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Author Message   Dicksson Citizen Username: Dicksson Post Number: 14 Registered: 2-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 10:57 am:        There are is a petition against B&Bs operating in Maplewood. You will find a "hard copy" to sign at the Maplewood train station. (It floats around, dependning on who has signed it last, but it is usually on the Community pamphlet stand or on the piano.) For those of you who don't utilize the train station, an online petition is available at the following link. The two petitions will be cross-checked to discount double signatures. http://new.PetitionOnline.com/Maplewoo/petition.html   tom Citizen Username: Tom Post Number: 4196 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 11:01 am:        Quote: There is, at best, only weak economic justification for allowing B&Bs in the Township It escapes me why this should be a pre-emptive deciding factor. If it is a fact that there is no economic justification, they won't be able to stay in business and the issue will resolve itself. Clearly past experience shows there in fact is economic justification for at least one to be operating.   C Bataille Citizen Username: Nakaille Post Number: 2383 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 11:15 am:        tom, that was one of the sanest posts on the subject I've seen thus far. Thank you.   jamie Citizen Username: Jamie Post Number: 399 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 12:06 pm:        I felt it fair to create another petition for B&Bs - so here it is: http://www.petitiononline.com/bbmaplew/petition.html   Dicksson Citizen Username: Dicksson Post Number: 15 Registered: 2-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 1:28 pm:        The "economic justification" refers to the weak argument that B&Bs would actually bring income into Maplewood. It doesn't mean that the justification for operating a business is to make money until it stops coming in. Perhaps this line isn't clear out of context (it is expanded upon in the report), or perhaps (and most likely) most Maplewood residents know where they stand already on the subject and aren't about to change their views. There is certainly economic justification for Art to remain in a cash-only business that is illegally operating at this point without interference from the Township. The way B&Bs make the big bucks is not from renting out rooms at $50-$100 per night, but by renting out their backyards for weddings and other events with much disruption to the neighborhood (unless, of course, the inn is in a mixed-use or business zone where the disruption could be lessened because of reduced proximity to family residences). I do not believe for a second that once Les Saisons is licensed that they will not ratchet up operations to a full-blown inn. Also, this is not a pre-emptive deciding factor. Tom, you only mentioned one of four points that were on the petition. As one of the immediate neighbors to Les Saisons, I have many more reasons why I don't want to live next door to an inn. But, the rules of petition writing always say to be brief. All of the pros and cons have been hung out, and it looks like this thread will start another conversation. I hope to keep my responses to a minimum and save my opinions for the Township hearing on the ordinance. And it should also be noted that the way the ordinance is written that it will be only the largest properties with the most amount of rooms (Wyoming Avenue and Mountain Ave areas, for example) that will be eligible for conversion. Even if I wanted to open a B&B, I wouldn't be allowed to do so, because my property is too small--making the decks unfairly stacked to keep Les Saisons in operation. Not exactly free enterprise at work.   Innisowen Citizen Username: Innisowen Post Number: 1331 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 1:43 pm:        Gosh: This discussion has been going on for years. I thought that Maplewood enjoined Les Saisons from operating on more than a limited basis, that is, with no more than X guests per night or per week (at least the last time I followed the subject), and with the stipulation of no big parties such as weddings, receptions, etc, that disturb neighborhood peace and quiet. What's the story? When did the worm turn?   Tom Carlson Citizen Username: Tomcarlson Post Number: 102 Registered: 7-2002 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 2:33 pm:        Dicksson and Jamie, The Board of Adjustment has no involvement or jurisdiction in this matter. You may wish to amend the wording on your petitions. The proper target of your appeals should be the Maplewood Township Committee, which is the body with authority over zoning. The Township Committee will be considering this proposed change to Maplewood’s zoning regulations in the near future, perhaps as early as next week. The other body that has been involved is the planning board, which studied the issue and prepared a draft ordinance at the request of the Township Committee. If and when the Township Committee actually introduces the new ordinance, the planning board will review it again and formulate a (non-binding) recommendation. The planning board’s role, however, is only advisory; the Township Committee is where the next action will occur for this proposal.   