| Author | Message | ||
     ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5262 Registered: 9-2001  |
...thanks Ed and FVF, I appreciate the support. Oots, I'm not sure where you're going with your question, but it's a fair question to ask. FWIW, we have seven adult children with significant others, and eight grandchildren, some of them who visit us fairly often. And, believe it or not we have several good friends from around the country who also visit us from time to time. In addition, we also try to help out different local organizations if they have a special guest needing overnight accommodations. In all these cases I guess you could call them "non-paying guests"... so, what do you and the rest of the residents in Maplewood call friends and family when they stay over night? BTW Camnol, I haven't opened my pool for the past couple years and I'm actually OK with the all the different restrictions for B&B guests. The only problem I have is the restrictions placed on us personally. As I understood the discussion over the restriction regarding personal outside guests over twenty, is that it's the price we have to pay if we want to run a business from our home. I don't feel punishment is the best way to monitor activity at someone’s home, whether it's a business or not. However, it is what it is and in time I believe it will be necessary to make adjustments to correct inequities on both sides of the ordinance. | ||
| The Dub Citizen Username: Hill_16 Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2005 |
Best of luck tonight Art - please let us know how things went - won't be able to make the meeting due to the recent arrival of my second child ... | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5263 Registered: 9-2001 |
Hey Dub, congraduations and best wishes to all... Sorry you can't be at the meeting, but you can catch it on Channel 35. It's the first thing on the agenda. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5585 Registered: 1-2004  |
So Art What was the outcome? | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5265 Registered: 9-2001 |
Ordinance 2357-06 to permit Bed and Breakfast establishments as a conditional use within R 1-5, 1-7, and 2-4 Zones of the Township of Maplewood has passed. Ordinance 2358-06 to license Bed and Breakfast establishments within the Township of Maplewood had a few minor changes that needed to be made that requires it to be republished. The vote on final passage will take place in two weeks. I'm pleased to see the Township Committee is willing to continue to take the time to make sure all residents will benefit equally from this ordinance. Many people have worked long and hard to make sure everyone's rights are considered. It is not always as easy as one might think to balance the pros and cons, and I think they are doing a good job trying... | ||
| tulip Citizen Username: Braveheart Post Number: 3628 Registered: 3-2004  |
Maplewood: There is an article in the Morris, Warren, Sussex section of today's Star Ledger, page 31. I would guess you don't get that section, so it would be on a different page for you. Congratulations, ajc. Even though I disagree with your politics, your B and B sounds great. | ||
| Suzanne Ng Citizen Username: Suzanneng Post Number: 842 Registered: 3-2002 |
Is this the article people are talking about? It appeared in the Essex County section of today's [online] paper.. http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/essex/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1152252973116570.xml& coll=1 | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5266 Registered: 9-2001 |
"B&B sounds great..." ...thanks Tulip. FWIW, I heard the article was printed in counties state-wide. Hey, why not come pay us a visit and see it for yourself... BTW, during a pancake breakfast event the B&B becomes a political free zone...  | ||
| John Quincy Adams Citizen Username: Randolph_agarn Post Number: 30 Registered: 3-2006  |
Mr. ajc, Perhaps the people in your neighborhood would be more inclined to support your business if you didn't do things like stop by their houses on nice Saturday mornings and try to threaten and intimidate them. Morals and values still have a place in this world even if they don’t have a place in your home and business. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5268 Registered: 9-2001 |
Dear John Quincy Adams, I'll give you a few perhaps! Perhaps if some of the neighbors in my neighborhood minded their own business and didn't come out and publicly make up lies about their neighbor down the street, and were not so concerned about who would be policing our neighborhoods and checking the homes of potential B&B owners bedrooms every weekend to see how many guests are sleeping there, then maybe I wouldn't have to step up and take care of policing all the other town ordinances that should get equal attention. If any neighbors want enforcement, I’ll do the best I can to give them enforcement of all the ordinances in town, including the ones they decided not too obey. Kathy, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! My visit this morning was given as a courtesy call, private, one on one, and something never given to me. I didn’t report you or arrange to have secret meetings with the town like you and your friends did. Your choice to put it online and out into the public domain is clearly your choice. For years