The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

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Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 39th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 38-98 Published Every Thursday

USPS 485200 Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N.J. Thursday, September 17, 1998

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

County .......... Page 2 Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 11 Religious ....... Page 10

Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13

David B. Corbin for The Times

WHAT’S THE SCORE?…The score is that a tree measuring two feet in diameter crashed right through the middle of the football scoreboard at Perry Tyson Field in Scotch Plains on Labor Day. The scoreboard was only five-years old. Efforts are being made to expedite a replacement in time for the opening football game on October 10 with Cranford, however, replacements of this nature usually take six to eight weeks.

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

The devastating effects of the Labor Day storm which swept through the region, and the ways in which neighbors pulled together in the wake of nature’s fury, was the focus of last Thursday’s regular meeting of the Fanwood Borough Council. Fanwood was among those communities hardest hit by the storm, which toppled trees and power lines, left houses damaged and cars crushed

by fallen tree trunks, disconnected traffic signals on Martine Avenue, and knocked out power to 80 percent of the borough. It also delayed the opening of schools for the new year until last Friday. Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) company workers were aided by 50 crews from South Jersey and surrounding states who worked 16-hour shifts in an effort to restore power as quickly as possible, according to Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly. “This has been a disaster,” said Mayor Connelly, who declared a state of emergency in the borough at 4 p.m. on September 7, less than two hours after the storm raged through the area with tornado-force winds,

lightning and hail stones. A state of emergency puts the municipality’s emergency management plan into effect, including the cordoning off of streets where hazardous conditions exist due to downed trees and electrical wires, according to the Mayor. Mrs. Connelly projected that the storm took a $1 million toll on the borough. Among the areas particularly pounded was Farley Avenue, where seven utility poles had to be replaced. Officials expressed gratitude, however, that no injuries were reported in the community. Fanwood Police Chief Robert Carboy, Public Works Director Raymond Manfra and Superintendent of

Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye in turn recapped the storm’s powerful impact on the community during last week’s meeting of the governing body. They also recounted how Fanwood’s emergency management team joined forces with residents and Public Service crews to help the borough rebound from the storm, which marked the most extensive power outage in the region in 30 years, according to PSE&G. The emergency management team, headed by Chief Carboy, includes the Mayor and borough administrators, police, fire and rescue squad personnel, and the Department of Public Works.

Drug Store Dropped From Park Place Site

Owners of a Scotch Plains eatery seeking to add a drug store at the restaurant site on the corner of Raritan Road and Martine Avenue, hinted last week that they would withdraw the request before the township Board of Adjustment. Reportedly, an attorney involved in the case notified members of the township Board of Adjustment last week that it was likely Park Place Restaurant owners Mr. and Mrs. George Filippatos would drop the application for two additions after hearing overwhelming objection from residents at a March 12 public hearing. The owners had proposed enlarging the existing restaurant by 6,480 square feet and adding 12,200 square feet of retail space for a Drug Fair. Many residents at that time, cited the potential for increased

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Proposed Day Care Center Meets With Objections From Neighbors By JEANNE WHITNEY

Specially Written for The Times

Raritan Road residents in Scotch Plains raised numerous objections to a proposal for a new child day care center in their neighborhood during a Board of Adjustment meeting last Thursday. Dr. Gail Siber and her husband, Ilya, testified that they own a narrow, 1,000 foot deep lot at 1650 Raritan Road and that they want to replace the house on the site with a child day care facility that Board members said was capable of serving 120 children. The site plan shows seven bathrooms. The Sibers application for a “use variance” in the R-1 residential zone states that between 40 and 50 chil

dren would be cared for at the site, according to the Siber’s attorney. Former township mayor Gabe Spera, a resident of Rahway Road, angrily asked Mr. and Dr. Siber, “Aren’t you looking to run a major business in a residential zone?” Mr. Siber said his intent was to enroll between 40 and 60 children for care, and he added that a total enrollment of 40 youngsters would cover his business costs. No fee per child for the program was revealed. At least another 15 part-time employees would be at the site, which would be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to Dr. Siber. Residents pointed out that truck deliveries of food and other supplies would also be

a part of the whole traffic picture. One resident said a public school bus stop is in front of the proposed day care lot. Dr. Siber, who said she had a pediatric practice in the township for the past five years, testified that she was driven to open a day care center after seeing many parents who returned to work several months after the birth of a child and fretted over finding care for their infants. “There are no day care centers

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Fanwood Submits Storm Update

Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly of Fanwood issued a Storm Recovery Bulletin for residents last week to advise them of safety issues, cleanup of debris, and property damage related to the Labor Day storm which struck the region. According to the bulletin, residents can aid in the storm recovery process by:

· Removing vehicles from streets to enable the Department of Public Works (DPW) to pick up brush freely.

