Glen Rock February 24, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Borough accepts turf donation, will inspect plantings by John Koster The Glen Rock Council has accept $28,000 in donations from sports groups for the environmental and engineering studies associated with the proposal to install artificial turf on part of Faber Field. The council unanimously approved an ordinance to accept donations of $6,000 from the Glen Rock Baseball Association, $6,000 from the Glen Rock Soccer Club, $6,000 from the Shooting Stars Soccer Club, $6,000 from the Glen Rock Junior Football Association, and $4,000 from the Glen Rock Lacrosse Association. The donated funds will be used for topographic surveying, geotechnical work, and the environmental permit process for the first phase of developing an artificial turf field at Lower Faber Field. The council has previously stipulated that no taxpayer money will be spent on the project, which would cost an estimated $1.5 million. The sports groups themselves will be entirely responsible for raising the money. Public response to this proposal has been somewhat more favorable than unfavorable, but public officials said they have been surprised by the lack of vehemence on both sides. Supporters and detractors have been civil, and have not turned out in large numbers. In other business, the council informally agreed to investigate complaints from a long-term resident that replacement shade trees were being planted only 20 feet apart, which could jeopardize the future growth of those trees. Jim Seaton, a life-long borough resident with a background in engineering and construction, told the council he was concerned when he saw Glen Rock employees planting oak trees 20 feet apart. Seaton said the trees could grow to be 80 feet tall with 40-foot crowns, and that planting the oaks 20 feet apart could lead to future trouble and expense. “Where is the supervision?” Seaton asked. “I know this is not a nice thing to say, but somebody had to say it.” Taking up on Seaton’s comments in the brief work session that followed the public meeting, Councilman Mike O’Hagan urged that Seaton’s complaint be investigated. Mayor John van Keuren concurred that 20 feet did not seem a proper distance to plant oak trees. “Years ago it was 30 to 40 feet – invariably,” Seaton added from the audience. Glen Rock is perennially declared a Tree City by the Arbor Day group and concern for replacing dead or damaged shade trees has been voiced at many council sessions. ������������������ Remodeling Renovations & Repairs ����������� ���������������� ����������� ������������� ���������������������� ���� ���������� �������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� �������������������������������� www.hawthornehandyman.com 973-949-4431 �������������������������� ���������������������� ���������� Winter specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000