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3599 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 2:54 pm:        C- Some people are plan old jerks. dick- How about indentifying yourself instead of hiding behind a screen name?   The Libertarian Citizen Username: Local_1_crew Post Number: 1318 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 3:02 pm:        what you gonna do? go to his house and egg his door? whats your real name then?   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3601 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 3:21 pm:        Libby First off my post wasn't to you. Second, if I felt strongly enough about a situation I started a petition, I wouldn't hide behind a screen name on MOL to do promote my cause.   The Libertarian Citizen Username: Local_1_crew Post Number: 1324 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 3:25 pm:        you do hide behind a screen name. i was just pointing out the hypocrisy of calling someone out for hiding behind a screen name while doing it yourself. finally, i know the post wasnt directed towards me but his is an open forum. i chose to get involved cause i am that kind of guy. toodles!   Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 6904 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 4:33 pm:        Tom C.: Thanks for the clarification. Dicksson: I understand your NIMBY position. Would you be opposed to a B&B if it wasn't adjacent to your property or within close proximity to you? Is the economic argument the primary rationale being addressed by both sides or is it a question of providing a needed service to the community on the one hand and creating a potential for increased noise, traffic, and conjestion in the immediate vicinity of any given B & B on the other?   mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 5660 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 5:13 pm:        Dickson, Are you the neighbor who was blowing the nonexistent leaves the whole time I attended a party at Art's once? Right on into the evening on a summer night when there were no leaves to blow.   Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8383 Registered: 4-1997 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 5:22 pm:        Party at Art's!!!!!   David Ricci Citizen Username: Stone Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 5:25 pm:        I simply do not understand why a small township like Maplewood would even consider allowing bed and breakfast establishments. This town is all about quality of life. The mayor himself attempted to block a cell tower in town because it would diminish the landscape of the town. I also understand there is a zoning ordinance prohibiting the distances of nail care establishments in the village area. Think about how you feel if someone operated a bed and breakfast establishment next to your home. Towns have courted with the idea of permitting bed and breakfast establishments for fundamentally two reasons. They are encouraging tourism, and the second was to preserve historic homes within a towns boundaries. Neither of these reasons exists in our township. I do not believe this will improve the quality of life for Maplewoodians. There are few large and beautiful homes in Maplewood that have the potential to be converted into a bed and breakfast establishment. This seems like a real Pandora’s Box. Once you allow an ordinance of this type someone will attempt to amend it. I realize right now you may feel there is no way this could happen, just remember there is always a potential for abuse.   jamie Citizen Username: Jamie Post Number: 400 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 5:33 pm:        David - where do you have visiting guests stay when you don't have enough room?   Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8384 Registered: 4-1997 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 5:33 pm:        Pandora opened the box twice. The last time she did Hope was released.   David Ricci Citizen Username: Stone Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 6:23 pm:        I usually have them stay at one of two places, either the garden state motor lodge on 22 in union,or the turtle brook inn in west orange. They are both under three miles away from maplewood. But really think about it if it were such a good idea wouldn't there be a couple of places to stay closer to maplewood perhaps in Millburn or South Orange.   C Bataille Citizen Username: Nakaille Post Number: 2385 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 6:33 pm:        David, do you know anything about the history of this town with regard to having a B&B? You might want to read up on it. Les Saisons is not a new establishment by any means. We've had family stay there in the past and it was a lovely, much appreciated convenience. The people who bought adjacent property had a responsibility to find out what their real estate was contiguous with and to decide if they wanted that proximity. If they want to complain they should contact their realtors concerning disclosure issues.   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3616 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 6:34 pm:        That's the problem David, there isn't anywhere for people to stay in South Orange or Maplewood. Art is trying to change that. If we didn't have the room for guests to stay with us, I'd rahter have my company stay at Art's then the Turtlebrook or on Route 22.   