| Author | Message | ||
     Josh Holtz Citizen Username: Jholtz Post Number: 309 Registered: 4-2004 |
Also, no storage for the retailers? No storage for the tenants? No gym? Scary. I like the fact that retailers are going to be using up their valuable (and costly) retail floor space for storage. And that the tenants above them will be running back and forth between their condo and their storage unit for things. An incredibly well thought out plan IMHO. And I still am not sure why the basement had to be eliminated. Interior and exterior french drain the basement. Double up on the pumps - and let them do their work. The revenue generated by having a basement (better retail rents due to storage, better condo sales due to storage & fitness room) would far outweigh the costs of running the sump pumps - even if it was 24/7. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1486 Registered: 3-2003 |
I believe that Bill C. feels that so long as he doesn't vote on something that he has (or may have) a conflict with, he can participate in the discussion. His abstention tonight was in response to a question from a resident who asked whether any member of the Planning Board had a conflict of interest. The answer at that time from Anabile was that anytime a member has had a conflict, he was certain that the member would so advise him. Bill C. was silent on the conflict matter until the vote. | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1838 Registered: 8-2002 |
IF the water table is really at 7 ft -- then eliminating the basement does make sense. Putting up a building that would almost inevitably have water issues -- not good for the owner or the tenants. (too risky) That said -- there is no reasonable explanation why it took SO many years to get to this point. The engineer made a comment about it being the lowest point in the village -- umm -- its been that way for a considerable length of time. And, when Beifus himself said that his former building had only a 6 foot basement -- ding ding ding -- shouldn't someone have realized this issue when the building was being designed? Oh well, why beat this to death -- less than 60 days now until construction. I can now hold my breath given last night's assurances..... /p | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3481 Registered: 5-2001  |
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| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1840 Registered: 8-2002 |
no MHD, really, I heard the lawyer say it last night.... I'm so relieved this is finally going to happen, arn't you? New Market can't be far behind... | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3482 Registered: 5-2001 |
Pete, OH....A LAWYER said it, so it must be true. All we need now is for CALABRESE to say it and we can be guaranteed it's true!  | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 439 Registered: 6-2005 |
Why do we have to wait 60 days? Why the 2-month hold up? | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1487 Registered: 3-2003 |
Last night, the architect for Beifus said that the retail was in a "highly desirable space." So why does Beifus need a PILOT? | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2637 Registered: 4-2002 |
He is not a highly desired developer. | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 440 Registered: 6-2005 |
I am wondering who will actually own the retail space in the building. Will the retail space be sold off as retail condo units or will the developer continue to own it? In these mixed use buildings, balancing the interests of those who live in the building with those who conduct business in the building could prove tricky, and I'm curious as to how this will play out. | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonh Post Number: 466 Registered: 1-2004  |
What is scary about this whole scenario is the fact there is contaminated ground water emanating from some unknown source. This source must be found and remediated! If that is the case and I would assume that the Township must see that this remediation is done then the proposed basement elimination is a non-issue - back to the original plan. I would assume that without a basement the value of both the Retail and Residential spaces are diminished – should the Pilot be recalculated? | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1843 Registered: 8-2002 |
Howard, Are we sure there is contaminated ground water? What I heard last night is there was a "petroleum smell" that dissapted. For all we know someone could have dumped some gallons of gas, turpentine, or even some cleaner -- and its evaporated. Unfortunately, I did not get a sense that we *know* its gone. But the DEP/EPA was notified and say Beifus is ok to build... (right?) About the PILOT -- isn't the number of units a figure used in the calculation? If so, I don't think that changed, so the PILOT would stand. Personally, if I were opening a business there or wanted to live there -- I'd sure want to know that whatever caused the "petroleum smell" is no threat. Pete | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 3271 Registered: 11-2001  |
Excellent point, Howard. | ||
| JoRo Citizen Username: Autojoe51 Post Number: 80 Registered: 10-2005 |
I agree with Howard. The DEP may have given permission to build, and the smell may have been temporary, but it seems the right thing to do is to look for the source and remediate it, if necessary. | ||
| Josh Holtz Citizen Username: Jholtz Post Number: 312 Registered: 4-2004 |
