Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-October 7, 2009 Issue

Glen Rock October 7, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 5 Council hears opinions on artiﬁcial turf proposal by John Koster The Glen Rock Council recently heard varied opinions on the proposal to install artificial turf at part of Lower Doremus Field. The unofficial hearing that opened last week will be continued at the Oct. 7 work session of the council. Mayor John van Keuren had said when the proposal was first introduced two weeks ago that he wanted to hear from both sides. When the proposal was first made, the council heard from Michael Stewart, an active supporter of recreation, and several other project supporters who proposed that Glen Rock co-sign a loan for $75,000 to pay for the engineering. Proponents also said the sports supporters would raise the estimated $1.5 million to pay for the turf and installation without further use of taxpayer money. Mayor John van Keuren and Councilman Art Pazan, in particular, said that Glen Rock would not co-sign a loan, but Councilman Mike O’Hagan suggested the sports groups negotiate for the lowest possible price on the engineering and foot the bill themselves. Several council members seemed supportive of the concept of artificial turf, but the opposition to co-signing a loan was tacitly unanimous. Mark McCullough, a former Glen Rock councilman, said at last week’s meeting that he supports the concept because of the need for more field space for the growing number of recreational sports teams. Jim Seaton, a life-long Glen Rock resident, was opposed to the proposal to install the all-weather turf on part of the field because he didn’t like the idea of “plastic” covering the ground. Previous objections from Irene Brown, also a long-term resident, included the issue of sports injuries, which she said are more frequent on artificial turf than on grass. Advocates of the artificial turf have said that installing one field that could be played in almost all weather would take pressure off the natural grass fields, many of which are showing their wear, and would facilitate scheduling of games and practices. Those who dislike artificial turf cite an increase of minor injuries revealed by some, but not all, studies of the use of the turf, and also say that runoff from the turf would increase pressure on drainage. Objectors also point out that the artificial turf, unlike grass, does not filter ground water or generate oxygen as natural turf does. Decorate Your Fall Home with Decorators’ Kit Fall Colors! $ �� With this ad. Offer good through 10-24-09 �� 3695 �� $ 8” Pot �� Mums Limit 6, while supplies last. Offer good through 10-24-09 (with coupon) Fairway Estate Garden Center 3 99 ea. Trees & Shrubs 25Free Delivery -40 Off % % Offer good through 10-24-09 (with coupon) Fairway Estate Garden Center �� Buy 2 Pumpkins Get 1 Free Of equal or lesser value. Limit 6, while supplies last. Offer good through 10-24-09 (with coupon) Fairway Estate Garden Center Split Seasoned Firewood (reg. $259.95) Full Cord $22995 Half Cord $15995 Offer good through 10-24-09 (with coupon) Fairway Estate Garden Center Third Cord $ 12995 (reg. $139.95) (reg. $175.95) �� PROPANE Fall specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000 �� PROOF�� REVISED correction