· Keeping sidewalks clear for pedestrians and students.

· Reporting sign obstructions (traffic or street) to (908) 3225000 or (908) 322-7404.

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RESIDENTS COME TOGETHER AS BOROUGH REBOUNDS FROM CRISIS

Fanwood Officials Recap Storm’s Impact; Okay Library Agreement With Consortium

Weldon Expert Says Townhouses Would be Detrimental to Area By BOBBIE BALDASSARI TURSI

Specially Written for The Times

Members of the Scotch Plains Planning Board successfully made their way through the remains of Labor Day’s storm wreckage September 9 to hear the seemingly endless testimony on an application by developer K. Hovnanian for a development proposal known as The Reserve. The developer is seeking site plan approval to build The Reserve, a 116

unit residential townhouse complex, on 7.7 acres of property on the north side of Route No. 22. The property is located off of Meadow Avenue in Scotch Plains, behind a McDonald’s restaurant. The plot of land is owned by sisters-in-law Frances and Angeline Donato of Scotch Plains. Westfield attorney William Butler, representing Weldon Materials, which opposes the plan, spent most

of the evening questioning Dave Zimmerman, an expert witness and professional planner for the company. Mr. Zimmerman was queried about an analytical report drafted for testimony and submission as evidence to the board. Weldon Materials, based in Westfield, owns the stone quarry adjacent to the proposed development site. Mr. Zimmerman’s report, dated July 24, reflects observations and conclusions about the overall planning and the possible detrimental effects of the project. Part of Mr. Zimmerman’s report maintained that the land is in fact not suitable for residential use, nor is the zoning. “I strongly recommend rezoning indicating alternative nonresidential uses such as business or professional, or even scientific labs,” he stated. In turn, attorney Robert Schwartz, representing K. Hovnanian, strongly objected to the submission of the material since it is not a zoning report, but a planning report. He demanded that the subject of alternative uses for the property be excised from the report before the document was submitted as evidence.

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SP-F Teachers’ Contract Hinges On Differences Over Pay Scales By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Negotiators are close — but not close enough — to resolving the contract dispute between the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education and the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Education Association (SPFEA) teachers’ union. Negotiators have met three times this month, on September 1 and 2, as well as this past Monday. One of those sessions was with a state mediator. Prior to Monday’s meeting, SPFEA President Barbara McGuane said, “We’re so close, I hate to see job

action...and the district in disarray.” Job action generally refers to methods the teachers’ union would endorse that are just short of actually striking. One stumbling block in negotiations continues to be pay scales. According to the union President, two of the district’s three salary guides remained unsettled going into Monday’s meeting. The board seems willing to work through this stumbling block, judging from the report of Board Vice President Theresa Larkin during

Tuesday’s agenda meeting. “Our negotiator is reconfiguring the district’s salary guides,” explained Mrs. Larkin. “It could take a week. These will be passed out and, depending on the teams’ schedules, we may or may not meet before Tuesday, October 5.” A mediation session is scheduled for that day. On September 1, the board proposed a three-year contract spanning 1998 to 2001, which includes salary increases of 3.7 percent the first two years, and 3.5 percent after that. As

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SUBDIVISION RESIDENTS QUESTION BOND RETURN

SP Council Proposes Five New Ball Fields; Storm Clean-Up Continues in Township By JEANNE WHITNEY

Specially Written for The Times

Two Scotch Plains Township Council members revealed a proposal Tuesday to add five more athletic fields in the township

within the next five years. Republican Councilmen William F. McClintock, Jr., and Robert Johnston released a statement saying they had worked as a sub-committee with the township’s Recreation Commission in developing a plan for five new baseball and soccer fields by the year 2003. Councilman Martin Marks dubbed the plan “Five in Five.” The township recently reached an agreement with the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools on Raritan Road to lease space in front of the building for a ball field. Councilman McClintock called the spot the first new field under the plan. “That field will be in place by March 1999,” he said. There were no new fields created in the township over the last 20 years, Mr. McClintock said, and he claimed that the demand for field space in the township had doubled over the past 10 to 15 years. Mr. McClintock took up Governor Christine Todd Whitman’s banner of preserving open space in the state while planning for the ball fields, saying, “Open space in New Jersey is disappearing. We will probably not be able to fully implement this plan without finding additional property.