mwsilva Citizen Username: Mwsilva Post Number: 475 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 8:36 pm:        I hear axes grinding. What has Mr. Art done to stir it up this time?   ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4671 Registered: 9-2001 Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 2:20 am:        Mwsilva, Art is going to try and lay low on this one... Listen, I understand better than anyone in town that not everyone is in favor of B&B's... Honestly, this is OK, and I have no problem with it... However, I do appreciate any additional support given on Jamie's petition in favor of B&B's in town, http://www.petitiononline.com/bbmaplew/petition.html and not just for me, but for anyone who may benefit from having accommodations in town for their overflow guests. Maplewood is definitely not a resort, and 99.9% of all guests I've had over my many years of experience are only here to visit friends and family. The few others are usually here observing the town as some place they are interested in moving to. BTW, statistics show that only ten B&B guest rooms can generate over $600,000 a year in new business in the community. That’s over $10,000 per week, or an average of over $50.00 per day per person. This is a great benefit to local businesses, and unlike hotel, motel, and other large chains, this is income that is regenerated back into the community. As for B&B’s being a quality of life issue for residents, they are; and they breathe new life into a community. IMHO, only a few bed and breakfast homes in a small township like Maplewood adds to its overall charm, while possibly preserving a few of the communities older, larger, and more historic homes. The reality is that most property values in the vicinity of B&B's go up. The homes are usually the best kept and are beautifully landscaped. There also tends to be less traffic and noise then when occupied by full time residents, and the neighborhood is generally safer than when home owners are away at work or in school. FWIW, owners of B&B's are commonly recognized as active and supportive members of their community. They live on the property with their family, and want to enjoy their home and property just like every one else in town. Their business depends on them being warm, welcoming, and friendly to everyone they come in contact with. Successful establishments require quiet and peaceful surroundings. And, like “EVERYWHERE” in town, good relationships with neighbors requires an honest level of give and take, and are an advantage to everyone when possible.   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3618 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 10:59 am:        Something else David. To answer your question >>>"But really think about it if it were such a good idea wouldn't there be a couple of places to stay closer to maplewood perhaps in Millburn or South Orange"<<< Perhaps others have tried but have run into people like you, with the NIMBY mentality. How long have you lived adjacent to Art's property? Millburn (Short Hills) does have places for people to stay. But they would cost a whole lot more then the Turtlebrook or Route 22.   jonnyt Citizen Username: Jonnyt Post Number: 199 Registered: 6-2001 Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:05 pm:        C Bataille, you say The people who bought adjacent property had a responsibility to find out what their real estate was contiguous with and to decide if they wanted that proximity. If they want to complain they should contact their realtors concerning disclosure issues. How could they find out what their real estate was contiguous with if the place is operating "on the quiet", or does Les Saisons have signage outside indicating it is a B&B? And it's a bit late to blame the realtor once you've already bought the house.   C Bataille Citizen Username: Nakaille Post Number: 2387 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 2:34 pm:        And it's a bit late to blame the realtor once you've already bought the house. Yes, these questions should be asked BEFORE one bids on a property. But, doesn't the realtor have an ethical if not legal responsibility to disclose what they know about a property? The first time I passed Art's property on Elmwood it was obvious to me that this was not an ordinary residence. I couldn't decide what kind of an institution it might be so I asked questions and found out what it was. I've stayed in B&B's, including ones that were not in resort areas so the idea was not at all foreign or alarming to me. When we looked at properties here in town I drove around the block to find out what some of them were bordering and decided not to consider several otherwise nice properties that were adjacent to businesses or poorly maintained properties or, in one case, a wooded/abandoned area that simply gave me the creeps. Caveat Emptor.   Dicksson Citizen Username: Dicksson Post Number: 16 Registered: 2-2004 Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 2:45 pm:        Actually, C, I come from a place where there are many large properties and houses very similar to Les Saisons, so I didn't think that it was such an unusual property. I thought that it was one of those "nicely maintained properties" you wrote of. When the B&B issue came up with our realtor, we were told that the problem had been resolved. This was the case with a few sales around that time. It was a brief respite because ajc has kept the issue in litigation, so it resurfaced with his appeal. So, we weren't quite as dumb as you thought. Sorry. As I said before, it is clear that minds have been made up about this subject, so now it is up to the real forum via the Township. I wanted to bring some new insight from a relatively new player and qualified observer, as a neighbor truly impacted by the situation. Now that I've done that, you can all go back to chatting among yourselves. See you at the Township meetings.   