May 23, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 11 Ho-Ho-Kus Homeless in Ho-Ho-Kus: Club seeks meeting space by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Garden Club is looking for a new meeting space, but is not likely to be convening at the borough’s train station. Last week, at the recommendation of borough officials, the club’s leadership visited the train station, and found that the available meeting area would not be sufficient for the group, guests from other local garden clubs, members of the public, and tables for refreshments. There was also concern about available parking and the number of trains that would pass by while the meeting was in progress. The club, which had been meeting in the Ho-Ho-Kus Ambulance Corps training room, recently found itself without a venue. The training room has been closed for renovations for the past few months, and the corps recently opted to reserve the training room for corps members and for individuals awaiting their cases in the municipal court, which is located across the hall. At the moment, the borough’s garden group is “homeless in Ho-Ho-Kus,” Club President Debbie Lovett told the borough council last Tuesday (May 15). Addressing the council last week, Lovett, accompanied by Club Vice President Lynda Byer, told the council the club has been investigating various options, but nothing seemed suitable. Lovett noted that the library has a steep set of stairs and is not open on Monday nights, when the club meets. She added that the train station was locked when she went to look at the building, and did not appear to have enough space for the club’s membership. (Lovett told Villadom TIMES she had confirmed that original impression after visiting the train station’s interior the day after the council session.) Lovett told the council the club has approximately 40 members, 25 of whom generally attend club meetings. In April, Lovett sent a letter to the borough, requesting space for the club in the council chambers. She explained that meetings are held six to eight times a year. Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Thomas Randall acknowledged that there is not a great deal of available space in town. When asked to consider the club’s use of the council chambers, he told Lovett and Byer that, while no one was being singled out, concerns had been raised about groups that bring food to meetings, and what is left behind. He said there is a concern about the wear and tear on meeting venues in general, adding that the goal is to accommodate various groups, and to treat everyone the same. “We don’t want to see you homeless,” Randall assured the gardeners. The club’s meeting cycle begins in September and ends in May. As a result, the gardeners are seeking a new location to use right away. Councilwoman Kim Weiss asked about the possible use of the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Church. When Byer said the Scouts meet at the church on Mondays, Weiss asked if the club could change its meeting night. Byer and Lovett said changing the meeting night could lead to a loss of membership. Councilman Kevin Shea asked if barrier-free access is an issue. Lovett said that is not currently a concern. Lovett added that affordability is an issue. She said the club wants to hold dues to a reasonable level, and if meeting venue costs are high, the club might be forced to forego (continued on page 23)