“It’s an aggressive plan, but doable,” he added. The proposal asked the Recreation Commission to look at possible field sites behind the South Side Fire House and in Kramer and Brookside Parks.

The township is also in the midst of court action to acquire the former Scotch Plains Zoo property for over half a million dollars, after condemning the property when the zoo was shut down last year. Council members have indicated the property would be retained for a park. The councilman said he will look at grants and possibly a bond issue to fund the purchase of property for fields. In other business at Tuesday’s coun

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Township Issues Storm Update

As a result of the Labor Day storm, the Scotch Plains Township Department of Public Works (DPW) will be picking up debris at curbside from residents on a continuous basis. Although the regular branch-and-brush pickup was scheduled for Monday, September 21, it will now be incorporated into the storm clean-up. Items need not be cut into fourfoot lengths or tied in bundles. DPW Director Walter DiNizo said there are several tractor trailer trucks and DPW crews picking up debris every day of the week, except Sundays. Mr. DiNizo said the department will be grinding and disposing of the organic material. The result

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Courtesy of Maurice Fenichel for The Times

SUDDEN IMPACT...A car parked on Coriell Avenue in Fanwood was crushed by a tree which came down during the high winds from the Labor Day storm. Despite 100 reported incidents involving downed wires and trees, no injuries were reported as a result of the weather emergency.

Courtesy of Maurice Fenichel for The Times

A COMPLETE LOSS...This mini-van, parked along Coriell Avenue in Fanwood, was destroyed during the Labor Day storm when a power line fell on it, thus setting the vehicle on fire. Most of Fanwood and Scotch Plains was without power from the storm, with some residents not getting electricity back until just last Friday night.

William B. Burke for The Times

GIDDY-UP...This youngster gets a hand in climbing on top a pony during last weekend’s Jersey Jazz Festival in Nomahegan Park in Cranford. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the event featured entertainment throughout the weekend.

Page 12 Thursday, September 17, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

NUTS PLENTY 2X3

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Chief Carboy revealed that 100 incidents of felled trees and wires were reported to police after the storm passed through. He said barricades were set up to block streets where dangerous conditions existed as a result of storm damage. In addition to members of his own department, the Chief cited volunteer firefighters, rescue squad and Public Works personnel for their efforts during the storm’s aftermath, and also gave a nod to county officials for providing fuel to Fanwood’s emergency vehicles after power was lost at the Public Works Department, as well as additional blockades. Chief Carboy told The Times on Tuesday that power had been restored to all neighborhoods by the previous Friday, though he speculated that certain people may have still been without power. He said the traffic signals were working again by last Thursday morning. All downed wires had been disconnected, the Chief confirmed, and Public Works crews were continuing this week to clean up debris which was scattered throughout the municipality by the storm. In addition to no injuries being reported, Chief Carboy said there were no reports of traffic accidents or thefts in the borough during the three days following the storm. Mr. Manfra reported during the governing body’s meeting that all but a couple of roads which had been closed in Fanwood had been reopened. He additionally commended his workers’ “tremendous job” in dealing with the arduous cleanup task. All borough streets are now open, the Public Works Director confirmed on Wednesday. Reflecting on the ways in which residents helped each other out during the emergency, Mayor Connelly observed, as an example, how Joe Nagy of Fanwood’s Channel 35 ran extension cords from his house to the homes of two neighbors who had lost power during the storm. “I’m so privileged to be part of a community where neighbors stepped up to help neighbors,” echoed Dr. Choye, who said she spent the week touring borough streets to determine when it would be safe for schools to open for the start of the 1998-1999 year. She also thanked Chief Carboy and Scotch Plains Police Chief Thomas O’ Brien for their input regarding the school safety issue. Dr. Ingeborg Bossert of Forest Road questioned why she had not seen utility company trucks in her neighborhood when some residents were still without power that day, adding that she had seen a worker sleeping in a parked truck in the vicinity. Mayor Connelly said restoration of power to the entire borough could not be

