| Author | Message | ||
     mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2507 Registered: 4-2002 |
MHD: If any committments were made by Beifus, they have not been shared with the BOT yet. Pete: Pretty much what I have been saying for years but the VP has wanted to give Beifus every chance possible (to fail?). Josh: Pretty fair wrap-up and I agree with your conclusions. I could not get the attorney to give any kind of timeline or what would happen if (when) they get an approval from the planning board. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3262 Registered: 5-2001  |
Thanks, Mark. Please keep us posted. I will be watching that site over the coming days to see if ANY attempt is made to improve the condition...although I'd be willing to bet nothing will happen. Josh - at this point, I think the Beifus site, the boarded-up Shop Rite site and the boarded up rug store site IS Bill Calabrese's vision for South Orange. Maybe he has bought cheap land in Irvington and is now going to start a marketing blitz for Irvington - "Irvington - We're not South Orange"  | ||
| Josh Holtz Citizen Username: Jholtz Post Number: 229 Registered: 4-2004 |
MHD: That's funny - I thought VP Calabrese bought cheap land in Europe - "Europe - We're not South Orange." | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 3082 Registered: 11-2001  |
What about the Village Market Site development? If Beifus has big concerns about the water table why do we think adequate due diligence was done to date on the Shop Rite site. They plan to go deep with an underground garage. I don't ever see it being completed. The easement is now a small problem in comparison to the watertable that Beifus does not plan to disturb. I'm not an engineer, but this doesn't look promising at all for the Shop Rite development. | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonhw Post Number: 92 Registered: 1-2004 |
But nobody has answered why there is contaminated water entering the site or where it originates! What other sites are being contaminated and to what extent? Mark/Allan/Eric - has any formal action been taken by the Village or DEP? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 356 Registered: 6-2005 |
Did the Beifus attorney say that with the elimination of the basement from the building, condo owners will not have storage areas? And I assume, retail owners will not have basement storage areas either. And thus, won't the property be worth less, and maybe even less marketable. And we are to believe that this is not a significant issue, as the Beifus attorney stated. I wonder if the tenants they have "lined up" feel its no big deal. Of course, who are the phantom tenants who are willing to put off occupancy indefintely? | ||
| kevin Supporter Username: Kevin Post Number: 597 Registered: 2-2002 |
I thought that the Shoprite site was contaminated with old batteries....lead, among other things.  | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 332 Registered: 5-2004  |
http://southorange.org/articles.asp?articleID=92 Be sure to take the survey! (beware, only once per computer, so consider doing it together with all the adults in the house.) | ||
| campbell29 Citizen Username: Campbell29 Post Number: 332 Registered: 4-2002 |
I believe the contaminated water is most likely the same that we are forced to accept as tap water.  | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3716 Registered: 1-2004  |
Josh- What 'race / gender' issuse are you talking about? | ||
| talk-it-up Citizen Username: Talkitup Post Number: 203 Registered: 3-2004 |
a) I thought the Planning Board gave the Beifus site an extension for one year. b) What document exists or was presented to the Village that defines the contaminated water? Where is the DEP? Is this hearsay, another stall? Prove it. c) How do you design a building without first doing soil tests? The soil tests will indicate capacity and composition in order to design the structure. Where is all that? | ||
| Josh Holtz Citizen Username: Jholtz Post Number: 230 Registered: 4-2004 |
JTA: During Beifus' lawyer's update to the BOT Trustee Moore-Abrams made a comment as to why there were no females or persons of color represented in the Beifus group, present in the Hall last night. Trustee Jennings said that she was thinking the same thing. Trustee Moore-Abrams then questioned the Beifus group asking if persons of color were employed by the companies represented. Later during the meeting Trustee Jennings said that any company looking to develop in South Orange will be asked the same question - as a diverse community like South Orange needs to have diversity amongst its vendors. | ||
| kevin Supporter Username: Kevin Post Number: 601 Registered: 2-2002 |
Pre-Beifus:  | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3722 Registered: 1-2004 |
Thanks Josh. Luckily we don't have to re elect these two. Isn't it strange, Taylor never brought this concern up in the past. Is everything and anything now going to be over shadowed by playing the race card? I think more important concerns should have been why there are so many delays... | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22694 Registered: 6-2001  |
JTA, what are you talking about? We just elected these two!! And in May 2007 you will see Art Taylor run for village president - winning with apathy and vicious personal attacks - to carry on the status quo. All with your friend Matthews's counsel (off the record, of course!). | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3724 Registered: 1-2004 |
