Wyckoff September 29, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Residents support grant to purchase Maple Lake by John Koster The Wyckoff Township Committee and the 10 residents who spoke at last week’s public meeting unanimously support the bid for a Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund grant to purchase Maple Lake. The 26 acres of wetlands would be preserved as a natural area and wildlife habitat. The asking price for the land is $7.4 million, and Wyckoff Township Administrator Robert Shannon said that no specific amount had been requested, but members of the township committee hoped that the Bergen County grant would be an ample one. The property was once a lake, and was surrounded by summer homes at the turn of the 20th century. Some years ago, a developer breached the dam that held the lake in place, leading to a wooded wetland area deemed unsuitable for housing construction. Maple Lake no longer exists as a lake, but the property, due to a steep slope and its wetland status, is not suitable for development. However, many residents consider the land priceless as natural parkland. “I am very much in favor of the acquisition of Maple Lake by Wyckoff and whatever measures are necessary to fund that acquisition,” said Ed Friedland, the first of 10 speakers. He said he had moved to Wyckoff when the township was still a largely rustic and rural community 35 years ago. Friedland added that he hoped that acquiring as much natural land as possible would help to preserve that ambiance. “I very much appreciate the ambiance of Wyckoff,” Friedland said. “The more you develop it, the more you destroy it.” “I think it’s a huge step forward, and I endorse your actions,” said Diane Sobin, a leader of Friends of Wyckoff, the group that tried to prevent development of Deep Voll Ravine a few years ago. Tom Bugel, a leader of Partners in Pride, which holds regular township cleanups, also approved of the grant application. He said that developing land into residential units was not economically productive, and that each new house adds more to tax demands for schools and services than it pays in property taxes. He also approved of protecting the wildlife that lives in the Maple Lake area. “We have plenty of houses from what I can see, and not too many people who want to buy them,” said Karen Kerner, another resident in favor of the grant application. She said preserving open space and the wildlife that lives there is a better option than more housing. “I think it’s a great thing that we’re going forward on this,” said Michael Brienza, another resident who enjoys the environment and historical houses. George Pitts, a regular at meetings of the township (continued on page 17) “If the shoe fits, REPAIR IT!” Best Shoe Repair by (201) Magazine $25atOffmore,Newcustomer, not applicable to a Adult Bicycle Priced $300 or one per prior purchases. Offer expires 12/31/10 396 Franklin Ave Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-5500 Across from Aldo’s Restaurant 25 Years in Shoe Repair ���������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ Second Hand Treasures It’s time to protect & weatherproof your fall favorites! ���������� ����������� ��� ������ ������ ������ Wyckoff Cycle LLC �� ����� ������� ������� ������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� Bikes for the Whole Family and the Pros ������������ ������ ���� ������ Hours: Tues-Fri ���������� ��� ���������� Closed Mon ������ �������� 8:30-5:30, Sat 8:30-4:oo, ������ ��� ��� ������ ����� ������� ����� �� WE REPAIR ALL BICYCLE BRANDS ������������ 7-21-10 janine\ SecondHandTreasures2x2(7-21-10) 2 x 2”