March 10, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Ho-Ho-Kus Stream encroachment regulations gain approval by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Council recently approved Ordinance #958, the state-mandated stream corridor protection measure that mirrors regulations already in effect at the state level. The ordinance will restrict development near local bodies of water. During the recent public hearing, HoHo-Kus Borough Engineer David Hals was on hand to field questions about the ordinance. Most of the questions were presented by Wearimus Road resident Leo Strauss, who asked Hals about any effect the ordinance might have on the value of his home and land, as Strauss has a man-made pond on his property. Borough officials concurred that the value of the Strauss property was unlikely to be affected by this ordinance. Ordinance #958 was designed to protect and maintain waterways, and to comply with the state law that requires municipalities to adopt an ordinance that prevents new disturbance for projects or activities in riparian zones. The ordinance will protect riparian zones from all avoidable disturbances. Under the newly approved ordinance, the riparian zone will be 300 feet wide along both sides of any Category One water (C1 water) and all upstream tributaries. The riparian zone will be 150 feet wide along both sides of the following waters and their tributaries: trout production and maintenance waters, any portion of water flowing through an area that contains documented habitat for threatened or endangered plants or animals, and any segment of water flowing through an area that contains acid producing soils. All other surface water bodies will have riparian areas of 50 feet in width. Applicants for a construction permit, subdivision, development, or other improvement that requires plan submissions and permits are responsible for determining the presence of a riparian zone on a property. Some disturbances are considered exceptions. The borough engineer is permitted to grant an exception in the case of redevelopment within existing impervious surfaces, and the zoning board of adjustment has the authority to grant exceptions where new disturbances are involved. The council introduced Ordinance #958 in November, and scheduled a public hearing for the council’s last meeting in December. However, the item was tabled after an interested resident told the council she had multiple questions about the proposal. The council considered reintroducing the ordinance at its Jan. 1 sine die session, but waited until the January public council meeting. The concerned resident who approached the council in December pointed out that the restrictions in the ordinance could be significant for a property owner who may wish to develop a parcel of land near a body of water. One of her concerns was the affect the restrictions would have on property values if the ordinance stops people from developing their land. She also commented on what she considered subjective language in the ordinance, referring to the section on exceptions. The resident did not attend the recent public hearing. 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 NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER IN CONTEMPORARY VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT Enrollment is ongoing 216 Godwin Ave, Midland Park • 201-444-2976 Teaching Children and Adults Sewing and Designing Skills for Over 30 Years... Check our Website: www.needlecraftschool.org 265 Ackerman Ave. Ridgewood, NJ 10-7-09----NeedlecraftDesigner(color)3x2(10-7-09) 3col x 2” Ester for PROOF... from Janine 201 791 9339 www.chubackveins.com