Bloomfield's Master Plan

Bloomfield's current master plan is a masterfully done vision of how a town can accomodate continual growth and still respect it;s parks and open spaces. It was finalized about five years ago before the towns's current ambitious downtown redevelopment plans were approved. The Plan mapped Bloomfield from many different perspectives. The overall Land Use Map pictured here depicts zoning. It's interesting to note which neighborhoods multi-family homes are still permitted.(CLIck on map to enlarge) The entre plan can be studied at Bloomfield's Library pr downloaded from the township website.

The Town Paints

On Saturday, "The Town Paints" celebrated the 60th anniversary of art on Bloomfield's Town Green by inviting residents and families to bring their own works of art in all media for display. The one day exhibit was sponsored by Bloomfield's Art League and the Bloomfield Recreation Department.Awards were given to all age groups. In bottom photo, three member of The Porter Family are pictured showing off their framed paintings.

Bloomfield Developer In Morristown Trial -- Could Oakes Plan Crumble?

We were planning to get away from the temptation of speculating on Bloomfield politiical issues, but today's Ben Horowitz at the Star Ledger has a breaking story that could undermine Bloomfield's largest new residential development in years.

Zygmunt "Zygi" Wilf, the owner of the Minnesota Vikings, owns the company whose "Oakes Pond"plans were recently approved for converting the warehouse/office complex at 225 Belleville Ave.(photo at right) into 300 luxury condos and apartments.

Unresolved questions include what did those council members know about Wilf and when did they know it? The civil case against Welf has been 19 years in the making and may not reach a verdict until fall. Could a guilty verdict cause the council to revisit its vote? Why give one of the wealthiest men in NJ a 30 year tax abatement? Will this be an issue in the Bloomfield's Democratic primary or the November election?

Emergency Budget Meeting today.

No time was mentioned at Monday's Conference Meeting. Nothing on township website to confirm location or time. Only 4 of the 7 Council members will probably be able to attend because of conflicts with their day job. A bare quorum. We suspect the fire department will be well represented as they were at the last few meetings.

New Era at Board of Ed

Tuesday's Bloomfield Board of Education meeting made history on several fronts. The seismic shift in control after April's election sweep led to the election of a new President, Mary Shaughnessy. (Click on photos to enlarge) In her opening remarks, Shaughnessy promised "to make this the best and most high functioning Board that Bloomfield has ever had."
Perhaps sensing a change in the receptiveness of the new BOE majority, John Shanagher, the head of the teachers union(at right), mobilized a record number of teachers and students to bolster his case. The room overflowed with attendees attentively soaking up every word. Another hundred or so stood in the halls picking up the highlights in a quiet relay of whispers.
A disappointing element was the lack of customary TV Coverage for the most dramatic early part of the meeting. I shot a few clips, which will be posted on Youtube ASAP. Until then, check out the sample below..

Caputo Moving to Bloomfield?

Despite an earlier announcement of a move to Nutley, todays Star Ledger is breaking news that State Assemblyman Ralph Caputo is planning to move from his native Belleville to Bloomfield. While hIs new address is yet to be confirmed, the chess game of musical chairs behind the move was deconstructed by "THe Auditor" on SL's political blog. Some of the following is pure speculation, but it would make a great who-done-it -- and a suitable addition to our towns reputation for political theater.

Pay attention closely, because this is a case of lawmaker dominoes, where one falling piece pushes the other.
The new legislative district map put three incumbent Assembly members into one district: Coutinho, Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) and Grace Spencer (D-Essex).
The Auditor is told DiVincenzo first hoped Caputo would give up his Assembly seat and run for reelection as a freeholder, solving everything. But Caputo wanted to do the opposite, and planned to move from his hometown of Belleville so he could run in a district that resembled his old one.
That, however, would put him in competition with brand-new Assemblyman Kevin Ryan (D-Essex), widely viewed as a placeholder for when DiVincenzo’s son, Joseph G. DiVincenzo, runs one day.
So DiVincenzo’s next step was to try to get Caputo to run in his new district — in place of Coutinho. But Essex County Democratic Chairman Phil Thigpen objected.

Ultimately, Ryan stepped aside, Caputo moved to Bloomfield to run for his seat, and Coutinho got to keep his Assembly seat.

