< Messages posted to thread: >

< a concerned citizen 17-Jul-99 >

< 17-Jul-99 >

< About colonialization 17-Jul-99 >

< a concerned citizen 17-Jul-99 >

< To Concerned Citizen 17-Jul-99 >

< informed 20-Jul-99 >

< Concerned 20-Jul-99 >

< 21-Jul-99 >

< map reader 21-Jul-99 >

< map reader 21-Jul-99 >

< 21-Jul-99 >

< to map reader 22-Jul-99 >

< 22-Jul-99 >

< 22-Jul-99 >

< Good News 23-Jul-99 >

< 23-Jul-99 >

< Ray 23-Jul-99 >

< 23-Jul-99 >

< Ray 23-Jul-99 >

< AJ 24-Jul-99 >

< Ray 24-Jul-99 >

< Some Rules 24-Jul-99 >

< untitled 25-Jul-99 >

< 25-Jul-99 >

< Some rules 25-Jul-99 >

< An Ex-Unionite 25-Jul-99 >

< An Ex-Unionite 25-Jul-99 >

< Ray 25-Jul-99 >

< 26-Jul-99 >

< Ray 26-Jul-99 >

< To Ray 26-Jul-99 >

< To Ray 2 26-Jul-99 >

< 26-Jul-99 >

< To AJ 26-Jul-99 >

< You had a good start... 26-Jul-99 >

< 27-Jul-99 >

< AJ 28-Jul-99 >

< Unionite 28-Jul-99 >

< YAV 28-Jul-99 >

< Patty L. 28-Jul-99 >

< AJ 28-Jul-99 >

< 29-Jul-99 >

< YAV 29-Jul-99 >

< AJ 29-Jul-99 >

< 29-Jul-99 >

< YAV 29-Jul-99 >

< 29-Jul-99 >

< 29-Jul-99 >

< AJ 30-Jul-99 >

< AJ 30-Jul-99 >

< Old and Tired 31-Jul-99 >

< 01-Aug-99 >

< 02-Aug-99 >

< to : old tired 02-Aug-99 >

< 02-Aug-99 >

< to the above poster 02-Aug-99 >

< 03-Aug-99 >

< 03-Aug-99 >

< Get it straight 03-Aug-99 >

< Prognosticator 03-Aug-99 >

< R 03-Aug-99 >

< R 03-Aug-99 >

< Subject: let's clean up our town of Union >

< From: >a concerned citizen
< Date: 17-Jul-99 >

Wanted to know if our Mayor of Union Twp has his own e-mail? I've been noticing most recently, that our town is dirty. For example; behind the 5 points strip malls... the center after (and before) cruser night... the streets along Chestnut street and Morris Ave's It's a pity. We are trying to keep our community looking nice and we are beginning to look at rubbish. Do we have a township squad that looks at these ares and reports them to the road crew. And speaking of the building dept. do they not know what their oridances are?...parking lots in residential zones.. our public works dept. still has not ground the stumps that they cut down 6-12 months ago...and finally, all of the tar from this hot weather...wouldn't it be possible to survey the situation and drop sand on the tar ridden streets. Surely, there is plenty left over from the winter. I like my community and would like to see it maintained. Don't we have an ordance for colonialization when a business is sold. We'll the car dealer on Chestnut street is surely not colonial. What about business fronts shouldn't they be maintained also. For instance.. the old union rockets building and the recently closed Green Grove Farm. Somebody, please tell me how I can e-mail the mayor. I will send letters and write to our paper if I have too, but I prefer to ask nicely. Thanks, concerned in Union Twp.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 17-Jul-99 >

Don't forget the buy Rite supermarket off magie ave. it's a mess!

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >About colonialization
< Date: 17-Jul-99 >

Union Township always tried to demand colonialization, knowing all the while that it could not be legally enforced. Any more than they could require specific architecture in a house you plan to build. They can require certain dimensions but not a certain style.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >a concerned citizen
< Date: 17-Jul-99 >

thanks i understand.. how about a e-mail to our mayor t.?

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >To Concerned Citizen
< Date: 17-Jul-99 >

I doubt that our mayor even knows how to use a computer, so what use is e-mail. Just try s-mail. I think at least he can read.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >informed
< Date: 20-Jul-99 >

Will see if Mayor T. has an e mail address. I'm sure he would address the problem if he is aware of it. Will be in touch.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Concerned
< Date: 20-Jul-99 >

It isn't just the town administration's job, it's the job of all of us. George Allen, when he was the coach of the Washington Redskins, made a point of keeping the stadium neat. He said that clutter caused people to act with less pride in what they do. I think he was right. Clean up around your house and urge local merchants to do the same.

It is very important. Let's do it!

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 21-Jul-99 >

Our exit ramp from Rt.78 is awful!! you would think we lived in the slums!!

