December 9, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Allendale Closing on Fell House now within reach by John Koster Friends of the John Fell House in Allendale expect to close on the venerable Revolutionary War-era building some time in the near future as $800,000 from Bergen County Open Space and $500,000 from New Jersey Green Acres grants are augmented by $200 from the third graders in the Allendale school system, who voted the money to save and restore the house. “The third grade at Hillside School had a fundraiser in October and voted to donate $200 to the Fell House campaign,” said Pat Finn, one of the leaders of the campaign to prevent the house and its outbuildings from being razed in favor of condominiums. “The whole thing started as a Strawberry Festival and the children were studying local history, knew about the Fell House, and voted to donate $200 to the house. These kids are the future of local history in Allendale.” Neighbors of the house on Franklin Turnpike joined to hire an attorney, George Cotz of Mahwah, to oppose developers who had hoped to raze the historical building and replace it with 11 condominiums. Cotz discovered a clause that required all dwellers in the existing condos to consent to any new construction on the Fell House land, On top of their holiday baking Allendale Daisy Troop 4128 recently enjoyed a day making gingerbread cookies for themselves and for the residents of The Atrium at the Allendale Center for Mature Living. Helping the troop were Denise and Kyle from Allendale Eats. which is technically a part of the condo tract based on a site plan approval from the 1980s. When the Allendale Planning Board learned that the condo owners had not been contacted, the planners dismissed the application without prejudice. The developer appealed, but later dropped the matter. John Fell, a member of the Second Continental Congress who later worked for the ratification of the United States Constitution, lived in the Fell House for a number of years. Fell, known as “a great Tory hunter,” was captured by the British and imprisoned in British-occupied New York City for some months until his daughter, who was married to a Tory, arranged his release. He later relocated to lower New York State. Allendale Mayor Vince Barra will be present to receive the check from the students at the Hillside School on Dec. 9 at 9 a.m., and several other council members may also be there. The official purchase of the John Fell House is expected some time in the near future. The house will then be gradually restored, possibly with the help of volunteer contractors and artists. No taxpayer money is involved. 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? ������� ����������������������� Grand Opening ����������������������������������� ������������������� ������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������� WHY TAKE CHANCES? ��������������������� A big snow storm can be both inconvenient and dangerous to your ���������� health. We have a machine in stock to suit your needs, from electric shovels to powerful 10.0 HP models. Talk to us...We’ll sell you the right size for the job, at the right price. Model # PR8ES27