Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-April 13, 2011 Issue

Upper Saddle River April 13, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Ronald J. O’Malley has resigned his post as chairman of the Upper Saddle River Planning Board. O’Malley advised Mayor Kenneth Gabbert of his decision, which became effective last week. “Although I have served since 1996 and was the chair of the zoning board for many consecutive years, recent media events with the conversion to the single board system has drawn significant attention,” O’Malley wrote in his letter of resignation. “Unfortunately, this attention has, and in my opinion may continue, to distract the board in its respective duties, hindering the service to the applicants’ and residents from Upper Saddle River. The former chairman was referring to the borough’s recent decision to combine its planning and zoning boards into one body in the interest of efficiency. O’Malley’s selection as chairman of the combined board drew attention to the fact that he faces mortgage fraud charges to which he has pled not guilty. “The governing body and the local residents need a Planning board chairman tenders resignation streamlined transition that is without unwarranted attention for unrelated and unproven issues,” O’Malley’s letter continues. “As always, you and the entire governing body have my full support and confidence. I am extremely grateful for the many opportunities that you have afforded me your confidence in my abilities. “I am confident that the new board will flourish with your support.” Commenting on the chairman’s decision to step down, Mayor Gabbert said, “Ron’s contribution to our community as a volunteer over the past 18 years, without question, can only be described as exemplary. “In addition to volunteer services as a zoning board of adjustment member for 16 years and chairperson the last six, Ron O’Malley was a vital participant in the Borough VISION 2020 plan and chairperson of the Transportation Subcommittee. Not as visible was Ron’s assistance to bring the Lake Street/West Saddle River Road intersection improvements to fruition and the multi-year effort to keep sewer improvements for Route 17 and the USR West side a priority for the Northwest Bergen county Utility Authority. “As a community we will continue to be blessed with Ron O’Malley as a resident. We wish Ron and his family all the best.” In a previous interview, Mayor Gabbert explained that municipalities that have a population of fewer than 10,000 residents are permitted to combine their zoning and planning boards. He said the newly-created combined board will handle the same functions and responsibilities as the separate boards had, but the change will allow for an overall reduction in the number of meetings and staff time. Lizzie’s Garden Sale coming up Arnie Friedman explaining the good points of pruning snips at a prior year’s event. The Upper Saddle River Historical Society will host Lizzie’s Garden Sale at the Goetschius House Museum on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. This year’s sale will feature deer- and groundhogresistant plants. As always, there will be perennials from Lizzie’s gardens and from members’ gardens. There will be a wide assortment of shade loving plants, too. Plants are modestly priced and all proceeds benefit the gardens and grounds at the museum. Eco-friendly gardening information will be available from the environmental commission. Attendees may also learn more about the benefits of composting, and details about beekeeping. A pruning demonstration will be presented at 11 a.m. The museum is located at the corner of East Saddle River Road and Lake Street. Parking is off East Saddle River Road. All are welcome to attend this fundraiser. Refreshments will be available. is pleased to announce that formerly of Salon AUM of Fair Lawn, has joined our staff. 157 FRANKLIN TPK • WALDWICK, NJ Keri, 201 444 5900 �� 4-6-11 mike/janine �� SalonJM2x4Keri(4-6-11)Z2 �� 2 x 4” �� BEST NURSERY ��