| Author |
Message |
    
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1179
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 1:58 pm: | 
|
MHD -- the utterly cyncial among us might think that Pulte installed the swingset -- so as to give the appearance of "nothing's wrong." But none of us here are that cynical, are we?! ;-) --Pete |
red_alert
Citizen
Username: Red_alert
Post Number: 124
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 10:33 pm: |
|
That would be a great picture for the "Theme of South Orange". Children with breathing masks playing next to a rock blasting.
That would be a refreshing change from the "coming soon" motto.
Good thing Bill's kids are old enough not to play near the dusty piles.
|
newtoallthis
Citizen
Username: Newtoallthis
Post Number: 211
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 12:55 pm: |
|
While walking on Mayhew today I saw a dump truck blow through a stop sign at Tillou/Mayhew while the driver talked on a cell phone. I missed getting the license, though... |
gozerbrown
Citizen
Username: Gozerbrown
Post Number: 704
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 1:11 pm: |
|
Last week, a typo in the News-Record called Mayhew Drive "Mayhem" Drive. Sounds like it's living up to it. |
Spitz
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 1133
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 1:29 pm: |
|
In the meantime, does anybody know how well the units are selling? They must be selling well, since the prices listed in realtor.com are in the $1.3 million range, well above the original prices, which were in the 900's.
I wonder whether the units selling for $1.3 million are being assessed at the higher price? (Actually, they should be assessed at the townwide assessment ratio which is about 50% or assessed at $600,000, and the units sold for $900,000 should be assessed at $450,000).
|
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2504
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 1:54 pm: |
|
Newtoallthis,
You should certainly call the police and/or John Gross in Village Hall & let them know. They will increase traffic enforcement.
Spitz,
I think the higher priced units have additional "upgrades", such as a finished basement. I don't know if "upgrades" are factored into an assessment, but I would certainly think they should be.
|
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 1975
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:08 pm: |
|
Spitz, MHD: There are three different sized units. Each one has a different assessed value. Some upgrades would not make a difference to the assessed value as they are more of a personal thing (better carpeting, appliances, etc).
The reval is supposed to be done in time for 2008 so every home in S. Orange will be adjusted to 100% of assessed value.
|
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1897
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:14 pm: |
|
adjusted to 100% market value thereby establishing a new assessed valuation to market...no? |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 8714
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:18 pm: |
|
Wow, yours has to be the only area in town where $1,000,000 plus homes decrease property values.  |
Old and Gray
Citizen
Username: Pastmyprime
Post Number: 117
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:22 pm: |
|
Definantly call the police...but don't wait until 30 minutes after the occurance...Call when you see a possible infraction. I laugh when my nieghbor called to complain about noisy apartment in our building the morning after a loud house party...I was in the hallway getting my news paper and could see the police officer trying to hold in the laughter as he explained to the person that they couldn't do anything about it at 9am...8 hours after the fact. |
Walker
Citizen
Username: Fester
Post Number: 166
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:22 pm: |
|
Mark;
Any idea on when pulte will be done with construction?
Thanks in advance |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1183
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:24 pm: |
|
My neighbor went to see the models -- the "top of the line" one has a base price of about $1M and has $475k worth of upgrades -- WOW!
Interesting about the tax situation and upgrades, though. Before living in SO -- had a custom built house. The developer had us pay the subs separately for "upgrades" -- hence they were never factored into the sale price, transfer taxes, etc. I have no clue how legit that is or not. Maybe happening with Pulte, too?
Pete
|
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 1976
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:36 pm: |
|
Walker, I asked that question this morning. It appears that it will be at least another year.
Pete: Everyone I know who has seen the models says the same thing that you did -- Wow. I still have to get over and see them.
|
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2505
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:50 pm: |
|
Yeah...Wow...$1.3 million for a townhouse.
PT Barnum was right. 
Actually, when we went to look at them, people walked out laughing when they asked about the taxes. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 1109
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 2:59 pm: |
|
MHD, a wonderful thing to say about people who will ultimately be your new neighbors.
And they're not townhouses... but even if they are, they're 3000+ sq ft townhouses... |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 8716
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 3:01 pm: |
|
The listings on GSMLS show prices of around $1.2mil with $25,000 taxes. Assuming a 50% equalization rate (as posted above) and a tax rate of 5.56% the taxes should be more like $35,000.
|
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1184
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 3:37 pm: |
|
actually -- the largest model -- quoted as having 5,000 square feet (!)