BETS Ick, I forgot just some are up for re election this year. I'm hoping you're mistaken about Art Taylor making a run for VP. If this is the case, I hope enough people finally realize we need a change. We have the chance to vote for four this year, right? I never really followed the elections until I joined MOL. I know many on MOL think I'm stupid for defending Matthews, but I'm going to say it again anyway. I don't think he would do anything to jepordize his license to practice law. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3269 Registered: 5-2001 |
Stupid? Nah. Naive? Crazy? Funny? Definitely | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3727 Registered: 1-2004 |
MHD | ||
| Daniel I. Goldberg Citizen Username: Dig Post Number: 156 Registered: 8-2004 |
Pizzaz's questions/comments are right on point: How long are we going to wait to determine if there is a water issue on the Shop-Rite site? | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonhw Post Number: 97 Registered: 1-2004 |
I think we have missed another property that has not seen any activity and is in the redevelopment district. The Old Sickley building (2-8 W South Orange Ave.) has been sitting vacant for what seems to be years. Does anyone know what is going on with this property? | ||
| Josh Holtz Citizen Username: Jholtz Post Number: 231 Registered: 4-2004 |
I thought the Sickley building has had a for rent sign on the front window for the past six months? Same building? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 361 Registered: 6-2005 |
I think that is the building. It's next to the back of BLue Moon Diner. Who owns it anyway? | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 3087 Registered: 11-2001 |
I heard it was sold recently. Perhaps our friend Roy Scott, the realtor, who was/is the broker of record for the previous/current owner(?), could provide some userful information? | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonhw Post Number: 98 Registered: 1-2004 |
I wonder if this is another block Sayid is assembling (could this be the BC issue?) | ||
| Veritas Ultimo Citizen Username: Veritas_ultimo Post Number: 32 Registered: 12-2005 |
New Jersey Transit wanted to sell all of the buildings between Bunny's and the trestle about five years ago but the Village government kept requesting that the properties not be put up for public bidding because the Village might need them. Transit became very frustrated when a number of other similar projects in other municipalities which were started after the acquisition of Sickley were completed and Transit was still holding buildings that were an eyesore. The Village was given once last chance to act and it did nothing. The two buildings were sold quickly but improvements needed for rental of both of them were impeded by the Village (incorrectly) claiming that it had the right to demolish part of one of the buildings and then began excavations that started to threaten to undermine the other building (as well as hitting an underground oil tank). (The Village subsequently paid money for the right to demolish the part of the building because of its legal mistake.) These buildings illustrate how the Village can bungle any type of redevelopment it touches. One building is now a retail store and hopefully the other will be occupied soon. Both properties are five years behind in being utilized because of the Village. (P.S. While Transit held title to the property, there were no taxes paid although Transit did pay the sewer assessment!) | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 287 Registered: 6-2005  |
The Village could have had this valuable property for only $250,000. They negotiated in such bad faith that NJT got disgusted with them and put the property up for public auction. Again, the Village could have bought it at auction, but failed thus the Sickley property numbered 2-8 was sold at public auction. An out of town man bought it at auction for $350,000 then immediately flipped it for $550,000. Before he flipped it, he was in intense negotiations with the Village to sell it to them, but once again, they failed to accomplish the task. The new buyer who bought at $550,000 immediately flipped it for $610,000. Now it has been sold once again, and it is rumored that it was sold to pals Sayid and Calabrese. We have not determined if there is any truth to the rumor. Maybe someone out there in MOL land has some info. | ||
| Parkingsux Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 288 Registered: 6-2005 |
The Village (i.e. you guys) PAID $90,000 to remove a portion of the rear of this building to have additional access space for SOPAC. So the party who paid $610,000 recovered $90,000 from the Village. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3304 Registered: 5-2001 |
One week ago, Beifus was at the BOT Meeting and was told to create a "pedestrian bridge" in the street, since the sidewalk is blocked by the fence. Beifus was also told to meet with Sal to discuss other things that could be done to improve the deplorable condition of that site (while we wait for him to go before the Planning Board again on MARCH 6). Has ANYTHING been done to improve the safety and appearance of the site? | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonh Post Number: 424 Registered: 1-2004  |
