Discussions could continue in 2013 on whether the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board should be combined
With former and current Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board members having previously spoken against merging the two boards, the Oradell Mayor and Council indefinitely tabled an ordinance on Tuesday night that would have done just that. Ordinance 12-18 which was initially supposed to be introduced Tuesday night was instead pulled from the agenda by Councilwoman Donna Alonso to allow the governing body additional time to discuss the merits of a potential merger. "I think it's important to talk about why we are tabling this versus just taking action without an explanation," Council President James Koth said. He added that if Alonso had not tabled the ordinance he would have done so. "I think a lot of discussion around this issue …
Over concerns by residents, the Council voted 4-2 to begin drafting an ordinance to form a combined Land Use Board
Before the end of the year is out, Oradell may see the merger of its Planning Board and Board of Adjustment as the Council voted 4-2 to begin drafting an ordinane outling the consolidation. The measure will have to be officially introduced in November and then approved to take affect following the new year. "There is no secret that I'm supportive of moving in this direction," Councilman Edward Pfleging said. "I firmly believe in a reorganized board is a more effective and efficient way to manage this process in Oradell now and in the future. We need to look to the future of efficient and effective ways to streamline things and smaller government in Oradell." One of the main reasons towards merging the two boards has been a lack of …
The Oradell Council will continue to debate the benefits, detriments of a joint Land Use Board at a later date
While towns like Maywood, Dumont and Montvale have all successfully merged their Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustments, Oradell continues to debate the merits of following in their footsteps. During a public hearing on the matter Wednesday night, members from both boards who spoke before the governing body were overwhelmingly against the idea. "Dissolving the Zoning Board and transfering its duties to the Planning Board is solely at your discretion," Zoning Board of Adjustment Chairman Marvin Michelman said. "But I ask what are the benefits to the residents and what are the detriments. There are no economic benefits and each board deal with separate issues." According to the borough's ordinance, a zoning board of adjustment will …
Linda Besink
9:04 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thank you, Councilmen Murphy and Shuler! more ›