December 7, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Ho-Ho-Kus Councilman urges written report for concerned citizen by Jennifer Crusco A member of the Ho-Ho-Kus Council has asked that the borough’s administration request a written report from the municipal engineer regarding concerns brought to the council by a Bridle Way resident. Cindy Tharayil, who recently asked the Ho-Ho-Kus Council for an update on the construction project at her next door neighbor’s property, has previously explained that construction at her neighbor’s lot has led to significant problems on her own land. At an earlier meeting, Tharayil asserted that, due to the ongoing construction next door, water flows across her property and muddy water has been deposited into her swimming pool. Tharayil said she has spent over $18,000 to repair her foundation and to add a berm to protect her property. At the most recent public council meeting, Councilman Doug Troast asked if the borough had received a written report from Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Engineer David Hals regarding this situation. When Troast heard that no report had been issued, the councilman said, “I’d ask our engineer to respond to Cindy Tharayil’s report. I think she’s owed that response.” When the resident stepped up to the microphone to ask for an update on the situation, Borough Administrator Don Cirulli advised the resident that everything that was required by law had been completed. He asked what Tharayil was requesting. “I want the water to go away,” she responded, adding that she wished to have her property restored to its status before her neighbor began the construction project. “I want the dirty water out of my pool, and I want to know who’s on the take.” Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Thomas Randall, pointing out the serious nature of Tharayil’s comment, asked to whom the resident was referring. The resident asserted that the construction code official had approved the project without variances, and claimed that the engineer couldn’t find anything wrong with the construction project. Tharayil said she had been told that her property “always had water,” which she said is not true. “I have now spent $18,000 fixing and waterproofing with no compensation and no acknowledgement from the town,” she added. Tharayil again told the council that a wall that did not appear on the construction plans had been built. She said a permit was granted retroactively. Tharayil also pointed to the three feet of backfill added up to her property line. She again expressed the concern that the backfill would kill the trees on her property. The resident also noted that the construction involves a multistory house, which she believes is too high, particularly since the construction is taking place in a neighborhood of one-story ranch-style homes. “We followed through,” Mayor Randall told the resident. “People sometimes don’t get a permit and then go back and get one. It doesn’t mean it’s illegal.” “I want it in writing,” Tharayil said. “I deserve that.” She added that she would like to see who would sign a document that would certify that she no longer has a problem with the construction. “We’re not saying you don’t have a problem,” Mayor Randall said. “People are not doing their jobs well, or perhaps, at all. I’ll be disappointed to see them reappointed,” Tharayil said. “I still have a significant water problem, and I don’t believe the (construction) is being done to code.” Troast urged that Tharayil be given a written report in response to her concerns, and the resident thanked the councilman for his recommendation. The Ho-Ho-Kus VFW, which serves Ho-Ho-Kus and Ridgewood, welcomes new members. The group meets on the second Wednesday of every VFW Post 192 welcomes new members month at 7:30 p.m. at the Post Home, 620 Cliff Street, HoHo-Kus. For additional information, call (201) 445-1121.