Beifus did not want to build the basement period - exactly why I do not know. It is definitely a financial reason though. I know there is an approximate cost savings of about 750K but I can't imagine that being the only reason. At the BOT meeting in January the reason they said they stopped construction was due to this potentially hazardous ground water that was coming from somwhere above the site. Last night we were told that this water with "some type of odor" occured only once and has not been found again on the site. In fact, being there last night I felt that the only reason this possible hazardous ground water was brought in front of the BOT originally was to get them to this point of eliminating the basement. A scare tactic, if you will, to pressure the Village into allowing the elimination of the basement. I watched Mr. Williams and every member of the Beifus clan trying to avoid the questions that releated to the water with odor. In fact they they slickly turned the issue into the possible incessant fight against the low water table. That Beifus did not want to have sump pumps running continuously to combat the ground water on site - the reliance on those pumps to keep water away from the building. This whole project is a scam right down to Mr. Williams' grandiose speeches to the eyeballs BC was throwing at Andrew Beifus throughout the meeting. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1488 Registered: 3-2003 |
And I thought I was the only one who saw BC throwing eyeballs at Andrew Beifus. What's interesting is that Beifus now understands why the basement in his building was only six feet high. They were smart enough, what, about 70 years ago to know about the situation, but not smart enough now? | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonh Post Number: 468 Registered: 1-2004 |
I think the point was made by the Beifus attorney (see: www.howard-levison.com/bot01232006_Contamination.wmv)that the water entering the site was contaminated. They were able to obtained a "No Further Action" letter from the DEP which eliminates the burden of remediation on their part. The DEP stated they found contamination in the test boring at the site but has concluded that the source was from outside the property. | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 3276 Registered: 11-2001 |
Spitz: The secret is out, Bunny's basement is only 6 feet deep. I think the building turns 100 next year. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1489 Registered: 3-2003 |
And a  back at you. | ||
| talk-it-up Citizen Username: Talkitup Post Number: 212 Registered: 3-2004 |
Questions? When did the DEP issue the "No further action Letter"? Was it when the building was in place? Where did they test at that time? This process was started a long time ago? It was also noted that Mr. Beifus said the DEP said the letter was in place and there was some sort of a conversation on the phone that included the Village Engineer? Why didn't the DEP come out? How could they determine over the phone if they missed something? Were there tanks on the site previously? Why didn't the DEP follow-up? Why are we just allowing a lid to be put on it? and What impact is this having on the property at the SO Pool that our children are running through the grass in bare feet? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 446 Registered: 6-2005 |
And what happens when the Beifus site is completely built up and paved over. If it sits higher than the pool area, won't whatever runoff is contaminating its site then run off to the pool area? | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonh Post Number: 470 Registered: 1-2004 |
So it gets back to the issue - if there is contamination in the ground water where/what is the source? If you are concerned you can file a complaint with the DEP at: (1 877 WARNDEP) hotline | ||
| kevin Supporter Username: Kevin Post Number: 628 Registered: 2-2002 |
I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the Beifus lot has contamination or contaminated runoff since it is at the lowest point - both the Beifus lot and the lot above it, the supermarket lot(s) were auto related businesses for many years. Who knows what could be in the ground. Also the train tressle above the lot has probably had train drippings of who knows what filtering down since it was built. | ||
| SOrising Citizen Username: Sorising Post Number: 66 Registered: 2-2006 |
Good idea about the hotline, Howard. Thank you. We should all call them. | ||
| Wilhem Kant Schmelt Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 337 Registered: 6-2005  |
I've been there and done that. I tell you, I'm a proud american ..... The TV show was awesome. Wow, unknown sources of contamination, gas smells, no storage for the tenants, no storage for the store owners, no workout facility, reduced parking - I'd say this board I've controlled for the past 15 years continues to reek. And to you, my constituents of hijacked elections, I say, I have no conflict of interest, I just refuse to place the origin...  To all members of this virtual realm, I apologize if I offend, please allow the continuation of political discourse to sharpen your resolve to stand up and open the window to yell in the tradition of a great politically influenced spiritual - I'm not going to take this (crap) anymore! | ||
| Eric DeVaris Citizen Username: Eric_devaris Post Number: 303 Registered: 2-2003  |
Dave, I see with dismay that Parkingsux is back on this bulletin board, despite your promise of last week that he has been banned for ever. Please let me know if it is your intention to allow on this board people who use vulgarities such as: ...these politicians suck monkey balls... ...they all start doin work on the sh*t they f*cked up through the 4 years they were suppose to do it... ...you - Mr. …., are a dried crust of dog •••• on Bill Calabrese's shoe... ? | ||