you have continued to park commercial trucks in your driveway day and night against the town ordinance prohibiting this activity. IMHO, this quality of life issue should not continue to be ignored. You of all people should know you have no right to run a business out of your home in a residential neighborhood. Your appearance at the meeting on Wednesday night was the last straw!!! I watched the video of the meeting again this morning, and honestly, I'm sick and tired of listening to people like you complain about “Ordinance Enforcement”, especially when they don’t obey the laws in town themselves. Seeing your commercial Law Coffee trucks parked in your driveway day and night for years on end isn’t fair to the rights of the rest of the neighbors in our one family residential community. If you want to run a business out of your home, apply to the township like everyone else has too. BTW, do you have a permit for all that construction work going on at your house? And, please stop allowing your dog to crap on other peoples property, namely mine and Winchester Gardens across the street, or at least carry a pooper scooper when you’re walking your dog so you look like you give a damn about our neighborhood. Please be guided accordingly... | ||
| John Quincy Adams Citizen Username: Randolph_agarn Post Number: 31 Registered: 3-2006 |
I am not the person that you think I am. You are not even close. You even have the gender wrong. I heard third hand of a visit you made today and was disgusted by it. It is wrong for you to publicly call out something false like this. You are wrong. Again, you are a terrible person. Posts like this are why it is hard for you to find friends among your neighbors. You owe a public apology to this Kathy for even mentioning her name on this board. I’m sure you won’t do this, but she deserves it, you slime ball. Perhaps you have spend too many of your days stealing possessions from those who are down on their luck to have any semblance of a heart left over. Go seek the help that you so desperately need. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese  Post Number: 1748 Registered: 7-2004  |
HAHAHAHA I have been waiting the last few hours to see what happened on this thread. AJC, we have had our disagreements in the past but this tops it all. If JQA isn't who you think they are, you are a royal •••. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1756 Registered: 7-2004 |
Oh my goodness, I am still laughing 6 hours later. AJC, you better get on that apology before the Kathy you insulted sees this. Talk about a foot in the mouth… | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5596 Registered: 1-2004 |
Oh wow! Is this getting nasty! Art, while I do think B and B's will be good for both Maplewood and South Orange; please think before you post. I'm not doubting what you said happened, but unless you know for sure JQA is in fact Kathy, maybe it would be better to start a different thread to vent this. I have to agree when posters try to tell you when they read some of your posts you come across as a hothead seeking revenge. Maybe it's better to do this behind the scene. Unfortunately for you, when you post notes like the one you did yesterday, it helps your neighbors side. When they do the things they do to you, they don't come online to admit it. I agree there shouldn't be a double standard. If a law applies to you, it should apply to them as well. If there are people complaining about town ordinances they believe you should follow, then they need to make sure their own house in order. I'm not sure if I understand the part about parties at your place of 20 or more needing permission from the town, but if it means what I think it does, then every homeowner in Maplewood should need the same permit. Well, | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 725 Registered: 8-2005 |
JTA, I was at the last two town hall meetings and in my opinion after the attacks he withstood Art is being restrained here. For one thing 'the neighbors' going after him is one small group, a minority of all his neighbors. And some of their charges are ridiculous! One thing Lynn and I both noted was a women asking how other people would feel about parties being held next door daily? DAILY???!!! That's a little hard to swallow. Plus even assuming Art gives 365 parties a year (somehow I doubt it) I can't see the problem with the size of his yard. Heck, in my neighborhood the houses are one on top of another but as long as the noise dies down by 11PM on a work/school night who cares. And believe me there are parties! Are the rules different from neighborhood to neighborhood? The noise ordinance is town wide, right? Another concern was of 'all' the 'transits' a B&B would bring to the neighborhood. Remember, he's only allowed four rooms. Four rooms max to people who are as often as not friends and family to area people and residents of Winchester Gardens. And of course even of the 'strangers' we're talking about people who seek out and can afford a B&B, these are not SRO's in some downtown. Any large family with overnight guests could potentially have the same number of quests (strangers to their neighbors)! I personally find laughable the concern of 'added traffic' brought up on this board as well. This B&B is on a through road across from Winchester Gardens and up the street from garden apartments, the pool, first aid squad