Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • December 14, 2011 Area Wyckoff purchases Russell Farms for $3.1 million by John Koster The Wyckoff Township Committee has unanimously approved the purchase of the 5.1-acre Russell Farms tract, which will be preserved as a recreational site. The $3.1 million purchase approved last week will be made with money from the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund, the township’s open space fund, and additional money from the capital improvement fund. Mike and Lori Brienza, environmental and historic preservation advocates, praised the Wyckoff Township Committee for carrying out the purchase at the Dec. 6 public meeting. The ordinance had been introduced at a previous meeting and was adopted last week. Jerry Goetting, a taxpayer advocate, questioned both the need for the purchase and how the township proposed to pay for maintenance. There was no other opposition, and the concept has generally enjoyed strong support from residents. The Russell Farms land was operated as a commercial orchard and farm stand until, some years ago, the owners sold it to a developer, Barrister Construction. The developer had obtained site plan approval for six large singlefamily houses, but when the real estate market contracted, he attempted to win approval for condominiums and was rebuffed by Wyckoff boards and officials. In the meantime, the land proved to be contaminated by pesticides from the days when it was operated as a farm. The developer and the township worked out an agreement to sell the land to Wyckoff when the developer had obtained certification that the pesticide contamination had been removed and the land would pass all environmental standards. Wyckoff officials made application to the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders and, on April 21. 2010, Wyckoff officials learned that Bergen County would provide a $1,859,000 Open Space Trust Fund Grant to assist the township in purchasing the land. The Wyckoff Township Committee, while waiting to obtain all certification that the land was free of pesticide contamination, introduced an ordinance to allow the voters to cast their ballots on whether to continue a halfcent per $100 of assessed value set-aside from municipal property taxes to provide for future land purchases for conservation and recreation purposes. Voters endorsed the continuance of the half-cent set-aside in the November election, and the township committee members took this as an approval of plans to buy Russell Farms and preserve the parcel. The $1,204,000 already set aside will be allocated to the purchase of the land. The Wyckoff Township Committee also approved transfer of $37,000 from the municipal capital improvement fund, bringing the total of money available to the necessary $3,100,000. Located at the corner of Russell Avenue and Sicomac Avenue, Russell Farms was a popular venue for fruit and vegetable shoppers and was long credited as part of Wyckoff’s “rural residential” ambiance. Shannon Rose Pub plans to expand An artist’s rendering of The Shannon Rose Pub. The Shannon Rose, New Jersey’s authentic Irish Pub, has announced a new Shannon Rose is under construction at 1200 Route 17 North in Ramsey, and will open in mid-January. The new establishment joins sister pubs in Clifton and Woodbridge. In addition to a full menu including American and Irishinspired fare, with standard pub offerings, The Shannon Rose will offer 20 beers on tap, popular imports, regional craft beers, and domestic favorites. The specialty drink menu will feature seasonal mixed drinks, Irish whiskeys, and an extensive wine list. The pub will feature live Irish and popular music by local artists and bands and guest DJs. Throughout the year, many special events, including one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in New Jersey, are planned and will support fundraising events benefitting local charities. The pub will also host monthly appreciation events to recognize police officers, fire fighters, medical responders, teachers, nurses, and nurse techs. The pub is named after Shannon Doherty Portell, who grew up in Ridgewood. Portell is the daughter of owner Ed Doherty of Doherty Enterprises, Inc., headquartered in Allendale. While “Rose” is the traditional name of pubs in Ireland, it is also the surname of Doherty’s partner and owner of The Rose Group, Harry Rose. The Shannon Rose will be open for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. seven days a week. More information on the grand opening date and festivities will be available in the coming weeks at www.theshannonrose.com.