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >map reader
< Date: 21-Jul-99 >

That ramp is in Springfield, call the State D.O.T. they are responsible for that ramp.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >map reader
< Date: 21-Jul-99 >

That ramp is in Springfield, call the State D.O.T. they are responsible for that ramp.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 21-Jul-99 >

You're right and i'm glad to see that our union folks are responding in a positive manner. I for one do keep my neighborhood clean and i encourage my family to do the same. It is the responsibility of all of us. I have written a letter to the town council, as i realize the mayor is not soley responsible for all of the litter. I do hope that something is done because i believe that presentation plays an enormous part in those who purchase houses in our community.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >to map reader
< Date: 22-Jul-99 >

i think they are referring to the Route 78 West exit that dumps you onto Vaux Hall Rd. Nothing wrong with the Springfield exit as far as I can see.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 22-Jul-99 >

the exit ramp is in union

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 22-Jul-99 >

nevertheless, it needs to be cleaned up. call the dot like the person suggested. remember we can all complain, but help is a phonecall away. get involved. read today's union leader and found out a proposed dollar store is in the making. that surely will bring more trash 30-40thousand customers..we don't need it. tell me whay can't we have the town buy a piece of our own property and get a good anchor store in the center. why do we have to depend upon the slum lord that owns the property in the center. he gives no breaks to the rental he charges and according to the paper makes no effort to help keep union nice. remember as the first person sid presentation matters. i can think of 3 dollar stores already in town. 1 in the center..1 by bradlees and one in the pathmark shopping center. i like our community. we need to let the mayor and the town council hear us in the most positive manner possible.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Good News
< Date: 23-Jul-99 >

A new newspaper is coming to Union in September.

A fresh look at the town and a different perspective are just what we need to start cleaning up some of the problems we have faced in recent years

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 23-Jul-99 >

What newspaper is it? i'm interested. The leader has a way of sometimes depicting the truth in a way that is not always favorable for the school system and the community at large. It use to be called the "good news" newspaper, but it no loner belongs exculsively to union. Often there is more in it about surrounding towns. I would like to contact the new paper and have them check out the town. thanks

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Ray
< Date: 23-Jul-99 >

So, you want only "good news?" This sounds to me like the old Soviet Pravda ("news") and Viesta ("truth") papers. As they used to say, "there's no pravda in Viesta, and there's no viesta in Pravda."

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 23-Jul-99 >

Why so synical,Ray? Or maybe you just speak the truth, I can't tell your attitude from your comment. Nevertheless,I didn't say i only wanted good news I just wanted truthful news. I've read many articles that i know first hand were stretched. Yes, it makes for a selling paper, but a little healthy competition from another local newspaper will keep everybody on their toes.You know what, as much as i disagreed with lovable len many times, if i said to him union is getting dirty, he would have printed it as a concern and you know the mayor would have read about it by now. What paper is coming to Union...Maybe his son is going to take a stab at it once again. I'd like to hear about this good news.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Ray
< Date: 23-Jul-99 >

I haven't seen a copy of the Leader in quite some time, but your statement that "The leader has a way of sometimes depicting the truth in a way that is not always favorable for the school system and the community at large" strikes me as a bit Stalinistic. The newspaper is there to report the news, not to be a public relations tool for the town or the school system. If your objection is that the news is untruthful, that's one thing. If it's that the news is "unfavorable," that's something else altogether. Sometimes, the truth hurts, and I certainly wouldn't want to see the paper avoid true stories simply because they might not be flattering.

But I would agree with you that competition is always a good thing, and inclined to produce better results.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >AJ
< Date: 24-Jul-99 >

I LIKE the comment by the landlord that the dollar stores are the "incarnation" of the 5&10 stores of old. I have to agree. Taking into account our present state, the dollar stores are the new Woolworths. It allows those of us not gaining from the "bull" to obtain some needed supplies, (albeit cheap imitations, but serviceable).

I seemed to miss the part in the article, sir, that said the landlord was aiding in Unions decline,( I personaly think society is declining, as evidenced by your presentation), I guess because it was not there.

AND the trash you speak of, is it the PATRONS visiting such a store or the "trash" that 30,000-40,000 people will deposit? A Gap store or such has patrons who will not litter? By the way if you are a business person, would you invest in a Gap in Union Center? I would find it hard to justify, not improbable but also not likely at this time. Later maybe when it has established itself again as a commerce district, but not now.

I am glad this subject came up because the impression I took away from this article is that the "leaders" of this town do not know how to conduct themselves. The quote by the deputy mayor that he would suggest that the town condemn the site is beyond comprehension. Do we not have zoning laws. We should have the best since we are one of the very few (2?) towns in NJ that pay for this service. We can not just "steal" a persons property because we do not agree with his plans (that do not break any laws) Did he not hear of the recent ruling against Teaneck for a similar strategy? You can not use Public Domain as an Iron Fist. Maybe this explains all the lawsuits we have going. Hope that in the one lawsuit they have to pay their own legal bills since it was not our fault the made ignorant promises they could not keep. Might temper them abit.

I always dreamed of publishing a paper, maybe I can. Looking forward to a new source, diversity is always good.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Ray
< Date: 24-Jul-99 >

For once, AJ, I agree with you 100 percent.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Some Rules
< Date: 24-Jul-99 >

1. When you get up in the morning, make your bed.

2. Do not leave your dirty dishes in the sink after breakfast.

3. Wipe the shower walls after you shower.

4. Clean the basin after shaving and brushing your teeth.

5. Pick up the papers in your drive and around your property.

6. Encourage your neighbors to keep their property neat and clean, principally by example.

This stuff is catching. If we all do it, we will live in a really clean and neat community without the need for special committees and government action. Our attitudes and self-esteem will improve and our property values will go up. It will work.

Did I mention that you should make your bed?