and, a little farther yet, Springefield Avenue! Four more cars, even if they all came and left at once, would be a drop in the bucket next to all that. Plus in order to have this business in his home Art is being asked to give some of the simple rights of being a homeowner. He has to get permission to have parties of 12 or more. It was originally 20 like you noted but I believe it was knocked down to 12. Either way, the man has 7 grown kids all with significant others, and 8 grandkids! With that huge house on a one acre lot (surrounded by a 6 foot fence and hedges) he can't have a family dinner outdoors without town permission? That's ludicrous!!! People keep making comments about agreeing or not with his politics. Hell I'm not even sure of my own (hence an Independent in more ways than one) and so pretty much don't track that unless the subject IS politics. This is more about fair. From what I saw there seems to be a HUGE double standard here. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5269 Registered: 9-2001 |
Dear JTA, You are always so sweet and concerned, I think you’re great. But, sometimes a man has to do what a man has to do…. I’m not getting nasty yet. Actually, I’m trying to be pretty nice about all this. When anyone accuses me of threatening and intimidating people, and then says I have no moral values in my home and business, they damn well better have both sides of the story and have it right... and in this case they don’t!!! IMHO, this is not so much about the B&B, but personal. I knew who I was addressing when I said what I said. I don’t want to start a different thread, and I hope they have enough sense to move on and leave me alone. I’m not running a popularity contest, and the sides were drawn years ago and nothing I do or say at this point will make much difference. So, please forgive me as I get on with my reply to the Adams family... JQA, nothing has changed. This is about you minding your own business and an illegal parking problem in the neighborhood, and you and Kathy are the two people I intended to address. You're two peas in a pod, excuse me, make that three. I might as well add in young Cheese Head, what’s his face... Personally, I don’t care who any of you are, or what your genders are. You and your second, third, or however many parties there were decided to criticize me on this thread for privately and discreetly giving Kathie’s husband a heads up. No one had to know about this, they could have been polite, thanked me for not filing a complaint, maybe ask for additional time, and then have corrected the violation like any other law bidding citizen. Listen, don’t kick sleeping dogs… I’ve said it many times before and some of you don’t seem to get it. Leave me alone and I’ll return the favor. FWIW, I suggest you and your friends re-read my last post and get back to minding your own business. I just returned from the shore and I see the Coffee truck is still in the driveway. FWIW, I’m tired of playing around. I was nice, polite, and in a friendly manner said correct the violation. I hope the commercial vehicle is out of their driveway, or Monday morning and every morning thereafter I’ll be filling complaints to the proper authorities. All the neighbors who said they want to see enforcement of “ALL” our ordinances in town, will get what they asked for… As we speak I’m looking at the sides of a few garages that haven’t been painted in fifteen years or more… hint – hint! BTW Cheese Head, I’ve never been reluctant to offer an apology to anyone when it’s appropriate; this is not one of those times so keep waiting and watching... | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5270 Registered: 9-2001 |
...hey, thanks Sully. I just read your last post and thanks for your fair and reasonable approach to these issues. It really all comes down to looking at things with a little common sense and a positive consideration of fairness for both sides of the issues. Personally, I would like nothing better then to unlock my side gate into my neighbor’s property again and allowing their families open access like I did in the past. Oh well, time will tell. Hopefully next year at this time other residents will get to see that B&B's are really quiet friendly places in town that make good neighbors... | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 726 Registered: 8-2005 |
Ahem, Scully (with a 'c')  | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1760 Registered: 7-2004 |
AJC, you may not add me to any list. I don't like you, but I'm not involved this time. I am just sitting here and laughing at your idiotic comments. And I think an apology is needed. If not here online perhaps one is person is needed. If it was possible my opinion of you has been lowered these past few days. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5598 Registered: 1-2004 |
