| Author | Message | ||
     MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3338 Registered: 5-2001  |
Joel - I am pretty sure public comment is always allowed. Funny picture on the front page of the News Record today of the "pedestrian bridge" being constructed entitled "Men at Work"...as if to imply that this was actual construction of the building. We all know that NOTHING can happen at least until the Planning Board Meeting on March 6. (and if history is any indicator, I wouldn't hold my breath for ANY construction any time soon) | ||
| kmk Supporter Username: Kmk Post Number: 968 Registered: 5-2001 |
Geesh, That construction site speaks volumes as to the quality of the work being done! I sat at the light next to Bunnies today (coming out of the commuter lot) and couldn't believe the mess behind the chain-link fence. Job sites are supposed to be kept orderly for safety purposes - in house construction the work area should be broom cleaned at the end of each day. The quality of the work being done (and the ability of the contractor to do it) are both evident from the absolute beginning of a project. Sadly, it appears that we have low-quality work being performed by less than capable contractors at this point. | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 386 Registered: 6-2005 |
The question is why the village has not taken over the lot, since the developer is in default of the deadline supposedly set out in the devlopment agreement. This project has been a disaster from the get-go. So why is no one on the BOT's or the VP willing to step up to the plate and toss out Beifus? It makes you wonder whose palm is being greased anyway? The BOT's are not looking out for our interests here. If it wasn't for a vocal group of citizens, we would not be seeing the walkway finally being constructed. The BOT and VP were shamed into making Beifus do something to alleviate the unsafe situation. | ||
| Two Senses Citizen Username: Twosense Post Number: 412 Registered: 7-2004 |
Nine months since Beifus Shovel-in-the-Dirt Day passed -- seems like just yesterday. | ||
| noracoombs Citizen Username: Noracoombs Post Number: 129 Registered: 8-2002 |
jayjay: The BOT (well, really just President Calabrese and Trustee Taylor) went into great detail about your question at last night's meeting. Basically, the argument that they used was that they could either wait out the three months it will take for Beifus to get everything together, talk to whoever he needs to talk to, and begin the project (which, from the descriptions of Mr. Calabrese, is going to be a thing of grandeur), or they could seize the property now and then take three years to find another developer, get all the permits and agreements, and start construction. The only problem with this argument is that it is the same blasted argument they've been using for the PAST three years! At one point during last night's meeting, Mr. Calabrese was describing the history of the Beifus situation, and it really came out sounding like, "Oh, poor Mr. Beifus--look at all the trouble that's befallen him..." I hate to criticize any part of the meeting, because it was a good opportunity for two-way communication, but that speech was laughable. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2550 Registered: 4-2002 |
jayjay: Actually, I think it was Beifus who was shamed into doing something. Some BOT members have been complaining about Beifus for various reasons for years. I know we have raised the issues about the walkway more than once. I was against giving him a developers agreement and more than once I have said we should condemn the property. I was also not a big fan of the project because I think it does not offer nearly enough parking for the amount of retail space they plan to have. So if it ever gets built, it might look nice, but not sure how retail stores will survive without proper parking (and I said this in public and in closed sessions). I am sure a lot of people have their own opinion on what could go there or what should go there, but one thing I know is Mr. Beifus should not be the one calling the shots. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1386 Registered: 3-2003 |
It's interesting that Mark raises the point about not enough parking for the project. Beifus came before the Planning Board with his amended plan which basically removed the parking deck which was part of the first approved plan because it was going to be too expensive to construct. Beifus required a variance for his amended plan because it did not provide for the required amount of parking. Bill Calabrese, who sits on the planning board, said not to worry because there were discusssions betweeen the Village and NJ Transit to build a parking deck at the NJ Transit lot, and Beifus's tenants/guests could use the NJ Transit lot. | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 387 Registered: 6-2005 |
I understand that at the meeting the Chamber sponsored with Millenium on Tuesday, the lawyer for Millenium said that Millenium had offered to take over the Beifus project and had put the offer in writing to the VP and the BOT, and that this offer was rejected. I don't know why it would not have been considered, but how much worse than Beifus could they be, and at least they have a track record of development. If this is true, why did the BOT's turn down their offer and still put their chips on Beifus? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 388 Registered: 6-2005 |
Also, Mr. Rosner, I think that members of the BOT's need to do more than "complain" as you put it. If you feel as you say you do, then propose an ordinace or a resolution or what ever the appropriate vehicle is for action. If it gets defeated, then at least, we the public, will know who is responsible. But its time to put the issue of taking over the Beifus lot to a vote. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22750 Registered: 6-2001  |
That is exactly right, jayjay. | ||
| John Glick Citizen Username: Jgg Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2005 |
