Save Paramus Wetlands
-The Borough's case/lawsuit against the "Enchantment at Paramus" developer is still in progress. Last we heard the discovery phase was still ongoing. We are unaware of any new dates or scheduled hearings. We are still hoping for a favorable ruling from Superior Court and a finding that this is not buildable land. We will pass along information as it becomes available.
-The application filed before the Paramus Zoning Board of Adjustment is still pending. No date(s) have been scheduled as of writing. We will continue to monitor and will advise if and when this matter is listed.
-We filed an OPRA request and received information from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. As previously stated, the developer filed an application (Land Use) on or about 1/26/2007. This application was rejected during an administrative pre-review. A letter from the NJDEP (dated 2/14/2007) listed several deficiencies when describing the stream encroachment and freshwater wetlands permit rejection. Mention was made, among other concerns, to a C-1 watercourse and the 300 ft. buffer. While the developer's consulting company responded in a letter dated 3/2/2007 advising that they anticipated resubmitting a complete application package within 30 days of receipt of the deficiency letter, we have no knowledge that the NJ DEP has received any updates or revisions. Some of this information can be found on the NJ DEP's website. Please reference applicant/project name: Soldier Hill Brook, program interest id: 0246-04-0003.1, PRE 070001, and R#0540, when checking further. It is not too late to send comments. They should be mailed to: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Land Use Regulation Program, P.O. Box 439, Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Att: Bergen County Section Chief (Andy Clark).
While we are hoping for victories on the legal, zoning, and environmental fronts, the fight is not over. We urge everybody to stay involved. Matt & Selvin, the two seniors from Paramus High School, are still working on their documentary. The Hackensack Riverkeeper, Bergen Swan, Watershed Management, Sierra Club, Fyke Nature Association, New Jersey Audubon Society, Environmental Commissions, and other organizations have also been monitoring this important issue. We plan to meet with the executive director of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust who has expressed an interest to visit the area in question. We thank everybody again for their assistance and support!
Thanks again to the Paramus Mayor & Council for initiating the lawsuit and for placing a strong emphasis on the protection of open space, wetlands, and pristine property. We need to preserve & maintain open space. We also need to support a local open space fund!
Original condition(s) of approval should not be removed and concessions should not be granted. Prior agreements and resolutions should be recognized and the area(s) left in their natural state.
We are opposed to "Enchantment at Paramus", or any additional building in this area, as we believe that it was the intent of the Borough to permanently preserve this space and prohibit further development in this area.
To learn more please visit www.saveparamuswetlands.com !!
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