accomplished right away. She explained that grids had to be prepared indicating the worst areas of damage, after which an assessment had to be given to the county. The Mayor also revealed that PSE&G engineers had to survey the area and report back to the company on damage areas. She added that some repair efforts, such as the replacement of utility poles, had to be done in several phases involving multiple work crews. Mrs. Connelly speculated that the sleeping workman might have been waiting for other workers to show up at a job site. Richard Young of Midway Avenue, who himself helped direct traffic from Midway onto Russell Road after the storm, lauded emergency response personnel and others who turned out to aid their fellow residents. “Everyone who could lend a hand seemed to be out there doing their best, helping out,” he remarked. “People did a wonderful job considering the amount of damage. I don’t see how, without bringing in an army of 50,000, you can get it done any faster,” he added. In related business, the governing body introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 93 of the Borough Code dealing with the restoration of non-conforming accessory structures on residential properties, a number of which were reportedly damaged by the storm. The code currently states that if 50 percent or more of a non-conforming accessory structure is damaged, the property owner must get site plan or variance approval in order to restore it in the same location. According to the ordinance, a nonconforming structure may be rebuilt on its original spot, regardless of the percent of damage, providing that the structure’s foundation remains and the destruction occurred within the 1998 calendar year. Borough Attorney Dennis Estis explained that the ordinance is in compliance with a state statute covering damage to accessory structures. He said the governing body’s goal was to save families who sustained property damage from the storm the time and expense of having to present appeals before the Planning Board. The ordinance is expected to be voted on by the Planning Board next Wednesday, September 23, and given a public hearing by the council during a special meeting on Wednesday, October 7. Under other business, officials approved a resolution authorizing an agreement between the Fanwood Memorial Library Board of Trustees and the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC). Membership in the consortium, as outlined by Fanwood Library Director Daniel Weiss at the governing body’s August 5 agenda session, will allow the library to become automated at less cost than it could independently. He explained that the consortium would benefit the library in its administrative functions and patron services as well. Council members also supported a resolution approving an interlocal agreement with Scotch Plains for the services of a matron for the municipal jail. Resolutions were also approved authorizing Mayor Connelly to request a $25,000 transportation development district grant from the county; adding Sovereign Bank of Scotch Plains as an official depository for borough funds, and accepting a $12,000 bid from Twin Construction of Scotch Plains for an extension to the municipal building. The project will provide additional space for the borough’s Construction and Tax offices. Mayor Connelly displayed the check she had received at a Union County Freeholders meeting earlier that evening, representing a $125,000 grant awarded to the borough through the county’s Project Pocket Park Program. Finally, a resolution was presented to Tricia Nering of Fanwood, the founder of Heart for Humanity, recognizing her efforts in collecting food, clothing and furniture for needy families in the area. A proclamation was also issued to The Chelsea at Fanwood, an assisted living facility which opened a year ago on South Avenue, in tribute to Assisted Living Week, September 13-19.

Officials Recap Storm’s Impact on Community

around us that will accept infants,” Dr. Siber claimed. She later said her proposed center would also accept pre-school age children up through age five. The Sibers said they purchased the Raritan Road property a year ago with the idea of creating a day care center and another resident said it sold for $145,000. Dr. Siber explained that she toured other child care centers and hoped to improve on what she had seen, at her own center. She described how in her experience, many children eat dry cereal for breakfast, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch and cookies for snacks. “Then a mother says to me her child will not eat dinner.” Dr. Siber said her center would serve at least two hot meals each day. “Children need hot, nutritious food,” she added. Dr. Siber also said she would provide a playground in the rear of the lot. Dr. Siber pointed out that, in her mind, a day care center in a residential area was preferable to one located in a commercial neighborhood. “Kids deserve to see trees, not a parking lot. Many [centers] keep the child inside the whole day,” she said. A residential neighbor directly across the street from the proposed site indicated he objected to the potential noise from a playground. The Sibers said the lot was so deep and wooded that neighbors would not be disturbed by its use. They also revealed that they had tried to buy a lot next door to the property, but that the owner rejected the notion. “We want to help out families,” Dr. Siber insisted. She went on to describe her vision of a day care center that would include medical services, so that children would not necessarily be sent home