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >untitled
< Date: 25-Jul-99 >

We've heard rumors about a second newspaper from time to time. That it might be hitting the stands to coincide with the Sept-Nov election season has also been a topic of conversation. Not to prejudge, but if it is connected with anyone from LW's rag, it will only be another hack sheet and political tool, like the last one was. If it is connected to a certain group of politicians now sitting on the roost, as one rumor suggests, it will be no better. Most of the news we need to read will be found in the Union Leader, the Star Ledger, and the Home News Tribune. Others will continue to post to these chat pages, and the newspapers can followup on any tidbit submitted here if they so choose. We also have our cable station, for a look into local doings.

Regarding Union Center. The SID has been in operation 5 years. There has been some improvements in the way of new stores, but no "major" tenant has come in during this time period. It most likely will not happen given the current retail marketing pre-requisites. Times have changed, and mall and highway stores are here to stay. Lets face this simple fact. The center has insufficient pedestrian traffic on a daily basis. This is not the 1950's thru 70's. If a traffic count was done, most likely you would see that the majority of traffic passes thru the center on Morris Ave. Most of our stores are situated on Stuyvesant Ave. This is just an unfortunate fluke of how the horses traveled 100 years ago, versus modern development west of here.

If the center has a future as a retail area, it will probably be in moderate and small scale specialty stores. Only problem there is that specialty stores don't act as anchors for a shopping district, and they usually draw one stop shoppers, and if that one stop shopper can't find easy parking, they go elsewhere. Rents from unrelenting landlords may be a contributing factor, however, the nature of the center will be determined by the little retail sales/services that manage to eek out a minimal living, not some grand scheme on a piece of paper. We should be grateful that majority of the stores are occupied and push our town leaders to continue strict zone controls as allowed by law, to keep out undesirable type stores. A dollar store is not necessarily undesirable. A center full of dollar stores would be undesirable. It would be great if the center could becomes a strolling village like retail area, but I don't get that feel from it. Right now, I think it is still looking to re-define itself. If you asked the average citizen/person how many stores they shop in Union center, they'd probably say they have one or two favorites at most. (I for one enjoy the book store). Is it possible our center is to big for modern needs. Our business avenues run for miles. Should we rezone for senior apartments and related services, using the new senior center as an anchor? Most seniors are looking to get into low maintenance subsidized rental situations, and there most certainly is a shortage of this specific type of housing in our community. Would there be an interest in fair market rental or purchase of senior condo units? A senior unit was denied by the zoning board ten years ago, under the requirements of the then zone law, but maybe it is time to rethink this type of zoning. However, if this type of zoning is allowed, we need to implement real zoning requirements, and enforce them, and not give away variance upon variance as so often happens in this town. Two piggyback words for variance are INTENSITY and DENSITY. Lets not cut our own throats if we go this way.

What are the current anchor stores in the center. The theater is certainly a great improvement. We lost Jahn's but the other small restaurants can support the patrons, or visa versa.

The township should give up on the Economic Development department as they will not likely bring a major store into the center if they couldn't do it in five years. The township could get rid of all the meters, and that would attract shoppers, but it will also attract all day parking for bus communters. How big an impact that actually would be, would require a traffic study. Of course that could be overcome with a five hour limit, which would give serious shoppers more than enough time to hit all the stores of interest to them. The town can continue it retail employee parking arrangement with the business owners.

Lets not also forget that the recent elected leaders approved the Target, Home Depot, Costco, the train station (and it's potential for new development along Green lane), the new Rt22 shopping mall. Retail continues to spread out in this community, making it harder and harder for the center to hold on to it's patrons and prestige.

All in all, I think we have learned that bricks and lamp posts do not a vital shopping center make.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 25-Jul-99 >

Valid points from most persons speaking. Patrons make trash and your rules to follow pertain mostly to the interior of a home. My complaint as I stated initially is that there is a lot of trash on our steets. I for one am a business owner and I sweep my sidewalk. I also live in this community and my house is impecable, thank you. As for an anchor store and our center in the 1990's... have you been to Westfield Center?? It seems that is where most Unionites shop when they need speciality store in addition to the convienience to the mall. We need a candy store, a flower shop a senior citizen housing development is a fine idea. What about nixing the idea of stores and turning it into a new Brunswick type center, offices, professional buildings and resturants. There are endless possiblilities and as long as the streets are clean and safe and my children can walk there when they want to frequent the movies, I have no objection to anything keeping a quaint town center just that. Again, the point to be made is that we need to encourage people and the townsmen (and women) and especially the business owners to care for their property. Too many full smelly dumpsters and debris around for my liking. Either we do something or we will become a very trashy town in all respects.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Some rules
< Date: 25-Jul-99 >

I guess you didn't get it. All good starts at home. Sure the outdoors needs cleaning. Just apply the same principles.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >An Ex-Unionite
< Date: 25-Jul-99 >

Now that Ray has solved all of the school's problems, he has time to "help out" the Township Committee and the Mayor with his wisdom.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >An Ex-Unionite
< Date: 25-Jul-99 >

Now that Ray has solved all of the school's problems, he has time to "help out" the Township Committee and the Mayor with his wisdom.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Ray
< Date: 25-Jul-99 >

Are you talking about me? I never claimed to solve anyone's problems. I, like everyone else here, just offer opinions, and do so for entertainment's sake. Quite frankly, and if you've ever read anything I've written you'd know this, I don't believe it's possible for ANY government anywhere to solve problems. The government, itself, is the problem, in my view, hence I'm not offering advice to any government leader. The only advice I have is to eliminate government altogether and let private individuals solve their private problems privately. And I don't pretend to think that's advice anyone here, or virtually anywhere else, is likely to take.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 26-Jul-99 >

Then you must know the advice is rediculus.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Ray
< Date: 26-Jul-99 >

"Rediculus?" What is that, some minor character from Sophocles?