Just to reinforce the statement by MHD the following are clips from the 12/12/05 and 01/23/06 BOT meetings requesting that something be done about the sidewalk at the Beifus site. www.howard-levison.com/Beifus_Sidewalks_bot12122005.wmv www.howard-levison.com/bot01232006Beifus_Bridge.wmv | ||
| Two Senses Citizen Username: Twosense Post Number: 410 Registered: 7-2004 |
Thanks for the video clips. Not to worry, the VA personally pledged to take a look at this to make sure that it's addressed "one way or another." Since the clear and eminent risk to school children was publicly broached 12/12/05, and again 1/23/06, perhaps a concerned trustee (Taylor and Rosen were the only ones publicly expressing concern) can motivate the Village to get out of bed with Beifus for long enough to actually require him to re-establish a safe sidwalk for school children and other pedestrians -- not to mention improve the appearance of the perimeter of his blighted, dormant property at a primary entry to our downtown. (In the event of a tragic accident, with such a clear public record of inaction and disregard for public safety, the Village's defense attorney certainly will have some 'splaining to do. NYC routinely is sued for sidewalk cracks about which the city was notified, but did nothing.) | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3319 Registered: 5-2001 |
It has now been TWO weeks since Beifus was at the BOT Meeting and was told to create a "pedestrian bridge" in the street, since the sidewalk is blocked by the fence. Beifus was also told to meet with Sal to discuss other things that could be done to improve the deplorable condition of that site (while we wait for him to go before the Planning Board again on MARCH 6). Has ANYTHING been done to improve the safety and appearance of the site? | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 18 Registered: 1-2006 |
If it ain't in the contract, they won't do it. After all, the problem is the towns, which is supposed to pave Lake Beifus (what about the Wetlands Act - after all the sinkhole is a natural phenomenon), and make it a parking lot. Beifus has no right to be there now. So, either declare the contract null and void, and condemn, or hold you noses and pray nothing tragic takes place. The silver lining is that if such occurs, the board members will be personally liable. Insurers will disclaim for recklessness, after all these months. Criminal recklessness. jd | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 3117 Registered: 11-2001 |
Jamie: Lights, camera, action..... please?  FYI: South Orange Cam activation request. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3881 Registered: 1-2004 |
MHD I did notice on Monday morning there was some activity going on just West of the overpass. Not sure what was being done, but it looked like some drilling in the street. Traffic was moved slightly to the left to get around it. I'll report on what I see Tuesday morning. I go past there every morning. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3327 Registered: 5-2001 |
JTA, I drove by today & the fence was still blocking the entire sidewalk. And now, the "tarp" that was covering the fence is gone, so everyone can see the whole beauty of the site in all its glory. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3893 Registered: 1-2004 |
MHD Sorry for the late report. Tuesday morning there were TWO police officers directing traffic around the mess by the bridge. I noticed the tarp gone as well. When I went by later in the day it looked as if a second fence had been added. Maybe it's to protect the middle school students? Not sure but I'll find out in the morning when I go through there. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 3899 Registered: 1-2004 |
MHD- Update on the mess by the bridge. It looks like my hunch about the second fence was correct. There is now a paved path between the two fences. The 'path' is about the width of two people. Didn't see any kids on it though. No tarp anywhere, just a clear view of the dirt piles. There was some activity on Vose where the Shop Rite Luquor Store was. Looked like a crane of backhoe moving dirt around. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 25 Registered: 1-2006 |
Seems that public input to the board, in their faces if you will, at broadcast meetings, is the only way to get the sleepers, status quo keepers, and "it is out of our hands" weepers on their toes. We must be activist citizens. Come to board meetings. Speak. It is the only force capable of causing this circled wagon local government to become, however slightly, a responsible government. A sidewalk does not a completed project make. A public attack about the lacking sidewalk did have an impact. jd | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3330 Registered: 5-2001 |
I just drove past the site and a "Pedestrian Bridge" is indeed under construction including "girders" above the pathway for if/when construction actually begins. Congratulations to whomever for FINALLY getting this done. Now we just have another month to wait until Beifus goes back before the Planning Board on March 6. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 27 Registered: 1-2006 |
Can anyone speak to the Board that date? jd |