Based on all of the threads related to development that I have read, assuming that Millennium made an offer to take over the Beifus project, it would not be surprising if Mr. Rosner, among other trustees, voted against this offer as it is apparent that he is not a big fan of Millennium. Instead of focusing on whether you like the advertising tactics of Millennium, which in the end if nothing else has apparently created greater public awareness about a redevelopment project than past projects ahead of the planning board stage of the process, Mr. Rosner and the rest of the BOT should focus on getting qualified developers with a proven track record to get these projects completed as quickly as possible. Continuely debating what to do for years on end without any action will ultimately work against all of the BOT members when they are up for re-election, no matter how much any one individual trustee tries to separate themselves from their fellow trustees on redevelopment issues. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22753 Registered: 6-2001 |
I don't advocate giving the project to Millennium, just taking it away from Beifus. It's time. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2554 Registered: 4-2002 |
jayjay: I have never seen a letter from Millennium about taking over the project from Beifus. I never participated nor do I know of any vote about letting Millennium taking over the Beifus project. As I have stated, I am not a big fan of the approved project. I would certainly like to entertain offers from other developers and if Millennium has something to propose, I would love to see it. There have been several votes in the past regarding Beifus, so I think it is pretty clear where at least three trustees and the VP stand on the issue. I also think we will probably be discussing the site again and would not be surprised if a vote comes from the discussion. John Glick: Millennium is clearly a major developer with a track record. I understand they are just negotiating and trying to use the public to pressure us into making a decision. When the time comes I will have more than an open mind about considering Millennium. I do agree we need to focus on the process and getting proposals from other developers. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3339 Registered: 5-2001 |
Mark - While I believe you, Mr. Berkeley was quite adament that such an offer WAS made IN WRITING. I think that next time he comes before the BOT he should be asked to produce the letter. If he is lying about this, his credibility is zero and it further puts into question everything that has been said by him about the Millenium proposal. | ||
| I. Kabish Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 311 Registered: 6-2005  |
Could it be that the letter was directed to the redevelopment committee and not distributed to all members of the Board. If received by counsel and mentioned only to the village president and administrator without any further communications to the BoT is grounds for dismissal, imo. The village attorney is to act in the full interest of all members of the BoT and not only the Village President. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3341 Registered: 5-2001 |
My new logo represents when that will ever happen. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3342 Registered: 5-2001 |
hmmm...I THOUGHT I uploaded a new logo.... | ||
| Porked Again Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 312 Registered: 6-2005 |
You certainly did. BTW: I always wondered what PA stood for behind a name.  | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2313 Registered: 5-2004  |
MHD, you just need to refresh your browser. We see the flying pig... | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 41 Registered: 1-2006 |
Is there a conflict for BC if he is on the planning board and has any business arrangements, however broad or narrow, with anyone in SO, Berlin, or anywhere, which include financial interests in real estate in SO? This question goes for everyone on the planning board, for starters. jd | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22758 Registered: 6-2001 |
To my unpracticed eye, the answer to that has to be YES! | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 42 Registered: 1-2006 |
Maybe Bill Calabrese can recuse himself from everything when he sits on the P board. This should apply to the Board of Trustees also, unless and until he explains to the public his dealings with Sayid, and answers questions from the public. If he resigns, then he would not need to answer any questions from the public. I will find time to present my opinion to the B of T and the Planning Board at my first opportunity. But, stricken by the sight of the recent progress downtown, (razing to the ground the beautiful triangle building on Vose, higher mound of dirt at Lake Beifus, no rock climbing wall at sopac - our great white whale, the stunning addition of "foods r us" at the shopworn, not so ship-shape, Shop Rite site), I may need a few weeks to recover the strength needed to look at our elected officials, all honorable men and women, and speak to them. jd | ||
| I. Resign Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 314 Registered: 6-2005 |
After much reflection and considerable discussion with my camel posse, I do believe this is the best course of action for the village. At an attempt to be myself (comically inappropriate and obnoxious) - I was given this clip from my good friend and partner...... http://www.flurl.com/uploaded/family_guy_osama_bin_laden_4295.html | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3352 Registered: 5-2001 |
I drove past the new "pedestrian bridge" the other day & I must admit it almost looks like a REAL construction site. I'm glad that public pressure FINALLY got Beifus to do something. Let's just hope that someone is as diligent about addressing any grafitti that appears on that nice white wall. | ||
| JoRo Citizen Username: Autojoe51 Post Number: 63 Registered: 10-2005 |
How did it come to pass that the triangle building was razed? Classic Spanish-Revival potential begging to be rehabbed and filled with new shops. I'm not against change and rebuilding is in some cases totally merited, but we shouldn't tear down our beautiful history. Pity pity pity. Gotta pick our spots. | ||
| Eric DeVaris Citizen Username: Eric_devaris Post Number: 271 Registered: 2-2003  |
