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Back to
March 2004
Update
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Dear Friend of
Marlboro Park,
I have received your e-mail through the Friends of Marlboro Park website. I
would have replied promptly, and directly, had I been able to e-mail back.
The system set up precludes that. Someone knows where you are in cyberspace,
but those of us receiving your e-mails do not.
I have always been open to discussions with the
residents of Montclair. I make an effort to hear about both sides of an issue
firsthand. I’ve shared my observations about municipal government in
conversations and through my website at http://j.michaelson.home.att.net/.
I ask the same consideration from you.
Based on input from the public, the Council rejected
the designation of the Marlboro Park District, but referred the Marlboro Inn
to the Historic Preservation Commission for consideration as a Landmark
Property. According to our Counsel, this will restart the 180 day moratorium
on the demolition of the Inn.
There was significant opposition to residential
designation by residents of the area because of the implications of
designation as well as the singling out of one neighborhood. Given the public
debate and the current economic environment, a number of members of the
Council agree that we should examine the issue further both in terms of
individual land-marking and/or discussion of more extensive residential
designation as is seen in Glen Ridge. A land use summit, similar to that held
for Affordable Housing, will be productive.
A summit will allow everyone to participate in the
debate and have a role in shaping the future of Montclair. It will help us
understand the limitations and well as the possibilities for municipal policy
makers.
I am learning that everything and everyone is fair
game in elected office. Let’s make the debate worthwhile by listening to each
other and working together.
Montclair Councilor At Large
j.michaelson@att.net
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