Franklin Lakes March 10, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Residents raise opposition to Wyckoff Y proposal by Frank J. McMahon About 50 Franklin Lakes residents attended last week’s council work session to voice opposition to the Wyckoff Y’s proposal to assume responsibility for the borough’s entire recreation program, including the operation of the Recreation & Community Center building on Vichiconti Way, and the borough’s recreational team sports. The residents, many of whom live in the Mountain Shadows housing complex located adjacent to the borough’s recreation and community center, said they were opposed to outsourcing the community center or any recreation programs to the Wyckoff Y because of the value of the property itself, and the sense of community that it creates. Michael Feian of Valen Court said he calculated the proposal would be worth $14.5 million to the Wyckoff Y over a longterm lease agreement, while the borough’s taxpayers would get no benefit other than preferred rates and the assumption of the salaries of the recreation department employees by the Wyckoff Y. Edward Hook, who lives on Bentley Drive, said the idea of outsourcing something that belongs to the community bothers him. “I want to keep the whole project in town,” he said, “so we can be proud of it. If it goes outside we lose the personal touch. I’d like to keep it here and keep the sense of community.” Another resident of Mountain Shadows said he was worried about the significant traffic problem that would be created if the Wyckoff Y took over the community center. Others voiced concern that the area could not handle the expansion of the membership the Wyckoff Y would create. Barbara DiLillo of Valley Road said she goes to the community center four days a week. She suggested the borough put more effort into the management of the center, while others said it is the “best kept secret in town” and it should be marketed more strongly to the community with as much effort as is put into the borough’s sports programs. The discussion included other comments about the management of the community center, and Councilman William Smith urged the governing body to consider returning to a “commission” type management of the recreation department in order to provide more oversight and control of the department. Councilman Frank Bivona explained that the idea of the Wyckoff Y running the community center was raised last year, but it did not get much support. The concept was raised again this year by the Wyckoff Y, and he said he felt obligated to listen to it in light of the budget deficit the borough is facing. He explained that, while the recreation department is supposed to be selfsustaining, there is a $150,000 to $250,000 shortfall in that department’s revenue. “I felt we had to look at all opportunities and at all the dollars we are spending to make sure we are doing right by the taxpayers,” Bivona said. “We have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure we are doing the right thing and asking the right ques- � � � � � �Hair Care � � � � � ���������������������������� ���������������������� ������������� ������������� ������������� ��������������� � ���������������� ����������� �� ��������� ��������� tions. If we don’t go the Wyckoff Y route we will look at other opportunities.” Bivona emphasized that there is no agreement with the Wyckoff Y at this time, and the council is just now looking at that proposal. The issue arose last month when Laurie Burnette, president of the Franklin Lakes Recreation Foundation and past member of the Recreation Committee, asked the borough council about rumors concerning the use of the recreation building at the end of Vichiconti Way. Bivona told Burnette at the time that, due to the borough’s budget problems, the council was looking at all borough costs, one of which is the cost of running the recreation center. He said one idea being considered was to have the Wyckoff Y run some programs there on a shared service basis. “Some recreation programs have negative cash flows,” Bivona told Burnett, “and we are looking at opportunities to bridge the gap and safeguard the taxpayers’ money. One of those opportunities is in discussion with the Wyckoff Y as an opportunity to save substantial funds while providing some really good services.” Bivona added, however, that it was premature to speak about it at that time because there was no proposal with facts in hand, and the discussion with the Wyckoff Y was preliminary. But he added that it was (continued on page 10) ���������������� ����������������������������������� �������������� Does Your Child Want to Be a Designer? We can teach her the fundamentals of sewing to unleash her creativity. She can model the garments she’s made at our Annual Fashion Show in June. June �������������������� ���������������������� ���������� Needlecraft School Classes for Children 4-18 Enrollment is ongoing 216 Godwin Ave, Midland Park • 201-444-2976 Teaching Children and Adults Sewing and Designing Skills for Over 30 Years... 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