Report from last general meeting, submitted by Matt Brogowski, President Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce. Owner The Wireless Store at Boulder Run.

First, we discussed the project currently in the planning stages for the old A&P site, now slated to become a new ShopRite. They are in the early planning stages, and hearings and testimony is being done currently with regard to Shade Tree and setback issues, and any variances that the new owners may need.

In addition, they are awaiting expert testimony on any environmental remediation that may need to take place there; the township will also look to have their own testing done as well to confirm. It should be a somewhat slow process, with many, many challenges to come in the application process.

Second, we discussed the Russell Orchards parcel on the other side of town, and that the town is looking to team up with Bergen County to purchase the parcel using open space funds from both the township and the county together. There are also issues with this property regarding environmental problems from it being a 100 year old farm, and that over the years there has been a build-up of pesticides in the soil. The majority of the issues are a half century old, but would need to be dealt with before the town could use it as open space safely.

In addition, it was discussed that there was the introduction of a potential ordinance for outdoor dining in the town, which is deemed very desirable by the local restaurants and shopping centers. This is in its infancy, and will be addressed by the full council in the future.

At the Chamber meeting, the Mayor and Township Committee members suggested that efforts be made to contact District 40 legislators and request that the District 40 legislators advocate for the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles office to remain in Wyckoff if the Shop Rite application is approved at the 430 Greenwood Avenue location.

The DMV is very important for the business triangle in Wyckoff. It brings people to Wyckoff during business hours every day from surrounding towns, helping to support local shops and eateries. Also, it is the only office serving the northeastern part of Bergen County. If they were to condense this office into the Oakland one so soon after closing Wayne, the lines and service levels would be terrible again, like they were 20 years ago.

Oakland has already experienced massive strains on its capacity to serve the public since the Wayne customers have been forced to go there instead. It is my understanding that the Wyckoff office is extremely profitable for the state, and that should be something they would want to continue in a difficult economy and with a state budget that needs balancing.

I encourage all readers to write, call and/or email our local elected officials to advocate on our behalf. Local businesses are an important part of the Wyckoff community supporting civic organizations, charities, providing goods and services to local residents, and bringing additional tax revenue to the township. Contacting the elected officials below is a great way to help support your local businesses.

Senator Kevin J. O’Toole
Wayne Tower II, 155 Rt. 46
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-237-1360

Assemblyman Scott Rumana
Same as above

Assemblyman David C. Russo
22 Paterson Avenue
Midland Park, NJ 07432
201-444-9719