Oradell Resident Presents Case in Opposition to Proposed Development of United Water Property

Oradell resident Sam Tripsias, who has been closely following the hearings, appeared before the New Milford Zoning Board Tuesday to present his case in opposition to the proposed development of the 13-acre United Water property. The development includes a 70,000 sq. ft. supermarket, a 4300 sq. ft. bank and a 24-unit low income housing complex. 

Tripsias produced 21 photos taken by him of the April 2007 storm depicting flooding near the proposed development from Oradell. In his photos, a portion of the railroad tracks are underwater, as are the Oradell DPW and recycling yards, PSE&G yard and NJ Transit garage. 

"Everybody has been showing pictures of flooding from the New Milford side," Tripsias said. "I wanted to show it from the Oradell side."

Tripsias' testimony came on the heels of New Milford resident, Lori Barton. Barton systematically attempted to lay out the detrimental effects that would result from the loss of open space. 

Aside from preserving the natural habitat of a wide range of wildlife, Barton explained that open space also serves to absorb water, which in turn reduces flooding and the public costs associated with flooding. It also prevents soil erosion and allows the established vegetation to act as an air filter. 

Using Central Park as an example, Barton said that properties surrounding open space have greater market value, thereby generating greater tax revenue, than property bordering commercial properties. Additionally, she said, although the property value of commercial property typically does not decrease, the structures depreciate in value, resulting in a reduction in tax revenue. 

To support her point, Barton used Inserra Shop Rite's recent tax records, reflecting a reduction in the total amount of taxes paid to the borough, as an example. However, when questioned by members of the board, she did not know if the reduction was due, in whole or part, to depreciation, a revaluation or a tax appeal. 

Barton also submitted to the Board photos taken by her in August, 2011, showing the flooding that occurred as a result of Hurricane Irene. The flood affected areas included the field behind New Milford High School, the area outside of the High School cafeteria and Cecchino Drive, the road adjacent to the High School--areas along Madison Ave. that delivery trucks are proposed to utilize. The photos served to illustrate the proceeding's often asked question, "How will delivery trucks make deliveries if Madison Ave. is underwater?"

In an effort to prove that the Sycamore trees fronting the High School are heritage trees protected by borough ordinance, Barton produced a copy of New Milford High School's 1964 yearbook where the trees are on display--nearly 50 years ago. During his Nov. 2012 testimony, Michael Dipple, engineer and principal of L2A Land Design in Englewood, said that the widening of River Road to accommodate a left hand turn lane for cars to access the proposed development will result in the need to remove a number of the Sycamore trees that currently line River Road.

Borough ordinance defines heritage trees as "any tree with trunk diameter of thirty-six inches or more measured three feet above ground level; of a particular historical significance specifically designated by official action of the Borough or over 50 years of age."

The next meeting of the New Milford Zoning Board will be Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of New Milford Borough Hall, 930 River Road. 

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