It's not advice. Advice is when you suggest someone take some course of action. I'm not suggesting anyone do anything. I'm just offering opinion and observation. If you feel my opinions are "rediculus," then offer a better one.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >To Ray
< Date: 26-Jul-99 >

Thanks for the above comment....it's the funniest response to poor spelling in a long time.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >To Ray 2
< Date: 26-Jul-99 >

I will. Keep your adviese too yurself.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 26-Jul-99 >

What's is everyones problem with Ray? I personally think that he is a very interesting read. His feedback and opinions are smart and make alot of sense. This is an open forum for anyone to state his or her opinion, and that is exactly what Ray is doing, and doing a fine job at that!! Keep up the good work Ray!

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >To AJ
< Date: 26-Jul-99 >

That was a well thought out post, but a couple of questions to you, if I may. I'm aware of the Giacona lawsuit, but what others are there? There must be many I'm unaware of, and would like to be informed of. The town leaders did approve all the retail you spoke of, and I think they can't have it both ways. I'm must admit, I have some concerns about a dollar store in Union Center, because there are some there already. But we shall see what happens. There was a flower store in Union Center, near Terminal Mills, and it went out of business a few months ago. I'd like to know what kind of mechandise the new dollar store will stock. You stated a center of Dollar Stores is undesirable, and I believe that with the other stores in the Center, that is exatly what will happen.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >You had a good start...
< Date: 26-Jul-99 >

when you sent the fat one "out California way".

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 27-Jul-99 >

The flower shop in the center had to leave due to the high rents. We need to do something about the landlord and his high rents. With these rents the little shop owner is going to be forced out of business, and the dollar store or similiar chain stores will move in. It is my hope that one of these chains would be strong enough to bring in a other stores that would be frequented. Yes, we have the highway stores and lots of strip malls and that is much more desirable in price and rent than our center. What about the idea of a professional center like summit, new brunswick etc.?

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >AJ
< Date: 28-Jul-99 >

Another poster stated that a center of Dollar stores would be undesireable. And I agree.

The lawsuits I referred to are: the one against the planning board for the variance given to the methadone clinic allowing it to move. The impression I got and it is just my opinion but that there was tremendous pressure from the town leaders not to stand in the way of the move. Let me say here that I am glad that the center is out of a neighborhood setting. But I also feel it should be located in a hospital environment/clinic that has round the clock security, not in or near neigborhoods or businesses. There were documented problems with patrons returning and hanging around after hours, this could be curtailed I think in a more structured less inviting environment like a hospital. If they bent the rules knowingly then they were negligent, they should have used the laws to force them into the proper setting, not just one that pacified one part of town to upset and transfer the problem to another. This is a hard one, it was a campaign promise, it did do good to one part of town, but were there NO other options?

The lawsuit with the former administrator. The lawsuit with the township employee for reneging on a retirement deal.

It is only my opinion based on what I witness and what I read but seems that there is a very arrogant attitude on display too often. Comments suggesting they condem property, comments made during the recent problems with the first aid squads that were out of line (sorry I do not have nor remember exact wording) the wishy washy stand on the parking on Morris ave. If you want the job of leading, you have to take the heat, not pass remarks out of line. In all the cases it seems that they had options but they chose ones that went directly to litigation, if they tried other means it was not something I heard of and I would be interested in hearing them. Sorry if I rambled to much.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Unionite
< Date: 28-Jul-99 >

I think it's about time the Mayor of our lovely town learn how to use a computer if he doesn't know already. It's a great idea for our Mayor to have an email address so we can mail our suggestions to him. Perhaps, if he knew how we the taxpayers feel, Jerome Petti would never have been permitted to build the eye-sore apartments in the once beautiful backyard on Chestnut Street. Come on Terrezza...These are the residents of Union speaking to you.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >YAV
< Date: 28-Jul-99 >

You can write a letter and mail it to the Mayor, if you're all that interested in letting him know your feelings.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Patty L.
< Date: 28-Jul-99 >

I don't think "AJ" understands what he(she) is complaining about.The move of the methadone clinic was a landmark event and has had no impact on a single resident nor business in town.The frivilous lawsuit-which I believe has been withdrawn-was brought by a neighboring community fueled by a former unsuccessful candidate for Union's township committee.There were very strict sanctions placed on the clinic and for all appearances they are in complete compliance.That clinic was a burden to our entire community for 25 years and while there were countless promises by former mayors and even state and congressional leaders the current committee had the interest and work ethic to see that the move was accomplished.

On the subject of the other lawsuits mentioned I belioeve that each was undertaken by the respondent as a result of an action promulgated by the township committee.The committee cannot control the fact that if someone or some group is in diagreement with a decision that that person is going to file an action.I disagree with "AJ" in that thius committee has proven to be highly pro-active and responsive to the needs of the best interests of the entire town and not pandered to the interests of a few.

