Wyckoff February 10, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Tree replacement is township’s priority plan by John Koster The Wyckoff Township Committee is mulling the introduction of a resolution to replace shade trees removed from public property with new shade trees on a largely automatic basis, using a contingency fund from a contractor. “It’s an effort to re-beautify Wyckoff,” said Township Committeeman Kevin Rooney at the work session before last week’s public meeting. “It’s not just for us, it’s not just for our kids; it’s for our children’s children. It’s for the whole future of Wyckoff.” Wyckoff obtained $125,000 from Barrister Construction to replace trees removed in the course of building the tract of large single-family houses on the upper edge of Deep Voll Ravine near Ravine Avenue, a project that touched off a protracted controversy. Under the negotiations between Barrister and Wyckoff, the money may be used not just for the vicinity of Deep Voll Ravine but for the entire community of Wyckoff. Rooney’s resolution would provide that any time a dead, diseased, or damaged tree is removed, that tree would automatically be replaced, unless it is impractical to plant in the same location due to overhead wiring or other safety considerations. “When we have a tree in there and take it out, if that tree can be replaced in that place right away, we’re going to do it,” Rooney explained. The governing body was supportive of Rooney’s proposal. Committeeman Brian Scanlan suggested that, as an adjunct policy, trees could be placed along rights-of-way where they were needed even if no trees were there at the present time. Rooney and Committeeman David Connolly agreed that this was a worthwhile idea, but they wanted to prioritize getting the quick replacement resolution worded and adopted. The controversy over Deep Voll Ravine, in which a group of neighbors and other residents opposed construction on the wooded, scenic site, led to the first stirring of partisan politics in Wyckoff since the Great Depression. Members of a group called Friends of Wyckoff argued that no construction should be permitted at the site. The Wyckoff Planning Board, after a year of deliberation, approved a revised application to allow large houses on ample lots on the upper level of land above Deep Voll Ravine, while keeping the water course and nearby woodlands untouched. Friends of Wyckoff fielded a number of candidates, some Democrats and some Independents. One of those candidates was Scanlan, who had been president of the group, but resigned when he took his seat on the governing body. The township committee recently found grounds for agreement on another tree-related project. This year’s Arbor Day plans will revolve around replacing some of the willows around Zabriskie Pond. The Wyckoff Township Committee recently welcomed four young men as probationary or apprentice firefighters to the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department. Joshua Bushman, a probationary firefighter, recently moved to Wyckoff with his family. He is a graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute with a degree as an automotive technician, and is considering a possible career as a paid firefighter in the future. Rich Greenwood, a probationary firefighter, is a graduate of Ramapo High School. He is studying the music business at Bergen (continued on page 16) New volunteers join ranks of fire department Wyckoff’s four new firefighters with Township Committee members. Winter specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000 ������������������ Remodeling Renovations & Repairs ����������� ���������������� ����������� ������������� ���������������������� ���� ���������� �������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� �������������������������������� www.hawthornehandyman.com 973-949-4431