Kramer Citizen Username: Kramer Post Number: 143 Registered: 9-2002 Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 2:49 pm:        Dicksson - why didn't you sign your own petition? So far it has 0 signatures. The other one has 10.   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3625 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 7:39 pm:        Dickson- Knowing (now) you are 'new player' who admits to knowing there were issues with the B and B, somewhat changes things. This means you weren't around when a couple of those living adjacent to Arts decided to make a stink about things. Considering some of those screaming the loudest about the B and B have moved away (would be really ironic if it's one of their houses you bought) I'm not surprised you feel you might have been misled. BUT this also means you don't know any of what happened first hand. If I'm mistaken and there have been incidents that have impacted you directly, please share them with us. Maybe then, some of us, I know me at least, would / could be more sympathetic. But if you are just jumping on the bandwagon for what 'might' happen based on secondhand information, I think you're being unfair to Art. Have you ever spoken to Art directly about what you've heard or your concerns? Wouldn't you appreciate having something nice near by for your guests to stay, vs going to Route 22? As you have observed, Art keeps his propriety nice maintained. Would you rather have a Bed and Breakfast owned by someone with integrity who really cares about the community he lives in living next you or a house with a family of 6 out of control teenagers? Would you rather have a law abiding citizen, or someone who let's their kids do whatever they want? I'm betting the residents of Jacoby Street would jump at the chance to live next door to Art, then have to deal with the problems they have to live with every day from the people who live on their street. Most of us aren't going away any time soon.   ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4682 Registered: 9-2001 Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 12:44 am:        "If they want to complain they should contact their realtors concerning disclosure issues." That's an interesting statement Jonnyt... As a matter of interest regarding this issue, last week by chance I ran into a new neighbor of mine at the Roman Gourmet. Last year he purchased his home from one of the original "Fleming Six". I had already introduced myself to him shortly after he moved in. He was with his two young daughters and was cordial and friendly when I said hello. I‘ve seen him several times sitting with my adversaries at various meetings regarding my property. I asked him what his concern was about having me as a neighbor. He said, he had no problem with me having my B&B and his only concern was I didn't have any of the outside functions he had heard so much about. I went on to ask him if he knew about my property before he purchased, and he said the real estate agent had informed him of it. However, much to my surprise, he added that “the sellers never mentioned it” to him??? As you said, so much for "operating on the quiet", and "selling on the quiet." Go figure...   Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4384 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 1:04 pm:        Hey, I used the link to the online petition and fail. I can not view nor add my name. I get a failure to support the HTTP version. What is up with that?   ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4683 Registered: 9-2001 Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 2:30 pm:        Try again George, it seems to work for me, although I haven't tried to add my name to it... http://www.petitiononline.com/bbmaplew/petition.html The regular petition of signatures I've been passing around has about 500 names thus far... Last night I picked up several pages of mine and two pages of those opposed to the B&B. I'll check today for anymore and turn both petitions for and against into the Township Committee tonight or in the morning... FWIW, I plan to continue collecting signatures for the remainder of the year. My goal is to be able to show what percent of the population of a suburban town like ours would favor the idea of having a bed and breakfast ordinance in their community... BTW, the petition against the B&B looks very much like mine, and I wonder if like in Florida the voters got the Chads mixed up or something...   Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4386 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 3:46 pm:        Same thing, Error 566: HTTP Version not supported. What is that?   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3633 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 5:08 pm:        I had the same problem. I then retried using Netscape instead of Internet Explorer.   