As time goes on I believe that these lawsuits will be proven by their failure to hold up and eventually the special interests will learn that in order to provide for the greater the lesser will not always get their way and hopefully will stop wasting time and money on frivolity.In other words,you can't just pick up the ball and go home crying when it's not your ball in the first place.:)

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >AJ
< Date: 28-Jul-99 >

Not entirely true.

I believe the Methadone clinic suit still is active, the one by the Bus. Assoc., will check. Also it was not fueled by an unsuccessful candidate, this candidate latched on to the issue and used it in the campaign. Please do not disregard my comments that I am glad it is out of the neigborhood setting. If they had the "interest" and will to make the move happen why not do it correctly? Force it into an appropriate enviroment, not transfer it to another part of town that has fewer "residents". People that work in the area, own property/companies there and the surrounding neigborhoods have the same concerns that Vauxhall residents had. Was the concern and tactics by the Vauxhall residents frivilous? Why can you not understand how these people feel now, its no different.

If the town had made better decisions these suits would have not occured or been thrown out by now. They made promises then rengeged. The promises were out of line, and by reneging they compounded the errors.

Time will tell how the suits hold up. If they are 100% pro-active and responsive to the towns needs why do they not take stands on issues of safety? They publicly opposed the parking ban on Morris at one time pandering to a few business owners against the good of the town motorists. Then when they were forced to withdraw their objections they did not take a position, one that was clear. Continue to put motorist in jepordy or stand up against a "lesser group" of special interests (bus. owners). Would a lawsuit have been frivilous if someone sued right after this pronucement because they had an accident and the town was not enforcing the parking rules? They disregarded our own Police Chief on matters of safety on this issue and on the recent incident with the school fund raising event that resulted in an accident. And not to forget the new CVS location. Why did they not insist on improvements to the intersection in order to allow this bus. being placed on a corner that already is horrible. I saw workers putting up a new light last week, but it does not seem to address any problems, such as a delay or fix the fact that the lights turn red and green simultaneously. I know this is a State rd but we do have ways to get it fixed. They let a huge one pass by not having it done by CVS who now has made the problem worse.

Frivilous can also be used to the describe the fact that in one of the lawsuits each defendent has their own attorney. This is a huge waste of money. And I do not see you mention the stated facts of their public comments about the condemnation of private property or the fact that the first aid squad is a bunch of whiners (my impression, I still do not have the paper that had the comments in it). Again I ramble on, sorry.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 29-Jul-99 >

a.j. you don't ramble you points are well taken.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >YAV
< Date: 29-Jul-99 >

Long speech, AJ, but you simply don't know what you are talking about.

Where is an "appropriate area" for the clinic?

Pathmark would have done the intersection, but their investment would have been sufficient to support that. But, in their wisdom, many residents opposed Pathmark and the politicians went along.

As to the lawsuits, each defendant has his/her own separate interests that must be represented.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >AJ
< Date: 29-Jul-99 >

"appropriate area" is a medical enviroment such as a hospital complex that has round the clock security. Does not have to be in Union, there are many hospitals in the area and I understand people going to this clinic are arriving from all over the state. If we had the means to force them out of their present location we should have gone all the way and done it right. But I think it was more of a "deal" that was made. This might be a point in the lawsuit. It only transfered the problem to another part of town.

Then CVS should not have been granted, period. Any construction that deteriorates the area should be offset by improvements by the Bus. or denied on this basis.

Separate interests? Was it not a group decision? At our expense we need multiple lawyers defending one suit? If they have separate interests they have every right to their own representation, at THEIR expense. We do not need to pay for separate interests, we only need to defend or settle the towns liabilty based on their actions.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 29-Jul-99 >

just found out that Old Navy was willing to come to union and pay rent of 12,000 dollars, but the landlord was not willing to re-tile or fix the existing floor in the store in union center. do our town official know this this would have been our anchor store that we really need.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >YAV
< Date: 29-Jul-99 >

Do you think the residents around Union Hospital would agree with you, AJ? Of course there was a deal. Government does not have the ability to kick some business out of town just because it presents some problems for some.

If the town imposed the requirement on CVS to fix the intersection in the way Pathmark was going to do, it likely would have killed the deal and the property would have continued to remain with a vacant car dealership and a lawsuit brought by the Tinos.

While the township committee acts as a committee, the members vote as individuals, and depending on how a suit goes, may have divergent concerns. One can easily see that one member may have made some representation to someone else that becomes an issue. Unless they were acting outside their duties, they are entitled to individual representation. You may think that is extravagant, but it is the least that can be done for people who really don't get paid enough for the job they do, and expose themselves to legal liability in everything they do for the town.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 29-Jul-99 >

All this babble about the methadone clinic, one point has been overlooked. The methadone clinic DID NOT HAVE TO MOVE! As for putting it in a hospital, there is only one in UNION. It would have been real nice having the clinic there bordered by many residential homes and a park. The poster who makes this statement sounds like the one who ran for TC last year. Lastly, take a ride by the clinic on Progress Street you'll see that it is a great location and to date, there has been no complaints or problems with its current location.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 29-Jul-99 >

The methadone clinic should be in a hospital setting, not an industrial part of town that has hard working, tax paying citizens who leave their jobs sometimes as late as 6:oopm (and that is dark in the fall and winter months) and to see the methadone junkies hanging out in front of that clinic is very intimidating!

