Waldwick July 29, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Habitat to receive keys to borough property At 3:30 p.m. on July 28, Wyckoff Mayor Russell Litchult will present the keys to 101 Wyckoff Avenue to Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County. Habitat will renovate this building and turn it into four units of affordable housing. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Habitat on this project and look forward to the renovation process,” said Mayor Litchult. The dedication will take place in front of the building on Wyckoff Avenue and members of the Habitat Board and borough officials will be present for the signing. Susan Safire, executive director for Habitat Bergen stated, “Working in Waldwick and building affordable housing in this community is a dream come true for those families who would otherwise not have an opportunity for homeownership. We are grateful to the Borough of Waldwick for giving us this opportunity.” 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 more information about Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, call (201) 457-1020 or visit the website at www.habitatbergen.org. Earlier this year, the Waldwick Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the use variance for 101 Wyckoff Avenue, paving the way for the house to be converted into a four-family residence that will help the borough meet its Council on Affordable Housing obligation. The property, which had fallen into disrepair, was acquired by the borough in a foreclosure sale in 2008. The house will be refurbished into multiple townhouses and returned to the tax rolls. Plans call for the formation of a condominium association, which will include a Habitat representative as a member. A Habitat mentor would also be appointed to facilitate the new owners’ transition into home ownership and to provide ongoing support. Borough officials report that the project will have no financial impact on local taxpayers. The borough has a development fee ordinance in place that applies to all residential and non-residential development, the proceeds of which go to a trust fund to support affordable housing initiatives. Residential development fees equal 1.5 percent of the equalized assessed value for development, with a maximum of six percent for a use variance. Non-residential development fees equal 2.5 percent of the equalized assessed value. The fund balance of $253,858 is committed to 101 Wyckoff Avenue. Any future funds collected “where possible will provide funding for the provision of proposed supportive and special needs housing or municipal construction,” the borough planner’s report specifies. 875 Route 17 South, Ramsey 201-934-0020 ���������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� ��������������������� � ����������������� �������� �������� ���������������������������������������� � ���������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ���������������� ������ ���������������������������������������� �������� ��������