jab Citizen Username: Jab Post Number: 512 Registered: 3-2003 Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 10:31 pm:        Art, what action is anticipated as a result of the petition and counter-petition?   ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4685 Registered: 9-2001 Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 2:31 am:        I'm not really sure... this matter has been going around in different forms for over five years now. I will turn in ALL petitions recieved thus far to the TC tomorrow. Back in 2004, the Township Committee asked the Economic Advisory Committee and the Planning Board to investigate the issue of bed and breakfast. Early to mid 2005 both came back with favorable recommendations encouraging our zoning regulations be amended to permit B&B's. In July the Township Committee met again and gave it back for the second time to the new Planning Board requesting they draft an ordinance to permit B&B's in town. The Planning Board assigned the responsibility to a subcommittee chaired by Jerry Ryan. After a few more months and two tries, the subcommittee came back reluctantly with a rough draft and requested that the rest of the Board take their position against B&B's for Maplewood. The Board rejected their request and forwarded the draft on to the Township Committee who I believe have it on their agenda again tomorrow night as a discussion item. I'm guessing now, but the next step after tomorrow nights discussion to get the language they can all agreed on, I believe Roger Desidero will draft a formal ordinance for the Planning Board to take a final look at before returning it back for the first reading sometime in February, followed two weeks later by the final reading, public discussion, and a up or down vote on it... IMHO, I believe the TC has fairly notified parties on both sides of this matter to make sure they have been given ample opportunity to be heard. They also want to be sure the public has been noticed and given a chance to come before them with their comments and/or signed petitions as well. I believe by now that anyone over the age of six must have heard or read about it in the news papers. Personally, I would like to thank everyone who has participated on either side of this issue in the past. It’s been a long road to get to this point, but well worth the effort if we get it right… Thank you.   Valley_girl Citizen Username: Valley_girl Post Number: 99 Registered: 12-2004 Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 11:26 pm:        I heard something--that probably isn't true--but makes good sense--that if you wanted to build a pool, you had to get the signatures of the ten neighbors on either side of you. That seems like a good solution for the B&B problem. (Maybe with a revote every year?) For the heck of it, I looked B&B zoning up online, just to see how others have dealt with it, and it seems like all the problems come up when B&Bs start doing outdoor events like weddings.   SO1969 Citizen Username: Bklyn1969 Post Number: 182 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 1:56 pm:        Haven't followed this closely. Don't know what, if any, large outdoor events Art is having. Have stayed at Art's place and am very happy to have it as a resource for future guests. I think his is an example of a historic home being preserved that otherwise would not be preserved. I believe it adds to the charm of the MW/SO community and would not like to see his lodging operation curtailed. If he's having large events (don't know if he is) I can understand the concern. It is appropriate in a residential context to have limits on those.   Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 11981 Registered: 1-2003 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 2:12 pm:        What do large events have to do with a B&B? I can think of reasons they are totally separate: Art has a large yard and large house, and he and his wife can have parties there whether or not he runs a B&B. Parties are still subject to nuisance ordinances. If he ran a B&B, I think he'd be less likely, not more, to have such events.   Shawna Citizen Username: Lucies_mom Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 2:28 pm:        Whoa- Valley Girl, Like, A B&B and a pool can not even be compared. A B&B is, like, totally, a viable business that brings income in for the owner and the town through taxes, tourism, etc. A pool is just like... a big hole in the ground. Whatever!   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3655 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 3:37 pm:        Dick It is now Thursdy. How come you haven't reeponded to any of our questions? For those complaing about the supposed noise and people Art might have at an event. As Tom pointed out, people have parties. Be glad you don't live next door to my one sister. She has three very popular teenagers of her own, her significant other two. They have a pool in their yard that is used almost non stopp throughout the summer with sometimes 40 plus kids. I'd much rather have Art next door to me then my sister!   