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >AJ
< Date: 30-Jul-99 >

Of course the residents around Union Hosp. would not agree. Not many would anywhere. NIMBY is very much true and very true in this situation. I do not think Union Hosp. would be an acceptable enviroment for this place. Compare this hosp. to say Newark Beth Israel, a hospital that is more of a compound. Meaning they control the entire premises with round the clock security and it has that "feel" of being insulated from all around it.

I disagree on your comment that goverment can not remove a business that causes problems. This is what was held over their heads was it not? They bent the rules (my impression) to get them into an area not zoned for this activity. There is good cause not to want them here, anywhere in Union. I will say it one more time since it does not seem to be registering, I have no problem with the fact that the Methadone clinic move happened. They just should have done the job right, hence the lawsuit, and done it completly. A separate issue is that the clinic still remains in Union in an unregulated enviroment. This is more of a complaint about half-assed results. The lawsuit (how this part of the converstation started, is that they are alleged to have disregarded zoning laws). Drive by one night, ask Exxon about how their "enviroment" has changed. See the wide open gate all night long. Nice security.

Now about CVS. Would not disagree that it would have spoiled the deal. Does that justify making a problematic intersection now into a very dangerous problematic intersection? Could they not get any concessions. Just changing the lights, while not cheap, would have made a huge difference. And I do not think costly enough to be a deal breaker. Let them sue. Would it be a "frivlious" lawsuit if the town was just upholding their basic right to safeguard the towns motorists?

As for the separate representation. If their vote is for whatever instigates the lawsuit they have the town counsel to defend them. If they vote against whatever instigates the lawsuit they should not be concerned about having "divergent concerns". I am sorry but you take a job knowing (you should, no excuse for ignorance in the law) what you are in for. You have people second guessing :), you have liabiltiy if you are incompetent or do not pay attention. There is no grey area here, you make a decision you deal with it. If you do not feel comfortable with the counsel the town provides you, get your own counsel at your expense. We as residents owe the people who seek these jobs nothing more. It is adequate as it stands. They are the ones who chooses who represents the town, better make it a good choice then.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >AJ
< Date: 30-Jul-99 >

Sorry, one thing I forgot to include. So far the discussion I have been involved in on this thread has been refreshing (compared to most of these threads). I Do not claim to have "all" the answers, do not want to lead the town, nor do I want to fight. I will and do enjoy a good "argument". In the true sense of the word, "that which is advanced in suppport or proof, reasoning; discussion". It is hard to convey in words one's true thoughts without someone interperting them another way. So I am on record, I wish to debate, argue and discuss, not fight. Looking forward to future posts. Because I am not above changing my opinion or admitting it, just need to be shown a logical reason why. Thanks.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Old and Tired
< Date: 31-Jul-99 >

It's nice to see pro and con debate on the issues addressed above. Meaning no disrespect to those of you who haven't observed Planning and Zoning Board meetings in this town over the last twenty five years, Planning and Zoning is complicated. It is doubly complicated by politics and politicians.

Planning Boards review development when the "USE" of the dirt, is permitted in the ZONE DISTRICT for which it is proposed. (Zoning)Board of Adjustment cases involve cases where the USE/STRUCTURE is either "PROHIBITED" anywhere in the community, or "NOT PERMITTED" in the proposed zone district. These are similar yet different. A USE that is currently prohibited or not permitted, may be GRANDFATHERED IN by right of pre-dating the ordinance. The Zoning Board has sole authority to grant "D" (USE) variances. It can also rule on the Decision of the Zone officer regarding his treatment of an application, and/or make and INTERPRETATION of the Zone Ordinance, prior to determining if a USE variance is needed.A application (public hearing) for a USE variance can be split into two phases. The question of the USE, and the review of the SITE plan. The enabling legislation for all this is the State Municipal Land Use and this law is modified by our courts as CASE LAW. Both boards can grant lesser variances, waivers and exceptions. The Municiapl Land Use Law sets out the requirement for Zone ordinances and Township Master Plans, which are subject to periodic review. They can also be subject to periodic abuse in the hands of politicans.

Morris Avenue was a "Let sleeping dogs lie" issue until a certain group of politicians pushed to get the Pathmark approved. This opened the Pandora's box of NJDOT traffic review. Once those wheels were in motion, there was no turning back. The CVS is only required to contribute it's fair share to intersection improvements based on traffic study calculations. Oddly enough, the politician who led that group had the swing vote, and for all his push prior to the vote, he backed off, but only to the political reality, when the citizens wouldn't back down from their complaint of having the Pathmark a few hundred feet from the new school. We all know who that politician was, don't we? He now operates behind the scene, with his hand picked front man. Further complicating that case, was the pronoucement by the then Board attorney that the case which was being reviewed under the provisions for Planned Development, was dependent on a five acre requirement, which the applicant didn't have, until he was allowed to add the development rights (to the centerline of the street) of Commerce Avenue to his acreage calculations. This was never the intent when the ordinance was proposed, but the group of Fusion committee people mangled it as necessary when they gained control of government. This was further exascerbated by the fact that when first proposed, Planned Development was targeted for Rt 22. Not Morris Avenue. The track record here is that that group of politicians used political control for it's worst impact. The CVS is actually well suited and of the proper scale for that intersection. Unfortunately it had rights to a driveway cut on the Morris Avenue curb line. This is a dangerous configuration. The State Highway Access Management ACT usually requires that when available, egress from a site located on a State highway, will be via the minor street (Commerce).

