Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-April 1, 2009 Issue

Ho-Ho-Kus April 1, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Council sets special meeting for assignment of lease by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Council will hold a special meeting Thursday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at borough hall to consider a resolution for the assignment of the lease for the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. The resolution appeared on the agenda for last week’s public council session, but the governing body opted to table the item to permit public input on the matter. The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, which is owned by the borough, was leased to Intervilla in 1998. Principals Marcello Rusodivito and Franco Moretti ran the business until approximately two years ago, when the lease was assigned to Korbitz. Mayor Thomas Randall pointed out that the inn has been closed since January, with an uncertain prospect of reopening. Approximately seven weeks ago, the borough was approached by the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, LLC, which is seeking to assume the lease. Mayor Randall pointed out that Councilman Gordon Hamm, who recused himself from the discussion of the resolution, holds a limited interest in the company that is seeking to assume the lease. Randall said the matter appeared to be satisfactory from the legal and financial standpoints, and pointed out that, as long as Councilman Hamm does not vote on any matters concerning the inn, his interest in the business would not pose any ethical concerns. However, since the assignment of the lease had been discussed in closed session, Randall recommended the council table the resolution to allow the public the opportunity to speak on this matter. Council President John Mongelli moved to table the vote on the resolution and to consider the issue at a special session on April 2, which will be devoted to the lease. Located at 1 East Franklin Turnpike, the Ho-HoKus Inn is a national historical landmark that was built in the 1790s. Over the years, the borough has leased the building to various restaurateurs. In 1997, the borough sued the previous tenants for back rent, taxes, and interest. The following year, Intervilla began to lease the building. Intervilla received approvals to carry out several renovations and restorations, including repairs of weather and water damage, broken window mullions, and a damaged wainscot ceiling. The company’s principals also undertook kitchen and bathroom renovations, the installation of new signs and awnings, new landscaping, and an improved traffic pattern. In 1998, the inn hosted Revolutionary War reenactors who commemorated the April 16, 1780 British raid on Ho-Ho-Kus. American reenactment groups included Robert Erskine’s Independent Company of Foot and Pauling’s Levey. The British were represented, in part, by the Queen’s Rangers. The event took place at or near the original raid site, the approaches to the historical Ho-Ho-Kus Inn (Franklin Turnpike and Sheridan Avenue). The reenactment was sponsored by the 300th Anniversary Committee of the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus. In 2005, Bergen County provided a Community Development grant in the amount of $49,824 to create barrier-free restrooms at the inn. At that time, then-Borough Administrator Catherine Henderson explained that, because the inn is a historical structure, barrier-free access is not explicitly required. However, she said the borough wanted to make the bathrooms accessible. Henderson explained that, while the inn is a commercial operation, the borough owns the building, and would continue to be responsible for the facility even if the restaurant ceased to exist. �� But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 Dieting? Working Out? ��