO, this matter has gone on far to long and has already cost me six figure numbers in legal expenses and lost income. However, I’m prepared to go the distance, no matter what the cost… On the other hand, I don’t know how much money this fight has cost my neighbors or the Township of Maplewood so far, but I do know for sure if any more litigation continues past August 21st, everyone better be prepared to spend some serious money. I hope for everyone’s sake it’s all worth it... | ||
| johnny Citizen Username: Johnny Post Number: 703 Registered: 5-2001 |
AJC, Correct me if I'm wrong but one of the issues at hand was the lack of records showing continuing use of your home as a B&B over the years. Earlier in the thread you state that thousands of people have used the B&B. This would imply some serious record keeping on your part. Can you comment? | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1734 Registered: 9-2001 |
Sure, no problem. I'm always glad to try and clear these questions up for anyone who is interested. I'm sorry, but you are wrong... there were plenty of "serious" records. Those opposed stated the use of a guest house was abandoned at different times, but failed to prove how long, and whether there was ever an intent to abandon the use. Those opposed also claimed my property was used for storage of cars for my repossession business. This was simply a bold faced lie, as I own my own office building and a 200+ storage lot in Newark for the past 30 years. Before that I used the Wooley Fuel lot to store vehicles, and the property where the present Verizon building now stands. I never had my business offices located in my home for over 40 years, and I proved it... The so called out of state vehicles over the years they claim to have seen, and BTW never offered proof of, were from guests who stayed as my guests. I'm sure this answers your questions, but I have to wonder about your interest in this matter Johnny? Now can YOU return the favor and comment? | ||
| Jason & John Citizen Username: Johnh91011 Post Number: 43 Registered: 3-2002 |
One of the complaints I heard from friends who live on Elmwood is about the B&B having loud music/parties outside. I have nothing against B&B's operating in residential neighborhoods but not if it includes loud music and late night raucous gatherings. Care to comment? | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2003 |
Where exactly is this B&B I would like to research these late night raucous gatherings. I will report back to all. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1741 Registered: 9-2001 |
OK J&J, I’ll be happy to comment... Thank you, I appreciate your candor. Obviously, your friends are not friends of mine. So who do you think you’re going to believe? I have found that trying to convince someone against their will, will leave them with the same opinion still. Nonetheless, here’s my reply… Yes, several years ago we ONCE had an afternoon wedding with a live band for a few hours. Apparently, these neighbors have never stopped complaining about it. In past years, we never had more than four weddings in any one year. No more live music, small family groups 25 to 50 people, usually in the morning or early afternoon, and NEVER with loud music and late night raucous gatherings. Our guests at the B&B are 99% made up of, family and friends of local residents. We are not a destination or a resort. People arrive in the evening and go to bed. They get up early in the morning and leave to visit with their families. Most guests arrive by cab and don’t drive or have meals, and it’s rare for anyone to stay at the B&B during the day except to take a nap. Does this sound like the kind of place people would come to party late until the night? Check the towns police records. Except for (3) neighbors complaints, (your friends) who themselves only filed few complaints, the rest of the 15 families who live on the border of my property have never complained. People don’t go to historic and stately old B&B’s to party, and that’s a fact… BTW Brett, the B&B is located at 304 Elmwood Avenue, here in Maplewood. Give me a call, or come over for some pancakes and I’ll show you around. You too J&J...  | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 46 Registered: 7-2003 |
But I thought you said there wasn't any "late night raucous gatherings". Why would I come by? actually I will stop by to ask you about your schedule for the christmas holidays | ||
| Elizabeth Citizen Username: Elizabeth Post Number: 221 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Art When I call 973-762-8518, I get your voice telling me that if I need to reach you I can call you on your cell-- but you don't say if I can leave you a message. Can I leave a message after the faint beep? | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1742 Registered: 9-2001 |
Hey, you're a fast learner; there is no loud music and late night raucous gatherings at the B&B. But, if you're really interested in loud music and late night raucous gatherings, why not meet us at the new Pub in town? We all can't wait until they open, however, I'm not really sure I would want to live above or around an Irish Pub at 2AM in the morning... Well, the town approved it, and honestly I'll be interested in seeing now how the TC deals with real, real late night raucous gatherings?  BTW, if you’re serious about the holidays, I suggest you come over soon… | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 1743 Registered: 9-2001 |
Yes Elizabeth, you can leave a message after the after the little faint beep... or go ahead and call me on my cell. | ||
| Elizabeth Citizen Username: Elizabeth Post Number: 222 Registered: 7-2002 |
Well, for those of you who need extra space for out of town guests, I urge you to check out Les Saisons. I visited yesterday and was quite impressed. They even have a pool for hot weather and fireplaces for cold! It beat the Hilton in my opinion, and will be my first choice if I ever have a bunch of visitors who can't all fit in my house. |
