Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • March 9, 2010 Waldwick A Waldwick resident offered last week to help with efforts to control flooding at Borough Park and algae growth in White’s Pond. Mike Hoogerhyde of Malcolm Street said that construction of a rain garden in the flood-prone areas of the park adjacent to White’s Pond would not only solve the water problem but also beautify the area. He said a shallow trench filled with soil and planted with native flowers would drain the area and provide blooms from early spring through fall. “If you choose the right plants, they can survive with practically no care. They would attract birds, butterflies and wildlife, and if you do flats, they are cheap,” he said. Hoogerhyde, who said he worked for seven years as a landscaper and is now a science teacher at Ridgewood High School, offered to help with the project. He said if the borough decides to do the garden, he would do further research and advise on its implementation. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz said that there are limitations on what can be done at the park without expensive Department of Environmental Protection permits because it is within 150 ft. of a stream. He said that the Resident suggests rain garden for Borough Park grade adjacent to the pond cannot be changed, and that only replacement soil may be brought in, not additional fill. He also noted that the sub-surface conditions are such that they may not provide the desired percolation effect. Hoogerhyde said that the location and size of the garden would be flexible, and that the area for the garden would be chosen based on the pooling. Councilman Frank Palladino said that the area adjacent to the gazebo is used for town picnics and other events during dry weather and may not be conducive to a garden. Councilwoman Anita Bozzo agreed that residents tend to locate tables next to the gazebo in the area where it pools following heavy rains. “As long as there is a path to the gazebo, anything is better that what you get now,” she said. On the algae problem in the pond, Hoogerhyde said that a better solution than chemical treatments would be to educate residents to reduce their use of fertilizers on their lawns which eventually make their way to the lake and the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. “You’re not treating the problem, you are just putting a band-aid on it,” the resident said. Kratz agreed, noting that the only long term solution is dredging of the 7.8-acre pond, which would cost “a couple of million dollars,” he said. For now the borough plans algae treatment applications to remove weed and algae growth and debris along the shoreline to increase the depth of the water. An amphibious harvester would then be used to collect organic material throughout the pond, which would be dumped at the water’s edge to be removed by the Waldwick DPW. Algeacides would be applied when needed to control future algae growth. Proposed algeacides are not toxic to fish, specifically trout, and no water restrictions are needed. Removal of the organic matter is not the same as dredging, since no appreciable amount of sediment is removed; therefore, no NJDEP permits are required, according to Kratz. Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from ome “When using the dishwasher, wash only full loads and let them air-dry. Open the door after the final rinse will help the dishes dry faster”. 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Open Sundays 9-3 201-652-5666 Mary Says... District 4 voters in Waldwick will be casting their ballots in the back of Crescent School from now on, beginning with the school election on April 27. Borough Clerk Paula Jaegge said that she had received written approval from the Bergen County Board of Elections for the move, which was prompted by safety concerns from school officials. Previously the polls were located in the lobby of Crescent School. “The new place is perfect,” said Jaegge of the red building at the rear of the school. “It’s separate from the school and it is handicapped-accessible.” Jaegge said that the school’s PSOs had expressed concerns to Principal Karen Mulroe about the poll’s location District 4 polling place changed because it interfered with the flow of student traffic. She said several locations were discussed, including combining districts but were all rejected as impractical. Mulroe and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Raupers suggested the new location, which then had to be approved by the county. Jaegge said that appropriate signage would be erected on Election Day to direct voters to the new location. She said voting for the other districts would remain unchanged: District 1 on the second floor of town hall; Districts 2 and 6 at Waldwick High School; and Districts 3 and 5 at Traphagen School. REPORT CARD We can tutor for class grades in English, Math, and U.S. and World History along with SAT Verbal, Writing, and Math. Many students go up 100-plus points. A+ WANT THE A? 201-445-1343 SHOP LOCAL Support Your Allendale Merchants 3-9-11 janine JohnKostner2x2(3-9-11) 2 x 2” Allendale Chamber of Commerce Visit us at www.AllendaleChamber.com Spotlights on new and existing members on a rotating basis. Find out about upcoming events and goings on in Allendale