from day care, but provided with a private room and medicine, if a parent okayed the treatment. “It will be safe for children,” she said. The center would also provide music, dance, drama and language activities, according to Dr. Siber. “I will be supervising the day care,” she said. At least one of two college-age daughters would also be part of the staff, Dr. Siber indicated. A different area resident, Ralph Klein, said he was not in favor of the proposed location for the center, saying, “I don’t see where it’s going to fit there, without causing a problem.” Testimony on the day care center application will continue at the Thursday, September 24, meeting of the Board. On another case before the Board of Adjustment, Joan Grove lost a bid to put a 12by 28-foot trailer in the back yard of her Frank Street home for at least six months while members of her family built a house on a different property. All but one board member, Thomas Barth, voted to deny the variance. Ms. Grove said she would take down an existing fence and a row of shrubbery to move the unit onto the lot. “I doubt anyone will see it very much except my one neighbor,” Ms. Grove said. However, neighbor Michelle Colby said, “It’s not an appropriate place to put this trailer – mobile home.” After Ms. Grove explained that she lived in a three-bedroom home, Ms. Colby said, “I can not understand why the family can not live in the same residence.” Another neighbor fired off the observation that Ms. Grove’s request for a trailer was “incredulous. There is no good reason for this at all.”

traffic congestion at the corner. The restaurant is currently a “nonconforming” commercial structure in a residential zone. Any additional changes to the property requires a variance from the township. In March, a Drug Fair spokesman suggested there was a need for a drug store in the area, but neighboring residents rejected the claim. Board of Adjustment Chairwoman Gail Iammatteo revealed the possible withdrawal of the request, in response to questions from residents during a regularly scheduled meeting of the board, last Thursday.

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Drug Store Dropped From Park Place Site

Proposed Day Care Center Meets With Objections

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

· The theft of a GT Performa bicycle was reported from a residence in the 2300 block of Mountain Avenue.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

· A windshield was broken out on a vehicle on Bell Atlantic property at the Westfield Avenue substation.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

· A 1988 Honda Accord was reported stolen from in front of a business on Route No. 22. The vehicle was parked and listed for sale when it was discov

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

· Two bicycles were reported stolen from the Fanwood Train Station, one from the south side and the other from the north side, according to police.

· An attempted bicycle theft was reported at the south side Fanwood Train Station.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

· A bicycle was reported stolen from in front of a business on South Avenue.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

· A juvenile was arrested on South Avenue and charged with possession of a stolen bicycle which had been taken in Scotch Plains earlier that day, according to police. The youth was released to parental custody.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

· A motor vehicle on Second Street was sprayed with shaving cream, authorities said.

· A Belvidere Avenue resident reported the theft of an extension ladder.

ered missing.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

· A cellular telephone and vehicle documents were stolen from a vehicle which had been left for service at a North Avenue business.

SCOTCH PLAINS

Michael Cornacchia to Leonard and Amy Beth Riemer, 1254 White Oak Road, $230,000. Jean Apoquette to John P. and Jean T. Bagdonas, 2019 Hill Top Road, $265,000. Rickey Fuller to Phillipa and Patricia Williams, 522 Beverly Avenue, $109,250. Aromat Corporation to Michael M. and Patricia A. Cornacchia, 1414 Graymill Drive, $359,000. Karen F. Wilkinson to Thomas J. and Debra J. Merriaman, 323 Roberts Lane, $260,000. Verni Chavarria toJohn F. and Melissa Luby, 2342 Monica Place, $232,000.

Recent Home Sales

FANWOOD POLICE BLOTTER

Pedals for Progress Collects Used Bicycles for the Needy

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD — Pedals for Progress (PfP), an organization that collects used bicycles to provide transportation for needy people in developing countries, will hold a used bicycle collection this Saturday, September 19. The event is being sponsored by the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club. Bicycles should be in repairable condition and may be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot adjacent to Children’s Specialized Hospital, 324 South Avenue in Fanwood. To date, more than 23,000 bicycles have been shipped to 16 developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific islands, according to PfP spokeswoman Karin Dreixler. The average cost is $35 to collect, process, ship, rebuild and distribute a

bicycle. A suggested donation of $10 per bicycle, or a minimum of $5 per bicycle, is requested for shipping costs. All cash and material donations are fully tax deductible. Receipts will be available to all donors at the collection. The organization also seeks donations of tools, especially wrenches for their overseas shops. PfP also collects working sewing machines for its Dominican project, used baseball equipment for the group’s Nicaraguan projects, and used soccer cleats for its Namibian and Honduran projects. For further information about overseas projects and a current schedule of bicycle collections, please call Ms. Dreixler at (908) 889-8880, or visit the PfP Internet Web site at www.p4p.org.

