September 29, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 13 and by John Koster plunge in real estate values had impacted Allendale and everywhere else. They now The Allendale Council tentatively believe that prices have finally stabilized. “We’ve gotten more extensions than approved plans for a tax revaluation in the borough that will begin this autumn, will anybody has ever gotten,” Allendale Mayor feature interior house inspections next Vince Barra began. “…in the history of Bergen County,” year, and will be reflected in the tax bills Mattiace added. “That’s a real figure, and in 2012. Allendale’s residential real estate is now I’m proud of it.” Mattiace told the council, however, that assessed at 71.75 percent of average market value, Taxjanine Angela Mattiace told it was now high time for a revaluation to 9-29-10 Assessor the council last week, and the last revalua- stay current with property values as the AllendaleFestCarShowBannersRIGHT(9-29-10) second decade of the 21st century arrives. tion took place in 2001-02. 10Council members, supported by Matx1 “The numbers have definitely changed,” tiace, had requested that a revaluation be she said. “The assessment will be higher waived in several past years because the than what it is presently, but at this point it Council agrees to tax revaluation in 2011 would be too early to give an actual rate.” Mattiace said that 145 recent sales of Allendale houses have provided enough figures to allow a fair market comparison. The firm of Appraisal Systems has already tendered a bid of $159,255 for the borough-wide revaluation, and Mattiace and Council Member Elizabeth White both recommended that this company be retained. The fee for the job, they both noted, is approximately what it was 10 years ago, and since the agreement is for a professional services contract, competitive bidding is not mandatory. Mayor Barra said that letting the inspectors in when they show up after sending cards and making appointments is not strictly mandatory for residents, but it is a Car Show SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2ND good idea in economic terms. “When people don’t allow an inspection, they generally end up with a higher evaluation?” Barra asked. “You don’t have to let people in, but it would behoove you to let us in,” Mattiace responded. She said that the tendency was to assume that the house interior stood at maximum value if the homeowner did not want an internal inspection, and the inspector would evaluate the house accordingly. Last week, the council informally agreed on a time-table. The tax revaluation will be approved by a resolution at the next public meeting, the money for the appraisal firm will be set aside, and exterior measurements will be taken to facilitate the interior inspections that will take place next year. Tea room (continued from previous page) council of George Cotz, an attorney from Mahwah. Cotz disclosed that the property of the John Fell House and its outbuildings was still legally part of a tract that already included a number of condominiums, and that the owners of the existing condominiums had been entitled to notification that new condominiums were being contemplated on the same tract so they could support or oppose the plan. When Cotz determined that the proposed developer had not even attempted notification, the Allendale Planning Board dismissed the application without prejudice. The developer, a Fort Lee consortium, filed a lawsuit that was later dropped as the housing market collapsed. Friends of the John Fell House then applied for funding to buy the property and eventually restore it, and received most of the money they needed from New Jersey Green Acres and Bergen County Open Space grants. Private donations and the proposed tea room are seen as possible sources of additional funding. “The menu will consist of a selection of tea sandwiches along with traditional scones, biscuits, and cookies and, of course, a variety of teas,” Knispel said. “There will be music and other forms of entertainment.” Opening is anticipated for some time later this year. For more information, or to donate tea service items, contact Lynn163@aol.com. NOW OPEN AT OUR NEW LOCATION Right Across the Street! 96 W. ALLENDALE AVE, ALLENDALE Newly Remodeled. Beautiful Decor. Same Owners. Same Great Menu! 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