Question on Hilltop open space

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Next Tuesday (Nov 8^th), Cedar Grove registered voters will not only elect people to serve in top offices, but also decide what they would like to do with a portion of the Hilltop property.

The non-binding referendum, which the council approved in August, will ask residents if they want to change the current Cedar Grove Hilltop Redevelopment Plan that calls for a maximum 1,000-unit continuing care retirement community on Parcel 5. The question proposes a development plan allowing for 20 acres of contiguous open space and no more than seven units per acre on the remaining land. The estimated 90.2 acres of land is being sold to K. Hovnanian Cos. by Essex County, which plans to relocate the Essex County Hospital Center on the property to a new facility on Grove Avenue by 2006.

'The vote of the public isn't necessarily going to dictate or force a hand either way,' said Councilman Joseph Chiusolo. 'We are giving the public the ability to offer their input.'

In addition to voting on the municipal ballot question on Tuesday, Cedar Grove voters will also decide the governor for the state, an Essex County freeholder for the 4th district and state General Assembly members for the 40th district.

Republican Doug Forrester will face Democrat Jon Corzine for governor. Freeholder incumbent Republican Muriel Shore will compete against Democrat Linda Lordi Cavanaugh. Assembly Republican incumbents Kevin O'Toole and David Russo will square off against Democrats Ronald Beattie and Jane Bidwell.

The municipal ballot question was put forth in response to a local resident that wanted an opportunity to discuss the development of Parcel 5.

'The ballot question is really just to get a feel of the voters and if they want a definite change on the property,' said Longo, who along with Chiusolo created the municipal ballot question.

The push to decide what will be on Parcel 5 is not new.

Over the years, local officials have objected to plans to build a 900-unit continuing care retirement community restricted to people aged 55 and over and a 323-unit 'neo-traditional' community ' consisting of a dense mix of town homes, condos and luxury mini-mansions.

The council has been in closed-door negotiations with Hovnanian about the development of Parcel 5. While specific details have not been released publicly, in general, the township is seeking lower housing density and more open space. v 'We want to acquire some open space for Cedar Grove for recreation and we want lower density housing; the better it will be for Cedar Grove,' said O'Toole.

'My biggest concern is to stick with age-restricted housing because we all remember what we went through with the school bond referendum,' added Chiusolo. 'I want to be cognizant with the fact that as a council member I am really committed to the community and to this type of development. I don't want to impact the financial quality of life.'

However, negotiations are currently stalled after the council suspended negotiations indefinitely with the devel-oper until modifications and repairs are made to the little firehouse on Fairview Avenue. At a recent council meeting, Township Manager Thomas Tucci reported that Hovnanian sent a letter on Oct. 13 notifying the council that the smaller firehouse was almost ready to be utilized by the township's fire truck as soon as PSE&G connected the electricity.

However, he said, after a walk through with Cedar Grove Fire Chief Joseph Lipari and O'Toole, he felt the firehouse was not ready for occupancy. He cited several problems including paint peeling from the walls, a weak floor in the bathroom, the basement door not being sealed and debris in and around the firehouse.

'Until that little firehouse on the east side of Fairview Avenue is habitable for the firemen, then we will consider continuing negotiations,' said O'Toole.

Before casting their ballot on Tuesday, the public will get a chance to voice their opinion on Parcel 5.

The council is holding a public session on Parcel 5 during its regular public meeting on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. At that time, council members will explain Parcel 5 and their wish list for the land. Resi-dents will also have an opportunity to ask questions and give suggestions for the land.