Villadom Times Weekly Local Newspaper

Wyckoff May 12, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Township considers future of Rambaut Pond by John Koster Wyckoff officials met with a roomful of residents about the future of Rambaut Pond, but members of the township’s government admit it may take some time to resolve this matter. Rambaut Pond, a 7.5-acre lake, is reportedly in danger because financing to repair the dam cannot be obtained. In a recent letter to the editor, Wyckoff resident Robert Scripps expressed concern that, without funding, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection may order the dam be breached and the lake emptied. Scripps noted the lake has been in existence since at least the late 1800s and serves as a drainage basis for over 300 homes, as a form of flood control, and as a home to extensive animal life. The association of lakefront homeowners has offered to deed the lake and access to it – through a lot owned by the association - to the township at no cost, for use by all Wyckoff residents, Scripps said. Approximately 20 to 30 families have been paying for property taxes, maintenance, and upkeep of the lake and dam for almost 30 years through the voluntary collection of dues (about $750 per year per family). Mayor Rudy Boonstra said that last week’s meeting would be a fulcrum to further discussion by the township committee, with the advice of special counsel Ray Wiss, about how to address the concerns of all sides in the future of Rambaut Pond. “A lot of anger was expressed last night and a lot of ideas �� were put on the table,” Mayor Boonstra said. “There was a room full of citizens concerned about the Beekmere lawsuit. In the end, this is a very, very complicated issue, but I think we were given a lot to think about and we will work to find a solution with input from all sides.” Boonstra said the Beekmere lawsuit, as he understands it, is an attempt to bring all the neighbors of the pond into one cohesive group so the problem of repairing the dam that keeps the pond functional can be addressed. Neighbors are concerned that the state’s eradication of the dam would reduce the pond to a non-functional mire. Members of the group have been paying dues to keep the pond functional for almost 30 years, but the attempt to expand the group, Wyckoff officials said, was resented by some residents and endorsed by others. “I was encouraged by the turnout, openness, and general tone of last night’s meeting,” said Tom Buda, one of the neighbors eager to save the lake. “The courtroom was standing room only.” He said that the majority of people at the meeting gister Re supported saving the lake, w for No though he acknowledged SUMMER CAMP! that some of them were arts & crafts studio offended by the lawsuit, parties • classes • commissions which has since been disCreating fun one piece at a time! missed without prejudice. Township Clerk Joyce Santimauro characterized 36 FRANKLIN TPK., WALDWICK , NJ (across from Burger King) the session as civil and • Walk- Ins • After School • Special Events cooperative. • Birthday Parties Drop-Offs • Group Projects No date has been set for • Summer Camps • Classes • Custom Design any formal response by the township committee. 201•800•1820 It’s Spring at �� “WE ARE RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD” Endless Summer CUSTOM Farm-Grade HYDRANGEAS Container Top Soil Gardens & 95 $ 3 gal. Value! BLOOMS ALL SUMMER! �� Great �� Sale $ 34 Window Boxes MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON • EXPIRES 5-29-10 Great Deal! MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON • EXPIRES 5-29-10 ALL SPRING FLOWERING AND ORNAMENTAL TREES 20 Off % Weeping Cherry Trees FREE DELIVERY With Any Tree or Shrub Purchase • Installation Available �� 40 lb. Bag Reg $2.69 MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON • EXPIRES 5-29-10 2 29 WOW! PROVEN WINNERS Endless Summer Hydrangeas �� • Spring Flowers • Fresh Nursery Stock • Professional Landscape Design Red & Black Dyed Mulch HAMPTON ESTATE 2 cu ft �� 201-444-9995 • OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM–6PM PROPANE $ �� MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON • EXPIRES 5-29-10 3 95 Reg $4.75