Scully- While I do agree with you, and I do support Art's desire and I do see the need for one; and I do believe everything he's been saying. The problem is unless Maplewood tapes their meetings like South Orange does; one can view online, and see for themselves what's happening; poor Art comes off looking bad. Art- I sense it is personal. Similar to the antics of Trustee Jennings and Village President's personal issues against Bunny's in South Orange. Art, I understand how you mist feel; but please my comments as constructive criticism. You PITA neighbors will continue to get away with their antics while raising your blood pressure. They will continue to try to push you to the breaking point. And, for those on MOL who don't know you and those who don't know the history, can see your reaction to what's happening, but nothing from those causing your reaction. This can give people the impression you're a hothead, which I and many others know isn't try. All I'm trying to say is maybe you should just turn it down a notch. This way people new to MOL won't be so quick to judge. Another suggestion, did you think of stating a blog about all this? Keep the Faith Art. It will all work out. S- I do want to respond to your note more but I came up to post a quick note aboutmy neighbor putting out some really nice furniture they can't take with them when they move. Then I have to finish up some things. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5271 Registered: 9-2001 |
Who really cares what you think about anything kid, I sure don't. Someone rattle your cage again? I thought the last time we went through all this ugliness we agreed to ignore each other. I got that you don’t like me if that’s all that is bothering you. Maybe you should go back to school and learn something about being your word this time? Please, get off my case and get a life already... Listen, it's really pointless to try to have an intelligent conversation with you. I’ve said all I want, so if you think of anything else to say, you can bestow the final personal insult in this unpleasant exchange of hatefulness... | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5272 Registered: 9-2001 |
Oh, damn! I'm sorry JTA, I should have checked before I made my last post to the kid. Had I read your words of encouragement I might have let it go by... I’ll try to be nicer next time and maybe I’ll just nibble at his ear instead of biting it... | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1762 Registered: 7-2004 |
I deleted a post here. I said some very mean things to you, old man. I don't take any of them back, but I don't feel like having a cat fight with a geriatric. You are wrong in this case, and I hope that you see that. I happen to know Kathy and find her to be a wonderful person. I don't even believe that she reads MOL at all, and really don't believe that she would post on here. Maybe you should prove that you are the bigger person and apologize to her. I don't have to like you, but I would prefer to go back to just ignoring you altogether. I just hope you take a step back from this and re-look at this. | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 727 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hey! Can we please keep age (and, for that matter, race, gender whatnot) out of this? If you start calling names it's like taking out an ad that you lost on the facts... I like you, let's keep it that way, OK? | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1764 Registered: 7-2004 |
Sorry scully, I didn't mean to bother you. | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 3995 Registered: 7-2002  |
could you guys just both get it out in the open and say what you really feel, this is good reading. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5273 Registered: 9-2001 |
...I figured there was a connection and that's what rattled your cage... I suspect then you know she lives a couple blocks up the street from me. So, why not do an old man like me a favor and tell your friend to get the commercial vehicles out of her driveway. And, if she's the great person you say she is, maybe she should start paying more attention to her own business than ganging up with that Fleming crowd. IMHO, she needs to get her own house in order before she starts on me and any other ordinances in town she feels needs better enforcement. In case you missed her public rant on Channel 35 last Wednesday, I'll be happy to replay it for you... And, you can also tell JQA he didn't do them any favors by bringing this personal matter into the public eye... And, if by chance you feel you can clear this up, I'll be happy to apologize to her and anyone else who may have been offended. Listen, if they need more time just e-mail me. BTW, Monster what's that little blue thing you and the Cheese Boy has below your user names, are you two related or something? | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 4003 Registered: 7-2002 |
Not related Art, but the little blue thing is just an icon to let others know (when clicked on) what music we have listened to recently, and/or are listening to now. Of course this is as long as you are listening via iTunes with the audioscrobbler plugin installed or through the Lastfm player. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1765 Registered: 7-2004 |
"So, why not do an old man like me a favor and tell your friend to get the commercial vehicles out of her driveway. And, if she's the great person you say she is, maybe she should start paying more attention to her own business than ganging up with that Fleming crowd." Why don't you take your own advice and mind your own business. I think your sudden problems are a result of petty revenge. As for telling her to agree with you, I won't do that. She lives there and I'm sure that she knows exactly what she is doing. | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 728 Registered: 8-2005 |