| U. R. der Hypocrite Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 338 Registered: 6-2005 |
So Eric, what's your opinion about the approval given to Beifus? You can state an opinion, you really can.  | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 164 Registered: 1-2006 |
Yes, you can. jd | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 4268 Registered: 1-2004  |
Kevin- My family has been here since 1963. I don't remember the supermarket lot(s) being auto related businesses. Do you happen to know when this was? Since my family has been here, I only remember a Shop-Rite being there. | ||
| kevin Supporter Username: Kevin Post Number: 630 Registered: 2-2002 |
Aunt: Back in the 40s, the property at 25 Vose was Wells Cadillac and Oldsmobile. I had posted the ad in this thread on Jan 24th. Back then, (even in the 60s), there wasn't much regard for the environment and what was disposed of in the ground. Here is a link to the actual ad: /discus/messages/3133/100956.jpg The Beifus site was Maple Buick in the 40s: /discus/messages/3133/100989.jpg | ||
| Two Senses Citizen Username: Twosense Post Number: 416 Registered: 7-2004 |
Today, March 9th, officially marks 10 months since Beifus' May 9, 2005 final deadline to start construction or see his property turned into a temporary parking lot while the Village identified another developer. There's a certain symmetry to Beifus now promising he'll start construction in just another two months -- marking the first annual anniversary* of Beifus-Shovel-in-the-Dirt Day. How's that for real redevelopment progress? And, in the process our Village President and BoT showed Beifus who was in charge. *Second annual anniversary since Beifus told the public at Main Street's Winter annual meeting he'd be under construction by Spring 2004, and third annual anniversary since our VP told the public Beifus would be under construction in 2003, or was it 2002? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 455 Registered: 6-2005 |
Listen to the Planning BOard video. Did I hear right? The Beifus attorney said they can't start yet because of the weather, but that the weather should be getting better? Short of a hurricane or a blizzard, what planet is he and (our BOT's who let them get away with this) living on? | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3508 Registered: 5-2001 |
FYI...the video from the March 6 approval for Beifus is now online at http://www.southorange.org/videoViewer.asp | ||
| Howard Levison Citizen Username: Levisonh Post Number: 479 Registered: 1-2004 |
And a quote from the letter sent by William Calabrese during the last election: “I have tried to work effectively on your behalf over the years to keep South Orange a great place to live. Although major projects take longer to complete than I would prefer, SOPAC is under construction, the supermarket has announced a Christmas opening and plans are in place for a new downtown management structure.” And Trustee Jennings, I think you have the year wrong – I don’t think you said 2006 during the election - www.howard-levison.com/bot02272006_ShopRite_Target.wmv | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3633 Registered: 5-2001 |
At Monday's Meeting (March 20), when reporting on Beifus, Calabrese actually stated: "He should be back on site before the month is over to start construction" HUH??? Which Month???? (which year??) At the Planning Board, it was emphatically stated they expect the County approvals to take at least 60 days, and construction won't start before then. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1563 Registered: 3-2003 |
Here's more speculation. At last week's meeting, Bill C. said he abstained from voting on Beifus at the Planning Board meeting out of an abundance of caution regarding the 200 ft. rule. He said he's now checked and the property in which he has (or may have?) an interest is not within 200 ft. of Beifus. So does that mean he's interested in the Rug Shop property which now includes all the property to Church St? Further speculation - Sean Flood mentioned a hotel. Previously, SHU had been approached on some kind of tie-in with a hotel. So maybe Bill is trying to work a deal with SHU? Isn't this fun? | ||
| vermontgolfer Supporter Username: Vermontgolfer Post Number: 363 Registered: 12-2002 |
More fun than a barrelful of MONKEYS! | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 533 Registered: 6-2005 |
At the 3/6 Planning Board Mtg, the Beifus Attorney said that significant activity would begin at the site in 60 days, weather permitting. Ok, we are almost at the 30 day mark. The gas lamp is still blocking the entrance to the construction site, and nothing has happened to date. At last Monday's BOT meeting, when Mr. Dranove challenged the board to come up with a Plan B for Beifus, there was dead silence. So we have no action by Beifus and no action by the BOT's. Also, Mr Amabile, the chair of the Planning Board, said in no uncertain terms that anyone who had a conflict of interest would remove themselves from the board. Is he so sure of that? | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 265 Registered: 1-2006 |
Mr. Dranove will return to the board to ask again about plan B. The town's current plan is the actual Plan 9 From Outer Space. jd | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3762 Registered: 5-2001 |
Today is the last day of the month. So...any construction going on at Beifus, today? |