Storm May Add Days Onto SP-F School Year By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

During the September 15 agenda meeting of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye reported that once schools opened on September 11 in the wake of the violent Labor Day storm, “it was business as usual” across the district. The only damage to district property was a downed scoreboard on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School’s (SPFHS) Harry Tyson Field. Insurance will pay to replace the scoreboard. Eleven large trees were felled in the storm, and Business Administrator and Board Secretary Matthew A. Clarke commended the efforts of district crews who worked diligently to remove the trees for the opening of school. The board recognized the district’s newly-tenured teachers as the first order of business during the meeting. They are: Debra Fern, Ella Greenberg, Lisa Herbert, Dorothy Miller and Margaret Murray (Brunner School); and Kathleen Herrmann and Lisa Frye (Evergreen School). Also tenured were Lynne Grimmer and Eileen Raszka (Coles School); Sondra Chernoff, Diane DiBella and Connie Salisbury (McGinn School); and Dawn Farella and Joan Miller (School One). At SP-FHS, newly-tenured teachers are Maryann Degnan, Paula Gray, Durand Thomas and Randy Young. During the meeting, board members discussed how to communicate concerns regarding the state’s so-called School-to-Work structured learning experience to the public, as well as to the New Jersey State Board of Education, Garden State Coalition of Schools and Union County Board of Education. Board member Richard R. Meade suggested a simple resolution for starters, in “urging that the program be made voluntary, based on incentives rather than mandatory.” He acknowledged that while the language does not address all the board’s concerns regarding the “workplace readiness” mandate, it does provide a starting point. Board member Jean McAllister indicated that board representation at the hearings with the state Department of Education on this subject, would be appropriate. In other business, Dr. Choye outlined changes to the 1998-1999 school calendar to satisfy the 180-day requirement for a complete school year. Three days were lost last week as a result of downed trees and lost electricity after the Labor Day storm. “I hate not to have a safety in place this early in the year,” Dr. Choye said. Her proposal to cut the four-day weekend in February to three days, and extend the school year by two days to Friday, June 25, would give the district two “snow” days with which to work, she indicated. In another matter, Personnel Specialist Robert Raiford fielded questions about the state’s revised criminal history background check procedures for newly hired staff in the district. Under the new procedures, the onus for thorough checks on prospective employees shifts from the state to individual districts, a process which could take up to three months. In an emergency situation, the district must obtain county approval before hiring a new employee. Under the old procedure, districts were allowed to hire employees on a

six-month temporary basis while the state conducted the background check. Board member Thomas Russo questioned why it takes three months to complete an investigation “when a county prosecutor can do it in 20 minutes.” The administration will look into options to expedite the district’s criminal background check during the hiring process. The board tabled a motion assuring the county board that the district would no longer adhere to the equivalency and waiver process in place under the state’s prior special education regulations. Members felt it was prudent to delay action regarding this matter until a presentation on special education changes is made by Director of Pupil Services Eleanor McClymont during next week’s regular meeting.