'Why don't you take your own advice and mind your own business' But that's just the point Mayor! Why does one side have to mind his own business if the other side doesn't? There's got to be a way out of this where good people can at least agree to disagree... | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5274 Registered: 9-2001 |
...that's the whole point pal, it is my business she put herself into. And, what goes around comes around. No problem, I'll take care of it in the morning. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1766 Registered: 7-2004 |
Scully, the difference is this: His business decision is directly affecting the people who live around him. That is what people are getting mad about. His choices to "intimidate" others now are just some way for him to feel better for getting revenge. You tell me, Scully, don't you see the difference between those people's concerns and art's petty bs? Isn't it convenient that these concerns of his come up immediately after people speak out against his business? And pal, if you truly believe in karma, you better go buy yourself a football helmet. I hope for your sake that karma doesn’t work. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5275 Registered: 9-2001 |
"...you better go buy yourself a football helmet." So what am I suppose to understand from this veiled threat I find this morning? Are you hoping or wishing someone is going to hit me in the head? Will it be you, my neighbors, or the karma you speak of? Listen kid, I'll tell you what I truly believe in, and that's myself... I've been putting up with your kind of mean-spirited personal attacks here for a long time, too long. This issue is not about revenge or intimidation; it's about fairness in dealing and keeping a level playing field. You and your friends have tried every dirty trick in the book to discredit me and my businesses for years. If you ever learn anything about life kid, learn that you need to keep fighting for what you believe in. So, I'll go out and buy myself a football helmet, and you keep taking your best shots! | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1769 Registered: 7-2004 |
I am not threatening you in any way. I wouldn't stoop to your level. | ||
| JazzMe Citizen Username: Jazzme Post Number: 222 Registered: 1-2005  |
Fascinating! Can someone post or email me the mentionned article from the Sunday Star Ledger 7/2/06 p#42 section one-(the essex county section)? Just The Aunt, if you are still reading this post, I have just sent you a PM with my email - I'd really appreciate if you could send me your scan. Thanks in advance. Hey McCheese, what's up with the explosiveness man, too much fireworks in your backyard?!?!   | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1770 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jazzman, here is what I found on NJ.com. I don't know the page number of it. The date on it is 7/7/06. http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1152252973116570.xml?starledger? nex&coll=1 | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5276 Registered: 9-2001 |
...a dog leash - $9.95, a pooper scooper - $19.95, a yellow plastic newspaper bag - FREE, and a woman with a huge smile wildly waving a yellow bag at me as I drove pass her on Elmwood Avenue, PRICELESS! Kathy, your big wave and warm smile this morning made my day… I see my comment about your dog must have got through to you. I have to tell you that was the first friendly gesture I’ve seen from anyone in your group in years. Maybe there’s still some chance of finding a way to recreate a civil relationship among all the neighbors in our neighborhood? Personally, I would like nothing better, and my hope is that something good can come of this bad situation. I would like very much to try and find some common ground we can all stand on. If you’re interested, please e-mail me, or call on my cell at 973-699-8276. BTW, keep smiling, it looks great on you... | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1771 Registered: 7-2004 |
"I see my comment about your dog must have got through to you." No, I think that she was just doing what she always does, but this time had to take time out of her day to show that to you. And I very much doubt that any of your neighbors have a "warm" smile for you. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 5277 Registered: 9-2001 |
..."I very much doubt that any of your neighbors have a "warm" smile for you." Grow up kid... not everyone is as nasty and mean-spirited as you are. Your attitude is just more evidence of the difficulty and unwillingness to settle I've had to deal with all these years. Regardless of how hopeless it seems, I always hold out hope that some day we will be able to find an amicable solution to our differences. I’m hopeful this morning’s wave and smile from Kathy will result in a first step in this direction. I’ll wait a while and see... | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1772 Registered: 7-2004 |
Old man, I am not nasty or mean spirited. But as you continue to treat others with disrespect I will continue to treat you the same way. I mean, it's like that old saying, "do onto others." You obviously what to be treated this way, as stated in your actions towards other people. Good luck with your hopeless situation. Maybe one day you will see the light and change for the better and there will be some sort of solution. |