SO1969 Citizen Username: Bklyn1969 Post Number: 183 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 3:59 pm:        I guess Tom and JTA haven't looked for wedding reception venues of late - B&Bs are big in that biz in Hudson & Delaware Valleys. Tom - I think you're thinking about it too much. When a B&B owner has a big event, they frequently rent the whole place to the party hosting the event. I picked up this concern from a few postings, not sure if this is a hot button issue for Les Saisons or not. I don't want the baby thrown out with the bath water - keep the lodging. I'd understand the nabes wanting to have limits on large events.   ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4691 Registered: 9-2001 Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 2:53 am:        FWIW, there hasn't been a wedding at Les Saisons for several years now, and prior to that there were never more than three small weddings in any given year. As for any other kinds of outside "B&B" functions, there were none. Believe what and who you want, but all this party crap at my home is nothing but a bunch of bold face lies and wild exaggerations from a few obnoxious and very vindictive neighbors. I’ve been around this community almost all my life. Ask anyone in town if they know me to be some kind of wild party animal, I’m not, and never have been. A few times a year I may host an annual community get together which has absolutely nothing to do with the B&B. Even at those and my few family get togethers, I have to put up with an unbelievable amount of noise, (blaring radio’s, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers) not to mention yelling obscenities, the police being called, and whatever else these neighbors from hell can think of… Over the years, hundreds of locals have had family and friends stay at my B&B, while untold numbers of others have been my personal guest at no cost. Check with any number of churches, schools, civic groups, local clubs and organizations if you really want to know what really goes on at Les Saisons. Many of our guests over the years have donated money to various charities in lieu of payment, while I’ve personally donated thousands to Rotary and other deserving causes. As for my swimming pool, the cover was not even taken off of it for the last year or two. B&B guests are not allowed to use the pool. And, FWIW, and I haven’t had but three or four personal pool parties since the pool was installed almost 10 years ago. Actually, believe it or not, two of these same neighbors had keys to the gates and used it more than I ever have. Listen, there will always be a few people in town that would prefer the residents of Maplewood keep their overflow family and friends in hotels and motels located on highways outside of our community. And, then there are others like me who believe a few small, beautiful old B&B’s in town would be a better and more accommodating service to offer our families. IMHO, with thoughtful regulation, B&B’s can be a wonderful addition to an already great town. If you agree, it may be a good idea to let Mayor Profeta know how you feel.   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3660 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 3:37 am:        Art- I hope you didn't think my comments about my sister had anything negative to do with you because they didn't. I didn't even know you had a pool. Like I said, I'd much rather live next door to you Bed and Breakfast and all then my own sister! My nieces and nephew constantly have a house full of kids over. They make a lot more noise then a few people staying in a Bed and Breakfast would. I think when people stay in a Bed and Breakfast they tend be more respectful of the surroundings because they are in a private home surrounded by other families.   ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 4692 Registered: 9-2001 Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 8:57 am:        Dear Aunt, I understand, and trust me, there's no problem over here... It's just I find I have to respond to the various comments because if I didn't the next thing you know the roomer mill would have people believe this is another Playboy Mansion or something...   Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3666 Registered: 1-2004 Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 10:59 am:        So1969 My point was even if Art had a few events a year at his Bed and Breakfast, it would be nothing compared to what goes on at my sister's house. I don't remember reading Art planned to have events every weekend. A few events a year at a Bed and Breakfast to me isn't much different then one of us having a bunch of people over for a party. Orange Lawn Tennis Club in South Orange is in a residental area. They have plenty of events those living in the immediate area have to put up with. The Little Tennis Club in Maplewood is in a residental area. Same with the Elks Club.   Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 11987 Registered: 1-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 11:03 am:        And Art and his wife, being very social people, and having a big house and yard, can be expected to have a few bashes a year. And other B&B's in town are likely to be much smaller, only because there aren't many big houses in town. So if the objection is about Art and his wife, then that's a matter entirely different from whether to allow B&B's. If B&B's are a good idea, we should let them here, which includes letting Art run one.   HOMMELL Citizen Username: Hommell Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2005 Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 2:51 pm:        Art's running another Playboy Mansion in Maplewood?