Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-August 5, 2009 Issue

Waldwick August 5, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Habitat gets the keys to 101 Wyckoff Avenue for road work before getting a building permit from the town to start the renovation. By agreement with the town, exterior cleanup and siding will be done first, he said. Bob Preis, a former Waldwick resident who is now Habitat’s director of construction, will be overseeing the project. After approvals are obtained, the marketing process in selecting the families will begin. Hundreds of applicants will be reviewed, and the final selection will be determined by a lottery drawing, according to Habitat officials. Habitat is working with the Bergen County Housing Authority on the selection process following Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) guidelines. Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County uses volunteer labor and donated funds and materials to build decent, affordable housing for hard-working families in Bergen County. Homeowners put in 400 hours of “sweat equity” into their own home and the homes are sold to families at cost, with no interest added. Habitat Bergen also plans to build in Garfield and Oradell within the year. For volunteer opportunities or further information about Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, call (201) 457-1020 or visit the website at www.habitatbergen.org. Left: A framed dollar bill signifying the cost of the house. Right: Habitat ofﬁcials Director of Construction Bob Preis, Executive Director Susan Saﬁre, Board of Directors President David Van Grouw, board member Kurt Breitenstein and Volunteer Coordinator Wendy Parker pose in front of their newly acquired house. The Best Stinger is a Dead Stinger! Shoo-Fly® Hornet Jet Bomb Spray  Safe, sure way to get rid of hornets, wasps, bees, yellow jackets, ants, spiders and earwigs.  Shoots 20' penetrating nests, eaves, cones and cracks.  Invisible residual action keeps on killing for weeks Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8 Sat 8-5 OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 The Borough of Waldwick officially turned over to Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County the keys to the abandoned property at 101 Wyckoff Ave. last week, paving the way for the conversion of the dilapidated house on the property into affordable housing. Habitat officials gave Mayor Russell “Buddy” Litchult a framed $1 bill as the agreed-upon purchase price. “We are so thrilled to receive this property from the municipality. It is a blessing from God,” said Susan Safire, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County. The organization will build two, twobedroom units; one, three-bedroom unit and one, fourbedroom unit. “This is a very exciting time in the history of Habitat Bergen,” said David Van Grouw, president of the board of directors. “It’s not too often that we get a call from a town wanting to offer us this opportunity,” Van Grouw said. “Since then, it’s been a great partnership. We fulfill our mission, and they fulfill their affordable housing obligation. “We now look forward to raising the needed funding to pay for material and supplies to turn this blighted building into wonderful homes for needy families,” he added. “Before long, – four families who want to fulfill the American dream will have their own home.” “I’m excited. It’s another hurdle crossed in order to bring this project to fruition,” commented Borough Administrator Gary Kratz, who’s been fielding questions and complaints about the property for more than a year. “I look forward to the day when four new residents take possession.” The property was acquired by the borough in a foreclosure sale in 2008, but the project will have no financial impact on local taxpayers. The borough has a development fee ordinance in place that allocates a percentage of all residential and non-residential development to a trust fund to support affordable housing initiatives. The fund balance of $253,858 is committed to 101 Wyckoff Ave. Van Grouw said Habitat is awaiting county approval 27 FRANKLIN TPKE, WALDWICK • 201-652-5666 ��