All of the issues related to the methadone clinic are valid. Moving the USE from a business/residential zone, into and industrial zone, is a lessening of impact. Unfortunately, the requirement that the transport vans travel via Rt 22, is not being observed, because they can be seen traveling via Liberty and Rahway. Use of the Industrial zone as a War Zone, is certainly better than continuing an unwanted use in a residential zone, within eyesight of a public school and library. The conditions of the approval need to be enforced.

Generally speaking, strict enforcement of zone ordinaces and property maintenace controls is not being observed. It is part of the reason why people say Union is changing. But there also has to be some balance so that Union is known as a business friendly town. Sandwich board signs, loose gravel being displaced from landscape areas, front yard storage/display of sale merchandise, etc. may seem like little issues, but these things snowball. Add in Boards that grant far to many variances to applicants, which leads to high intensity uses, parking overflow, and other types of neighborhood impacts and yo feed the fire. Creating a business friendly atmosphere is not easy, but we shouldn't be throwing away the baby with the wash water. Landlords are an issue outrside of zoning law. The only other alternative is to do wholesale rezoning, and that will mostly impact the nature of the community.

The powers that be behind our current politicians, are not civic leaders, they are just political pawn brokers. Some of our elected officials may actually desire to make a positive impact, but far to often, we only see the negative impact of political decision making and control. Face it. If Union is changing, that is why. If you want to clean up Union, go to meetings and learn what's going on in the political management of the town, then vote. And remember, these new politicians may knock Russo, but when Russo's Zoning Board went to court and created case law, it was so we could build the original Sumner Gardens. That is civic leadership. The Russo organization addressed senior citizen housing at Burnet and Stanley long before the new building was envisoned. During that commercial case, the Board hired an independent planner to review the possible uses because it felt senior housing was a possible alternative. When they denied the commercial use of that property, the facilitated the new building. That is long range Land Use Planning. The Russo group fought housing and schools impact at the Cider Mill site, and approved low impact single family units. The current group is responsible for 200+ units of housing at the ESNA site. The Russo group created the soccer field at the front of UHS, which is now a parking lot due to the ESNA housing project. Open your eyes people. The fox is in the hen house, and the list could go on and on.

As to my opening statements on zoning, citizens must attend Planning and Zoning meetings regularly, and not just when it is a matter of NIMBY. The politicians have an endless supply of associates to appoint to these boards, Only "YOU" can appoint yourself to sit in the audience and act as ombudsman and interested person on the behalf of the community. Here you can only write about it, and the politicians can ignore you. There you can participate as an "Interested Party". That is a requirement of the law. Your choice. Your town.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 01-Aug-99 >

There should be no methadon clinic anywhere in Union, or anywhere else, for that matter. This crap was originally designed to get junkies off heroin but instead has created a new kind of junkie. Why doesn't Cranford have a methadon clinic? Why do people have to get "bussed" all the way from Eastern Pennsylvania to come to "our" methadon clinic. Why are the gates at the location on Progress Street not closed, as it was stated at the Planning Board meeting that they would be? Ditto the van traffic not traveling on Liberty Avenue. It's all a bunch of CRAP! Yes, the miserable thing did have to get out Vauxhall..it never should have been allowed to go there in the first place. Did any of our "leaders" ever think of asking Millburn how they got rid of it? Real leadership would have been to harass the hell out of them for every time some junkie spit on the sidewalk, threw down a gum wrapper, peddled drugs or committed any other infraction of our ordinances. In short, make them WANT to get out of town. By the way, citizens of Vauxhall take note: If you had not put up with it for twenty five years, it would not have lasted twenty five years. Organized protesting, picketing, complaining,attendance at EVERY township committee meeting, involvement of the media etc. would have caused it's departure much faster than a twenty five years-too-late campaign promise. The late Eleanor Ericson and her protesters got rid of the juice bar in three months. If they had waited for the politicians it would still be there. Just look at the same scenario with "Hot 22". Nobody protests, so nothing gets done. To quote Bob Grant: "Your influence counts! Use it!" The one thing you can always count on with any politician is to do nothing until someone forces the issue.(Unless, of course, it has something to do with increasing their pocketbooks)

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 02-Aug-99 >

such a harsh response. yes we don't want our children to get hurt by people from places like this, but a hospital zone or facility would have been much more appropriate. Since there are so many issues in union that are causing displeasure, is it not possible to have a night out where all concerned residents meet at a town meeting to discuss cleaning up the town, the methodone clinic problems, etc. etc. A town flyer would be appropriate to tell all of the residents to join together.... think about it We could even post on one of these threads....

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >to : old tired
< Date: 02-Aug-99 >

The 200+ housing at ESNA was approved a number of years ago, don't blame current group of politicos

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 02-Aug-99 >

where will all of the children from these housing projects go to school? Is hanna caldwell full or do they have room for more children? Will the condo to be built by conn farms school impact upon that school? Do they have room. I understand the morris jointure is renting part of the old hamilton school this year. Are ther plans to open this school once again. Will there be a restructuring of the streets once again in order to house these new arrivals. What is expected?