JoRo, The triangular building on Vose Av., we used to call it our flat iron building, was indeed a beautiful building, and a great loss for the architectural heritage of our Vilage. The Design Committee of Main Street tried very hard, in negotiations with the architects and the owner of the project, to preserve it in its entirety, or at least preserve its facade. We even prepared drawings incorporating the existing facade to the design of the architect. It looked good, but the argument was that the existing stores did not have any depth, too small and inefficient, and preserving the facade alone was too expensive. So it was with great regret that we gave in to the realities of economics and efficiency. | ||
| JoRo Citizen Username: Autojoe51 Post Number: 64 Registered: 10-2005 |
eric, thanks for the response. it's an architectural travesty to have lost it. i know retailers are frequently looking for certain specs in terms of storage and square footage, but one would think others are equally (or more) interested in being part of a historical bldg with heritage and charm. there are so many examples of businesses taking advantage of atypical spaces across the east coast (armed services recruiting office in times square, the original soup man on the west side, beauty bar, etc.), which is by its nature crowded and historic. we need to make sure more heritage is not lost in the name of progress. please do your best to work with the other trustees to preserve our town. the problem with demolishing history is you can't get it back! | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 400 Registered: 6-2005 |
Well, they tear down the Vose flat iron building, something of real architectural interest, but leave up the horrible old Shop Rite building. Tells you something about the developer's sensitivity to what is good for the town. Don't tell me we are an arts-sensitive community. Where were all the resident artists on this one? And SOPAC? And the Baird Art Gallery folks? | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3357 Registered: 5-2001 |
...too busy getting the town have the taxpayers foot the bill for a Tony Smith sculpture....  | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8625 Registered: 4-1997  |
While I understand the Tony Smith sculpture backlash in light of the Calabrese administration's corruption and incompetence (yes, that warm "fuzzy" Bill Calabrese), I hope it doesn't prevent people from appreciating Tony Smith's life's work and accomplishments. In a just world, Calabrese would be in court defending his connections to local developers and Tony Smith's work would be featured in a prominent venue in a local park. I want to go on record saying that Calabrese is more ruinous to our community than Bush is to the nation. He's THAT bad. Anyone who supports CALABRESE, ROSEN or TAYLOR needs a serious intervention. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3358 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave, I agree 100%. I have nothing against Tony Smith and his accomplishments. However, like you said, Calabrese and his cronies have already squandered millions of taxpayer dollars that we now cannot afford this luxury item. | ||
| Two Senses Citizen Username: Twosense Post Number: 414 Registered: 7-2004 |
Eric, thanks for your post: "It looked good, but the argument was that the existing stores did not have any depth, too small and inefficient, and preserving the facade alone was too expensive." Is it true that the Village approved a plan for this site with very limited retail space that's only 30' deep -- insufficient for virtually every category of retailer? If true, a retailer would be required to build merchandise storage along the front side of the building -- unless, of course, it's a nail salon or non-retail professional tenant. | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 3188 Registered: 11-2001  |
The fence and walkway are up..... | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8735 Registered: 4-1997 |
Can't wait to try the walkway out. How exciting. 15 years' wait is worth it, I say. Who could have imagined? We can now walk along SO Avenue! On foot, no less. My god. What a wonderful life. I think I'm going to break into song. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 89 Registered: 1-2006 |
Maybe you could break into song at the Performing Arts Center on opening night, which is, as you know, coming soon. After the curtain falls, you can go to the Village Market and buy some fresh fruit and desserts for your guests, who will be housed in the coming soon hotel. jd | ||
| SO1969 Citizen Username: Bklyn1969 Post Number: 217 Registered: 7-2004 |
Was the hotel idea something that came out of the Atlantic group study? If yes, I take it as a cautionary tale about planning. It means more than just hiring someone to do a plan. The hotel would be a disaster - financially. I don't think it would make it. I'm not sure why we would have wanted it to make it. I disagree with making SO a destination of any magnitude - home to some nice shops, well regarded restaurants, and yes a venue for film and performing arts, but a shopping mecca or tourist mecca? We really don't have the transportation infrastructure. It is one of the things I liked about the town - there is no answer to the question "Which exit?" Our goal, primarily, should be to have a virtous circle of capturing more of SO residents' disposable income in local stores/restaurants, making them better, attracting more people to SO - as residents, attracting better stores/restaurants, etc. All this to keep the town as a whole vibrant and to maximize the limited commercial tax base we have to help with overall tax burden. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2579 Registered: 4-2002 |
SO1969: The hotel idea did come from the Atlantic group. No major hotel chain saw the potential either. I agree with your post - and think you are right on target with your comments. Basically bigger is not always better (except for the developer). | ||
| Walker Citizen Username: Fester Post Number: 246 Registered: 4-2003  |
So now that Beifus has built the covered sidewalk does any one know when they will open it? | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 3190 Registered: 11-2001 |
Glad to notice nothing is blocking the avenue or the flow of traffic today......   | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1441 Registered: 3-2003 |
I think that the lawyer for Beifus said at the meeting last week that the county has to approve the walkway before it can be opened. |