Wildlife LIving it up in Bloomfield

It ain't easy being a wildlife photographer in North Jersey. Especially if you live in Bloomfield and only focus on what passes by your back deck. Pat Ciesla shows us a few of the fauna that a dedicated amateur can capture-- without leaving her condo off Liongate Drive(she admits to following the hawk a block or so down the road.). Pat's other passion is documenting new additions to the Bukowski Animal Shelter, and then helping to find them good homes. (Click on smaller photos for larger image)

This happens to be part of the tract that The Bloomfield Third RiverBank Association was fighting to preserve against two developers' plans to build upwards of 150 townhouses.

Money Doesn't Always Talk

Final Returns for Bloomfield BOE

Three 3-Year Terms
√ Catherine Catzel Bumpus 1,388
JoAnn Castro 972
Derek Grimes 379
Joel Rosen 727
√ Emily M. Smith 1,554
Susan Wolf* 944
√ Paula R. Zaccone 1,448

School Budget
√ Yes 1,603
No 774

Following the BOE Money -- Into the Mud

Bloomfield voters have had several ways to determine the 3 candidates most deserving of their votes for their Board of Education representatives on Wednesday. Besides a personal conversation, they could have compared the 7 candidates responses at last week's Forum on the town's cable station. They may have read the editorial endorsement in either
Bloomfield Life or The Bloomfield Independent Press. Or they may have checked out a website. But by far the most expensive vehicle is the only one that can potentially reach all voters is the direct mailing. Saturday's mail gave Bloomfield voters a glimpse into the power of machine politics in our town. Every registered voter received three different color mailing cards and brochures(on center and right in photo above.) for the three official Democratic Committee endorsed candidates for the Board of Education. Each one was a slick well designed mailing piece addressed to each prospective voter. Some homes got 12 or more -- at an estimated cost of tens of thousands of dollars. Why go to such great expense for a nonpaying position on the "nonpartisan" school board? Answers can be found in the recent history of how "pay to play" campaign contributions have influenced BOE elections.

The BOE election is Wednesday, April 27, and polls are open from 1 PM – 9 PM.

In Bloom

A Semi-Serious Proposal for the Garden State Pkwy

The latest revenue raising idea to be advanced by NJ's best and brightest is to allow trucks of all sizes on the Garden State Parkway north of exit 105. Although it may slightly reduce the truck flow on Bloomfield's Broad St., the overall increase in congestion on the GSP, could lead to continual gridlock -- especially at entrances and exits. As it is, most trucks don't seem to have a problem detouring via rts287, 280, or The Turnpike. Comments are flying fast and furious in nj.com'a news site.

About That Storm

Last night may have seen the first official Bloomfield flood of the year.

Mapping T-Mobile in Bloomfield

Last night's Zoning Board Meeting introduced T-Mobile's RF Expert, Joseph Minio, who used a battery of GIS Maps(click on map to enlarge) and overlays to show the need for atan additional tower Broad and Bay Streets . My favorite punchline came in response to a resident's comment that T-Mobile's website map suggests great reception for the area in question. Medio's response was essentially that their website was designed to promote their service to consumers or as Steve Colbert might have tweeted: #notintendedtobefactual, The pink area in the map indicates weaker cell reception.
An excellent summary of the evening's highlights can be found on Baristanet. In the comments section, Pat Gilleran, from Bloomfield's Open Space Fund, echoes the Town Administrator's suggestion that an alternative site might be found on Liongate. If it has to go anywhere, this may be the best alternative. At least two more meetings will be needed to address this issue.

April Showers on Bloomfield Politics

Tonight's Conference Meeting of Bloomfield's Council has several controversial agenda items.
It;s scheduled for 7PM for the Mayor's Conference room, but expect it to move the the main Council room if there's a large turnout -- as has become the rule in recent months.

This year's budget is in the final stages of discussion.
Last weeks tabled cuts to the Open Space Fund is expected to be resubmitted.
Will there be changes?
A tax abatement is being finalized for the massive Oak's Pond/225 Belleville Condo project. Is anybody buying?
A new affordable housing ordinance is being proposed.
Is funding for the Board of Health and Animal Shelter still in jeopardy.

Finally, the "top secret" issue of Watsessing's Methadone clinic will be one of many issues saved for closed session -- although unanswered question's are likely to to be raised during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Tonight is also the deadline for applications for candidates to town and county offices this year. Rumors abound on the local Democratic Committee running candidates to oppose incumbent ward Democrats Nick Joanow, Janice Maly, and Robert Ruane.
The Mayor may even throw his hat into the County Freeholder race.