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >to the above poster
< Date: 02-Aug-99 >

From what the BOE indicates, the Hovnanian project will not generate a lot of children (I've got a bridge to sell you...). The condos are not supposed to have many children either.... The lease for the Morris Jointure is only for 3 years - this way, if needed, Hamilton can be opened again for school use. The jointure is painting and doing cosmetic work, but this will not take care of the many major repairs that need to be made to make Hamilton what it should be. It will still be a run down, broken down building, only with fresh paint to make it look better. I am sure that there will be another re-distictricing if Hamilton is re-opened. Go to the BOE meetings or watch them on TV to hear what is going on. Lots of useful info.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 03-Aug-99 >

Re: The clinic.... Yes it was a harsh response! So was throwing the tea in Boston Harbor. But those guys had a goal and lo and behold they achieved it! Sending Federal troops into Little Rock was also a harsh response but it worked! We have become a nation of sheep! We let the politicians raise our taxes, spend our money foolishly(preservation of the snail darter, for example), make us subject to unbelievable regulations and restrictions on our freedom(can't put glass in my screen door?), get rich before our very eyes, and get away with numerous other things an ordinary citizen would consider unethical or even criminal and we DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!! In fact we KEEP REELECTING THEM!! Fifty thousand people live in this burg. One son of a bitch , who doesn't live here, owns the methadon clinic! Probably 99% of the taxpayers don't want this thing here, yet we have it. Why? Again I ask the question, why doesn't the owner of this place desire to have it in Westfield? or Cranford? or Berkeley Heights? or New Providence? What makes our town so desirable to him? Why did he move it from Millburn 25 years ago? This joint doesn't belong in Vauxhall and it doesn't belong on Progress Street. It doesn't belong in our town, PERIOD.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >
< Date: 03-Aug-99 >

To whomever posted this comment: "The 200+ housing at ESNA was approved a number of years ago, don't blame current group of politicos"

Don't you get it? Or don't you want to get it? It doesn't matter who the specific elected persons were/are sitting on the Township Committee, who the mayor was/is (Dem or Rep.) or who was appointed/sitting on the Planning or Zoning Boards. With majority control in the hands of of the same group who brought us Fusion government since 1994/95, the same power brokers behind the scene have had control throughout. And in case you are still not up to speed on this, they control the Board of Education too!

If you ever sat through a Planning or Zoning Board meeting when a licensed professional planner was giving testimony, then you would know they usually state that a given new construction dwelling unit will produce 1.5 to 2.3 school age children. I can't recall the number suggested at the time of the Hovnanian project hearings, but it was astromonically LOW. If all you do is multiply 1 x units, that equals 200 kids. Supposedly, the units are designed with one or two bedrooms to control this, but: 1kid x 1bedroom x 200units = 200 two hundred new kids in school. If a tax point equals approximately $100,000, then for every 15 kids, your taxes potentially go up 1 point - depending on things like shifts in commercial ratibles and State contributions. When the politicians tell you about all the great ratables they get from these units, don't forget, the cost of educating one kid in this town averages around $7000. Sounds like a deficit to me, because I doubt that these units will be paying $7000 property tax per year. Some of the units are age restricted, but as I recall they are outside of the 200 fair market figure. Also, as many of our seniors are moving out of town, (seniors who placed no demand on the school system for seats in classrooms) these houses are resold and regenerate the need for new seats. Senior citizens make up approximately 20% of our population, how many still own their own homes?

I am not saying any group of politicians new or old could find perfect solutions to these problems, but I have seen the track record for this group as it has developed, compared then and now, and I don't see a long term conservative effort. The body of work that this group has conducted is unimpressive at best. Putting parking meters at Union Hospital is an interesting idea, but it isn't going to balance a school budget. You need to STOP the inflow of students via new high density housing at brown field sites like ESNA, or vacant sites like the old rec building (the condos) or at least stem the tide, and you don't do that by approving high density housing like the Hovnanian project, you do it as by the example of the Cider Mill project, where two prior high density developments were rejected.

People in this town better start looking for a whole new crop of politicians, because the ones we have now, have been in politics for to long.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Get it straight
< Date: 03-Aug-99 >

There is not an increase of $7000 in the school budget if you add one child just as there is not an equivalent savings if you take one away. The cost per pupil is the adjusted budget divided by the number of students. Simple math. The cost per pupil actually would go down by adding more students until you reached a point where the actual out-of-pocket expenses for teachers, books etc increased.

The addition of 200 students, lets say, would probably have little relative impact. They more than likely would be distributed at differnt grade levels in differnrt classes and would not cause many additional teachers, if any at all. The tax income would well surpass the additional school expenditures.

Besides, fair housing laws do not allow you to limit housing sales to people with no children. The town was lucky to get Hovnaian to limit the number of bedrooms. Maybe you would like them to leave all the vacant industrial sites vacant? Drive around to some other neighboring towns and you can see just that and the impact it has had.

And, youth is the life blood of a community. More young families are moving into town and that is good. When that stops then we are really in trouble. Then watch your property values drop!

The clinic is a private business and cannot be forced to go where you want him to go. Suppose someone told you to move and dictated where you could move to. While the zoning board could have read the law differently, the case law indicated that the site did not require a variance to move where it is. No variance was granted. The suit is in essence challanging that case law and the zoning board's and zoning board attorney's interpretation of that law.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >Prognosticator
< Date: 03-Aug-99 >

The lawsuit will fail and the town will be vindicated.

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >R
< Date: 03-Aug-99 >

Why not make Union High School the methadon clinic?

All of the clients are registered there already!

< Subject: RE: let’s clean up our town of Union >
< From: >R
< Date: 03-Aug-99 >

Why not make Union High School the methadon clinic?

All of the clients are registered there already!