Although Mr. Butler felt this was pertinent information, the board granted Mr. Schwartz’s request and will accept instead an adapted version of Mr. Zimmerman’s report. Board attorney Lawrence A. Woodruff stated “This will not dilute the purpose of Mr. Zimmerman’s report.” Mr. Zimmerman, who was allowed to continue with his report analysis, stated that “the applicant does not reach any ordinance requirements.” He said the actual complex would involve 7.3 acres which, placed on 7.7 acres of land, “will indeed cause major over-development and over intensification of the property.” The planner remarked that, “in my analysis, there can be reasonable (practical) use of 6.3 acres of property that would conform to ordinances; this would mean building a much lesser number of units.” Mr. Zimmerman suggested to the board “that if the applicant would build 80 units (which would include the state standard 20 units designed for moderateto low-income housing), “this would reasonably alleviate variance issues for the applicant.” In one of many frosty rebuttals, Mr. Schwartz argued his claim that “land use ordinance permits 16 units per acre times 7.7 acres, which equals to 123.36 homes, not to mention that “the Council on Affordable Housing allows 116 units, with an additional 16 allotted for lowto moderate-income housing.” “We are, in fact, complying with the zone plan; the subject of 80 homes instead of 116 is immaterial,” Mr. Schwartz stated. In response, Mr. Butler proclaimed, “there are many other ordinances you must comply with. You need to get approval of the site plan first.” Mr. Zimmerman further declared that this is merely an “economic hardship” for K. Hovnanian in the applicant’s request for greater density housing. “I define economic hardship as this: is the applicant making more or less profit?,” he said. “In my analysis, this is a function of economics versus reasonable, practical property development.” Mr. Zimmerman further stated that “the environmental condition of the proposed property does not inhibit reasonable development of the property.” He proceeded to identify the following reasons why he believes the applicant’s site plan is in conflict with land use ordinances, and why he feels the granting of variances to the applicant present more detriment than benefit to the community, as well as to future residents of The Reserve. Currently, seven of the nine proposed buildings require variances. Based on the design and the number of units being requested by the applicant, there would be an overcrowding of the site, according to Mr. Zimmerman. A number of proposed retaining walls, some almost 20 feet high, present safety as well as aesthetic issues, he main

tained. One of the walls, proposed for the northeast side of the site, would be within 10 feet of the rear of the building, providing no yard or landscaping, Mr. Zimmerman argued. It would also create parking inadequacies due to narrow streets and poorly designed garages, he claimed. “Overall, this causes an uncomfortable living space,” Mr. Zimmerman remarked. He also projected a major lack of open light, space and recreation. Due to the very close proximity of the planned buildings to Route No. 22, there is a lack of visual environment, he said. Flooding is also a major issue, according to the planner, and has been the subject of much controversy during past board meetings. Since the development is to be built in the natural flood way of the neighboring Blue Brook, future residents would potentially be placed in harm’s way, Mr. Zimmerman said. He noted that the situation raises major evacuation issues. Lastly, Mr. Zimmerman mentioned The Reserve’s potential traffic impact at the already busy intersection of New Providence and Bonnie Burn Roads. He cited a 1996-1997 traffic accident report memo he requested from the Watchung Police Department. The report listed 24 accidents, resulting in 20 injuries, which occurred at the intersection in 1996, and 39 accidents, causing 17 injuries, in 1997. In conclusion, Mr. Zimmerman said “It’s a no-brainer to me; granting of these variances would have substantial detriment to the general public because of improper use of the proposed property. “Building this enormous project of 116 townhouses on such a restricted piece of land is an overabundance,” he argued. “This project does not promote the general welfare of the municipality. The only public good I see is the provision for low-moderate income housing,” he said.

Weldon Expert Maintains Townhouses are Detrimental

proposed, there would be no changes in medical benefits. Ms. McGuane called the third-year 3.5 percent increase “the lowest settlement offered in Union County.” She further defined job action as “anything up to and including withholding services.” Things like attendance at Backto-School Nights or working beyond the 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. school day would likely be eliminated under a job action. In addition, school employees may, under the law, choose not to work on public holidays such as Election Day, when school is traditionally in session. The likelihood of a strike depends on the union’s action committee. “The vote is already there,” emphasized the union leader. District administrators remained optimistic that the contract settlement is not far off. They are, however, recommending to the board that Back to School Nights be postponed until later in October. “This increases the likelihood of having a real Back to School Night of true benefit to parents,” stated Board President August A. Ruggiero. In the absence of a settlement, the board is scheduled to vote on the recommendation during its Thursday, September 24, regular meeting.