Thursday's Zoning Board meeting will continue to see and hear the proposed Ban/Broad cell tower issue unfold.

BREAKING NEWS:
All 3 incumbent Democrats will have Dem. Com. sponsored opponents:
Ward 1: -Elias Chalet
Ward 2: -Paul Halligan
Ward 3: - Carlos Bernard
Stay tuned...

A Great Weekend for Bloomfield Volunteers and Families!

Hop on down to the Bloomfield Animal Shelter with your dogs, cats, and/or children to get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny for a $10 donation!


We hope for a great turnout to clear out trash to make the pond and river a little nicer for the people and wildlife there. (In the past, a volunteer rescued a duckling that was entangled in a piece of plastic garbage!) There’s plenty to do, so come on out! We'll provide gloves, bags, tools -- and refreshments!

Bloomfield Official Wins Suit Against Online Attackers

Insults and invective have been flying fast in furious over at the public forums at nj.com. Most towns in Nj are given space to vent on these forums, but few have been as nasty as Bloomfield's forum has been -- especially leading up to elections. Under cover of anonymity, some posters have long felt they could attack public officials and volunteers by name without fear of attribution or retribution. Bloomfield's weekly Independent Press is breaking a story in Thursday's issue, about a successful lawsuit by former Board of Ed member, Nicholas Rizzitello, against two "John Doe" critics. Rizzitello was narrowly defeated in 2009 after being the subject of false allegations on the forum. Interestingly, both plaintiffs paid substantial out of court settlements to avoid revealing their identities.

Bukowski Shelter Survival Fight Goes Viral

Hell hath no fury as a volunteer scorned. The mostly volunteer Bloomfield/Bukowski Animal Shelter has been fighting for its life for several weeks now -- ever since the town's 2011 budget was announced with a 100k cut. The volunteers maintain that this cut would eliminate so many vital functions that the shelter would have to either close or send most of it's animals to other shelters that can euthanize unadopted animals after as little as 7 days. After pleading their case at packed town council meetings with shelter supporters. Mayor Ray McCarthy assured the Shelter advocates that money would be found to eliminate the cutbacks. Yet the Board of Health has continued to be pressured to make deeper cuts by trading off the needs of people and animals.

Monday's Council meeting is scheduled to include a final vote on a revised budget, and Shelter supporters are taking no chances. A Facebook page was recently setup to spread the word and marshall support from no-kill supporters from around the state and beyond. Earlier today, Volunteer Marc Mercer revealed himself to be the creator of the page.

"My role was really just as a social media consultant. I thought that this page would max out at about 1200 and that it would take a lot longer to reach that. I underestimated the passion that so many people have for shelter pets, which is something of an irony since my shelter beagle is behind me on a big dog bed, keeping an eye on the boss " In only a couple of weeks the FB page has gained more "Likes" that any other page in Bloomfield.

At this writing, it has over 3000 followers including nationally known comedienne Elayne Boosler. In her role as president of the animal advocacy group Tails of Joy, she concluded her extended written comments to the council with this plea:

" …As city planners I appeal to your good sense in what will best serve your community and actually enhance your budget. The rescue community in America is organized and strong, and watching. You are judged by how you treat the weakest among you. Often that is not only animals, but people as well. Please look again; at the end of every leash is a vote."

Who's the Fool?

One of Bloomfield's semi-dubious distinctions is that it has more Garden State Parkway entrances and exits than any other town in NJ. So many of us Bloomfielders who rely on exact change lanes found that local media stories on the GSP's new "camera tracking" policy raised more issues than they claimed to have resolved.
The NJ.com story was one of many in that foolishly seemed to accept the GSP talking points without question.
There are more unanswered questions in this story than I've seen in a long time:

1. Who's to blame when the coin readers fail? Do we have to get out and photograph the jammed receptacle?
2. How can drivers prove that they actually paid the exact fare -- or more?
3. Where can they appeal an erroneous fine?
4. What proportion of failures happen at unmanned Pkwy entrances?
5. Isn't this a penalty for those who will never use EZ-passes because
they're rarely on toll roads, have too many cars to cover,
or are wary of the failures and abuses of a computer driven system?
6. Why can't a dollar bill machine(or a smart phone reader) be installed?

Perhaps, the GSP press release was taken at face value because most reporters use EZ Passes to save time and have never had to deal with the realities and insanities of exact change lanes. (Of course the GSP officials who design these policies NEVER need to use exact change lanes.)