/p |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 2365
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 10:57 am: |
|
Does anybody else feel, as I do, that those homes are horribly ugly? I mean, I'm sure they are loaded with amenities, but when you spend that much money you ought to be able to select a home that actually looks nice. They may be new and huge, but they don't offer much more architectural appeal than, say, most of Union. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2506
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 11:22 am: |
|
Notehead,
YES! Ironically, the following appeared in the News-Record in 2002 after one of the Planning Board meetings:
The architect said there are three different construction models for the townhouses, A, B and C, and the units will be constructed with different combinations, such as A/C or B/A. Minno said one of the reasons for the design concept was "Pulte has a standard of no monotony."
 |
Two Sense
Citizen
Username: Twosense
Post Number: 194
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 11:38 am: |
|
The Pulteplex is supposed to include public space in the rear of the site, including both a pond and pathway. Aside from the fact that the sales office model and plan revealed NO public parking, is Pulte obligated to complete and open this space to the public within a specific timeframe? |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 276
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:14 pm: |
|
Two Sense:
I think Allan Rosen can answer that question. Some months ago he signed the resolution establishing agreement with Pulte on access to the 10 acre reserve.
|
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1186
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:23 pm: |
|
Actually, I think they are pretty attractive. Materials seem high quality, even the joists, laminate beams, etc. used -- which you don't "see".
On the outside lots of detail around the windows, doors, trim, eaves, etc. Not at all what you'd find in basic developments. [but then, these are sort of mini-McMansions!]
While I think paying $1.5M for an attached home in the 'burbs is kinda crazy, obviously there is a market that sees it differently!
Take a look at the mish mosh of archtecture and styles within 1/2 a block in all directions on Harding and Tillou. There are some (IMO) "Class A" ugly houses there.
If you look at the front elevations of the Pulte homes they differ quite a lot. How the garages and entrances are placed, styles of windows, etc.
In terms of aesthetics -- different folks see things differently.
I would think that there are "stages" for the development based on sales -- and within one of those stages is the "open space" -- I can't imagine there is a predetermined timeframe.
I hope we can agree on the need for maintaining a safe and healthy construction site and surrounding areas -- and the town remains vigilant in enforcement!
Pete |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2507
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:38 pm: |
|
Two Sense,
Just keep in mind that before you start grabbing your sunscreen and beach blanket for the "public space", that space is nothing more than a large detention basin that was created because the existing Wetlands prohibited developing that area of the property. I don't think public parking will be an issue. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 278
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:44 pm: |
|
I take exception to your comment "Take a look at the mish mosh of archtecture and styles within 1/2 a block in all directions on Harding and Tillou. There are some (IMO) "Class A" ugly houses there." - I live on Harding!
On the "safe and healthy construction" comment - we are having a difficult time with the Dust created by the project itself and the convoy of trucks removing soil from the property (also wreckless driving).
It seems that the crushing operation has been halted but are concerned that the rock pile will need to be removed and in the process will create a hazardous dust condition. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1189
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:53 pm: |
|
Howard --
I didn't realize you lived that close to the site. Aesthetics -- are the eye of the beholder! ;-) I don't know your house, but I did vote for you (and would again~)!
Does Pulte communicate in some way with nearby neighbors (like yourself)? It astonishes me that they don't seem to even try to be good neighbors.
When I lived in another town, I'd say we got flyers at our door every other week or so from the nearby developer. They'd come pretty quickly if there was a dirt, trash, drainage, noise, problem, etc. to talk. They also had a street sweeper come every Friday to clean the development and nearby streets.
In retrospect, this developer had a lot of housing developments in my former town, so had incentives to have a good reputation -- I'm guessing once Pulte has this one done -- they're out of here.
Pete |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2509
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 1:26 pm: |
|
Pete,
I'm not so sure...after the sweet deal Pulte got in the Quarry, I'll bet they'll be first in line to develop Orange Lawn Tennis Club when that day comes.
For those people who are new to town, on the town's "Master Plan", the Quarry was designated as "Planned Residential Cluster A" and Orange Lawn Tennis Club is designated at "Planned Residential Cluster B".
The question is not IF, but WHEN that development will happen. |
Spitz
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 1134
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 1:34 pm: |
|
I may be mistaken on this, but I thought that about a year ago or so (maybe two)the OLTC was rezoned "recreational." It was at least discussed at a BOT meeting. |
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1902
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 1:44 pm: |
|
Does anyone think that the Gaslight development is attractive? I ride by everyday and just shake my head. This was the project that received preliminary and final site approval in one night from the planning board. Some things are better left for public review rather than to politicians who commandeer the process. Did the Atlantic Group study ever think of two behemoths like that ever being built? I don't think so.