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Contract Hinges On Pay Scales

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Township Council Proposes Five Additional Ball Fields

cil meeting, homeowners in the Berwyck Chase section of Scotch Plains turned out to protest the township’s return of a performance bond worth $331,391.91 to the subdivision’s developer, Saugatuck Associates, Inc. Residents of the 120-house subdivision complained that common areas were unkempt and pipes in a detention basin proved insufficient for drainage. The council unanimously voted to okay return of the funds after assuring residents that three conditions must first be met by the developer. Saugatuck must remove dead trees, complete a detention basin and finish lawns, according to a township engineer’s report. In tandem with the return of the performance bond, which tends to deal with the construction phase of the project, a twoyear maintenance bond worth $92,962.16 must also be posted by Saugatuck before any money is returned. The subdivision was begun in 1992 and the last section of homes, residents said, were finished in December of last year. One resident estimated a house in the subdivision costs $325,000. An attorney for the Berwyck Chase Homeowners Association told council members that “We are uncomfortable with a release of this bond on a promise of the developer to complete these items.” One subdivision resident said there had been no “good faith” on the part of the developer, saying telephone calls to Saugatuck had resulted in “flip” answers or no response at all. He asked whether there would be any punitive action against the developer if the conditions were not met. A lawyer for the township, Henry Ogden, said, “I’m sure the township would share you concerns.” He said land use laws allow 45 days after the completion of a project for a town to either return performance bond money or present evidence as to why the bond should not be returned. It has been nine months since the last house was completed, according to residents. The development also has tennis courts, a pool and other common areas. These are maintained through a collective fee from homeowners. Mr. McClintock, who is Acting Mayor

for two weeks while Mayor Joan Papen is out of town, summed it up for Berwyck Chase neighbors, saying, “They (Saugatuck) don’t get their money until these three things are done, to Mr. Harrington’s satisfaction.” Dennis Harrington is the township’s principle engineer. On a separate matter, a statement from Township Manager Thomas E. Atkins’ office lauded the municipal staff for its contributions in the aftermath of the Labor Day storm. Many department directors returned early from out of town, when news of the extensive wind damage hit. Mr. Atkins said the township will instate an Emergency Ordinance as soon as it gathers dollar figures on the amount of damage due to the storm. Public Works Director Walter DiNizo estimated cleanup costs to the township at $250,000 so far. Employees worked 639 hours of overtime and 1,000 regular hours to date, he said. Although power was off at the Municipal Building until the Wednesday morning after the storm, staff fielded telephone calls in the dark throughout Tuesday. While the Municipal Building does not have a backup generator, the township’s police department used its own generator to provide service throughout the power outage following the storm. Township officials said another generator could cost as much as $50,000. Police officers directed traffic at street intersections where traffic lights were knocked out by the storm. Recreation department staff joined the Department of Public Works in cleaning up after the storm, according to Mr. DiNizo. Construction Official Robert LaCosta served as Storm Response Coordinator for the township and was found answering telephones at municipal offices. Many officials worked long hours to clear roadways, officials said. Six residents had trees fall on their homes, which Public Works employees cleared, and no serious injuries to residents were reported. “He’ll be doing a lot in the next few weeks,” Mr. Atkins said of Mr. DiNizo. “It’s a massive undertaking.” The township has over 100 miles of road, according to Mr. DiNizo.

· Reinforcing bicycle safety with children and discouraging them from playing in debris.

· Treating any downed wires as active.

· Informing private contractors to remove debris from property for disposal in a safe manner. Residents should also not mix brush with bulk materials when placing items at the curb for pickup. The DPW has confirmed that pickup of bulk materials is being done on schedule. Pickup began in the northwest quadrant of the borough on Monday, and will continue in the northeast, southwest and southeast quadrants through Monday, October 5. Public Works Director Raymond Manfra said that the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Recycling Center is processing storm debris, adding that landscapers interested in wood chips may call him at (908) 322-7404. He also advised residents that DPW crews will be canvassing the entire borough again to pick up additional brush. Property damage reports may be obtained from the borough’s Administration Office weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or at the Fanwood Police Department 24 hours a day. Both are located at 75 North Martine Avenue. These reports should be filed with the Police Department.

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Fanwood Submits Storm Update

ing woodchips can be used for mulch in the garden and may be picked up at Public Works on Plainfield Avenue during the week, free of charge. Other important telephone numbers are as follow: Public Service Electric and Gas Company, (732) 353-7000; Bell Atlantic, (800) 275-2355; Comcast Cablevision, (732) 602-7400; Westfield Police Department (non-emergency), (908) 2321000.

Township Issues Storm Update

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