Thankfully, many of the online versions of the story allow for reader comments.
These were a few I found on NJ.com(several from Bloomfield drivers:

" Will they allow you to back up and go to the next exit? They might want to put a sign on the main line warning people that exiting without exact change or EZ Pass will cost $50 I hope they are also ready for the backups. Because I'd spend a few minutes looking through my car for the money before paying the fine. 15 minutes of checking under the seats, floormats, trunk, etc would be worth not paying $50."
Or this solution: "Better yet, get rid of the tolls that are expensive to collect, and raise the NJ gas tax by 3 cents to maintain these highways."
"Okay, there was a great comment on app.com. The $50 for non-exact change is completely unconstitutional...>>>The federal government states that our money is valid "for all debts, public and private". You can not refuse to accept paper money (this has already been to the US Supreme Court). If the state does not make provisions for paper money then they will lose in court…"
"I seem to find that more and more, I'm having to honk and wait, as my toll money goes down the chute but never seems t register. And to top it all off, the Ledger posts a pic of the plaza in Bloomfield, which could easily be the poster child for busted toll baskets!"

The wisest course for non-pass holders right now would seem to be keeping a piggy bank in your trunk.

Bloomfield Neighborhood Association meeting

Spent this morning at a very productive meeting of Bloomfield Neighborhood Association today. Most of the meeting was spent updating our brochure and redefining the goals of the group. The BNA was established in 1997 to provide a forum for neighborhood groups to meet with Bloomfield's Mayor and to discuss issues affecting group as well as townwide concerns. It has usually met in the Mayor's Conference room, but as it has grown, moved most of its bi-monthly meetings to the larger Bloomfield College Library on Liberty Street.
 No one could remember a time when the current Mayor participated, but we've met with most other ton leaders, including, the Police Chief, Fire Chief, assessor and town manger. As a non-partison forum, he BNA was able to host Candidate's Nights at Bloomfield College's Van Fossen Hall before most local elections.
The newest issue to come up this morning was word of a planned methadone clinic for Watsessing St. The location seems problamatic to most attendees because of it's proximity to Watsessing RR station and the Lawrence Ave. condo redevelopment project. So far, here seems to have been little public notice of their plan. One more issue to bring up during the public comment section of Monday's Conference meeting of the council. Last week saw public comments taking up about 90% of the meeting.
Must see TV.

Bloomfield is Passing Montclair -- in the Tax Sweepstakes

I make it a habit to save my observations on Real Estate issues to my EcoRealty blog. But last Thursday I previewed one of two new listings in Bloomfield and Montclair that reflect a new reality that can't be overlooked. Both were listed at 399k. Both were 4 Bedroom homes built at about the same time with taxes of 11,.7k.The Montclair listing on James had taxes of 10.1K. Both were in excellent condition. The bottom line is that Bloomfield is passing Montclair for the dubious distinction of above average tax rankings in the highest taxed state in the U.S. From a look at current listings, you can see that this is becoming the rule rather than the exception when Bloomfield is compared to nearby towns such as Montclair, Cedar Grove and Nutley. This may make the "affordability" of Bloomfield a tougher sell as the housing market improves. On the bright side, we're still far behind Glen Ridge, Milburn, and the Oranges.

Cell Tower Opponents Speak Out at Zoning Board Meeting

The monthly meetings of Bloomfield's Zoning Board rarely see more than a handfull of residents in attendance. On March 10, About 180 residents of Bloomfield and Glen Ridge braved the biggest rainstorm of the winter to voice their opposition to T-Mobile's application to install a 120ft cell tower at the intersection of Broad And Bay Streets. Since this was the first board meeting for most attendees, ZB President Ed Michalski and the Board attorney spent much of the 3 hour meeting explaining the process and answering questions from residents.

In center photo is Dr. Michael Basista who owns the Immedicenter medical facility next door -- and brought his own attorney. Lower photo shows flier passed out by a group called janecelltower.com. A dedicated Facebook page has also been set up to share updates on the issue. the It is now anticipated that at least 3 monthly meetings will be required to allow residents to question T-Mobile's experts and voice their concerns. The next meeting will be on April 14th.