BTW: When was the last time our Redevelopment Committee met? Have they sketched out any new designs that they would like to share with us? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2510
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 1:49 pm: |
|
Spitz,
How can that be possible? Orange Lawn is part of the same COAH settlement as the Quarry. The story the town always gave regarding the quarry was that it "had" to be developed to settle COAH (affordable housing) litigation and it couldn't simply be re-zoned. The same should hold true for Orange Lawn. |
Spitz
Supporter
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 1135
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 1:51 pm: |
|
MHD - It was discussed. Maybe Mark can advise whether it was rezoned? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 1979
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 2:04 pm: |
|
SPitz: I know that was our intent. I will see if the change was ever made final or if there still some legal steps we had to wait for.
MHD: That was part of what was stated. There were other reasons given too. I prefer not to re-hash with you all over again, mostly because you are too still angry over the outcome.
Pizzaz: The redevelopment committee only met once in the past two years (no other comment about this from me - at this time).
|
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2511
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 2:31 pm: |
|
Other reasons? I'd love to hear them:
Village Trustee Chris Hartwyk said the current proposal meets with what has been ordered by the court under the Mt. Laurel housing settlement. “This fight has been fought,” Hartwyk said. “This property will be developed.”
www.preserveso.com
Hartwyk said the only way to prevent the quarry development would be if the Council on Affordable Housing agreed to remove the quarry from the fair-share housing plan, and the quarry would have to be restricted by deed from ever being developed. Hartwyk said although the trustees would approach the Council on Affordable Housing about removing the quarry from the fair-share housing plan, be wasn’t optimistic about the outcome.
www.preserveso.com
So, COAH had no problem removing Orange Lawn from the fair share housing plan?
|
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 279
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 3:40 pm: |
|
It is my impression that Orange Lawn is included in the inventory of potential open space properties. Also, I have been told that the Open Space & Recreation Master Plan has been accepted as part of the Master Plan.
If this is the case then the listed properties should be re-zoned as open space immediately. |
jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 12
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 3:55 pm: |
|
Pizzaz-
I agree that the Gaslight development leaves lot to be desired. I don't understand why something so large was approved so quickly, except to get the Shop Rite new store killed ASAP. I keep thinking that there needs to be a set of design standards developed which builders should adhere to before something can be built. Other towns do this and we should learn from them. otherwise, its anything goes. Have you seen that relatively new yellow monstrosity on Valley which is a child care center or something? |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1193
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 4:05 pm: |
|
jay --
Hear hear on the child care center. just an absurb "addition" -- the buildings together are about as unattractive as might be imagined. There must be a lot of BAD architects working in SO!
That said, I think Gaslight commons looks pretty good, especially with its setback and wall/fence. OTOH -- Church Street Commons is no treat for the eyes...
Pete
(Guess now its time for the committees to come over and vote on our homes/cars/etc, since we're being such critics ;-) |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 1706
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 9:26 pm: |
|
Gaslight nuked my enjoyment of 3rd street playground and the waterlands. Used to be I could walk to the far end of 3rd street park and lay on the hill next to the brook and dream that I was on a mountain in colorado. Visitors often included geese, ducks, swallows, cats, blue herons, and egrets.
I once watched a mating dance between two egrets that is still one of my best memories.
That was where I always went during blizzards to make snow angels, swing on the swings in the snow, and generally make a fool out of myself.
But having that humongous behemoth with its thousands of unseen eyes watching me has prevented that from happening these past 2-3 years.
And I live on Church Street, and I again agree with your assessment of Church Street Commons, East & West. You do know that the East Side apartments are now being converted to Luxury Condominiums with a minimum price tag of $400K, right? |
jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 30
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 11:50 am: |
|
Does anyone know what's supposed to happen to the hugh mountain of gray stone that Pulte has created in the quarry?
Also, I find it odd that putting up a split rail fence on top of retaining walls which have hugh drop offs is okay with the building code. It seems like it would be easy for a child to get over one if they were inclined. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 298
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 1:45 pm: |
|
We are currently working with the NJDEP and Town Administration on this issue. I will post shortly what we have determined. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 299
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 1:49 pm: |
|
jayjay - private line me if you would like to discuss. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page