Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • September 16, 2009 Allendale Council again carries historic preservation ordinance by John Koster The Allendale Borough Council has once again carried the historic preservation ordinance for a future meeting so council members, notably Ari Bernstein and Jim Strauch, can study the proposal for possible changes. The ordinance was drafted to help preserve sites in Allendale that could be of interest to historians, archaeologists, and people who cherish the borough’s heritage. The ordinance was proposed after residents rallied to preserve the 1750s John Fell House, which had been targeted for destruction to make way for 11 condominiums. The Fell House is a valuable architectural site that was owned by a member of the Continental Congress. Objectors hired attorney George Cotz, who discovered that while the house and its outbuildings are free-standing entities, they are part of a 1983 zone that they share with condominiums. The zone was established with the provision that more condominiums could not be constructed without the permission of the resident owners of the present buildings. The Allendale Planning Board learned that these owner-occupants had not been asked, and subsequently rejected the site plan application without prejudice. After a threatened lawsuit, the development plans were dropped. In its current form, the ordinance would provide that the construction code official would be the administrative officer, and that the Allendale Historic Preservation Commission would have five regular members: a Class A member knowledgeable about building design, architecture, and architectural history, who may reside outside the borough; a Class B member who is knowledgeable about local history and may also reside outside the borough; and Class C members who are citizens of the borough who hold no other local offices. The mayor would appoint the members, and possibly two alternates who would also be Class C members. The group would appoint a chairman and vice chairman from among the membership and stagger the terms so that not all members leave or arrive in the same year. The group could employ experts with the approval of the council to study matters of special concern. The commission would report on all applications for planning or zoning changes in the historic district, and would also perform a survey of Allendale to locate sites worthy of designation. Designations would be based on notable residents, builders, or building style. Certificates of historic review and compliance would be required before any buildings in the historic district or any building on the inventory of the Allendale Historic Places could be demolished for any reason. Business Notes ComForcare has new area locations In response to the community’s overwhelming need for home care services and a universal desire of aging and disabled individuals to remain in the comfort of their own homes, ComForcare Senior Services Home Care recently opened its newest franchise in Upper Saddle River, Hackensack, and Wayne. The franchise provides in-home assistance with daily activities for seniors and disabled individuals of all ages. These services include assistance with meal preparation, medication reminders, Alzheimer’s care, bathing and personal care, light housekeeping, and more. Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from fully bonded and insured caregivers. Contact Jonathan and Cherry Picache at (201) 962-3222 for information. The Upper Saddle River location is at 345 Route 17 South. Celebrate Waldwick Day The Waldwick Chamber of Commerce will celebrate their 6th Annual Waldwick Day on Sunday, September 27, 2009. The Villadom TIMES will be publishing a special section featuring Waldwick’s fall celebration. Join other merchants in advertising your business while promoting this special day. Don’t miss the opportunity to show local consumers what you have to offer! Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, September 16 Call Mike at The Villadom TIMES today. Publication Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 201-652-0744 ��������������������������� 9-16-09 Mike from Janine