Cell Tower Meeting Now Scheduled for Thursday, March 10

Based on the nearest existing cell tower at Watchung Ave at the Garden State Parkway, I've imagined the future appearance on Bay and Broad St. from two vantage points in Brookside Park. Because of the lower location, the proposed 120 ft. tower will be about twice as high. (Click on photos to enlarge) More comments can be found on Baristanet.
AGENDA:
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD THURSDAY MARCH 10, 2011 7:30 P.M.
Application of T-Mobile Northeast, LLC. as Applicant and O’Boyle Realty as Owner for a use variance, minor site plan approval and any such other relief that may be required from the Zoning Ordinance of the Township of Bloomfield to construct a new monopole for wireless telecommunications, in a Neighborhood Business B-2 zone on premises known as Map 29,Block 792, Lot 27 better known as 551 Broad Street.

Does Red White and Blue Trump Green?

This proposed T-Mobile cell tower will be discussed at Bloomfield Zoning Board meeting Thursday, Feb. 10.The chart at bottom lists the major variances that will be needed(click on image to enlarge) . An extended discussion can be found on Baristanet.

Ice Skating in Morris Canal, Bloomfield, Christmas 1855

All Saints Eve on Liongate

Liongate Road may be contain most of the last undeveloped open spaces in Bloomfield. For several months now, the township has been negotiating to purchase 5.7 acres of the site from the developer -- whose ambitions have been waylaid by the depressed housing market. The purchase would be funded by 1.9 million in state and nonprofit grants.

Developing Developments

Robert Ruane is not known for being subtle in expressing his opinions. Shortly after challenging his neighborhood fire department to a polygraph test. Bloomfield's Third Ward councilman, had some controversial comments to throw out in this weeks Council Conference meeting. Once again, a larger than usual turnout led to a move from the conference room into the spacious council chambers,
When several residents complained about a sharp increase in gang activity on Charles Street near Bloomfield's boundary with East Orange, Ruane's solution was: "The only way to stop it is to do what they did in Hillside -- they put barricades up there."
The conference meeting saw several developments on a major new development. On the agenda was a discussion of issues related to planned mega conversion of Bloomfield's former National Starch Factory complex at 225 Belleville Ave -- across from Oakside Mansion Recently christened "Oakes Pond," the developer is projecting as many 390 rental units.to replace a dozen "light manufacturing." facilities. The plan was moved into Closed Session part of the meeting due to land acquisition and abatement issues that needed to addressed. In the public comment section of the meeting Trish Comstock spoke about traffic problems that already exist in the Belleville Ave. neighborhood. "During rush hours, traffic is frequently backed up (from Broad St.) to Woodland Road."
Their current plan by Garden Commercial Properties is to create two buildings along the lower bend of the Third River, four stories each with a parking deck beneath, to serve as luxury one- or two-bedroom apartments. The developer, has said that the properties could begin as rental units and potentially become condominiums. when the real estate market improves.

Commenting on the news of a $100,000 grant received for studying the causes and cures of flooding along Bloomfield's segment of the Third River, Councilman Nick Joanow asserted that " You don't build on a floodplain. There's a cost/benefit analysis that needs to be understood …. Homes along that river have lost 5 to 10 feet of their property due to riverbank erosion. There are homes that are consistently flooding…the water has to go somewhere." He referenced the township's 2002 Master Plan which included the Army Corps of Engineers conclusion that
"The increase in the intensity and number of 100 year and 500 year flood events can be attributed to the way that development has occurred in Bloomfield. Impervious surface coverage along stream corridors in wetlands and floodplain areas leaves stormwater with no place to go. Generally these areas would absorb and filter the waters acting as a natural
detention basin for the surrounding community. In Bloomfield, storm water travels through streets, driveways, and sometimes basements, rather than vegetated riparian corridors and wetlands."

Rouane asserted that arguments on flooding issues caused by development plans along the Third River were a diversion for the "fact that the river is full of debris and it has never been cleaned up or dredged." River Liaison Bernard Hamilton refuted Ruane by stating that he has personally been involved with several river cleanups. The Mayor concurred with Hamilton and moved on.

Brookdale Garden Center

Spring Cleanup at Clarks Pond Sunday, 11 -2

The annual Spring clean up at Clark's Pond is Sunday, April 11 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Rain or shine. Heavy rain date: Sunday, April 25

Gloves, bags, refreshments will be provided
Wear appropriate foot wear (shoes, boots) because it might be muddy.

To get to Clark's Pond take the bridge at Bessida (off of Broughton) or park at the back of the middle school (Huck Road off of Broad).
Also, if you have boots that can go in the water bring them!

New Leadership in Bloomfield