I spoke to the DEP today.... (quick Whiney call Ireland!)
The DEP recieved a copy of the complete current plans on file with Rockaway Twp. Unfortunately, but not suprisingly, they did not come from Christ Church. In addition to the plans they have a complete break down of all the inconsistencies, ommisions and changes from the August 2004 plans. Interestingly, the DEP was completely unaware of underground (ah-eh underbuilding) parking (yeh they were not happy about that).
Null and Void .... such lovely words.
Now lets see if the powers that be at Christ Church can show a touch of class and walk away and leave Rockaway Twp in peace.
Have a wonderful evening,
Lisa Salberg (proud co-founder of Voices of Rockaway Twp)
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
well, it was only a matter of time, and thanks to the efforts of VORT and our community, perhaps the applicant will see the light!
This reminds me of a book my kids love to be read, the Emperor's new clothes - everyone is afraid to question the judgment of their leader until a little innocent child points out the plain truth...time to move on to a site that will fit the needs of the congregation mr ireland, are you the last to see this???
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I wonder why the press hasn't dug into the DEP mismanagement of this application? A couple of calls to the right people, asking the right questions, could make for a good story.
Good opportunity for Rob J. to make up for dropping the ball on his last few stories.
Was just wondering if there was or will be anything coming from the DEP officially voiding the exemption or announcing that it has been voided. I was also wondering if the lack of a DEP exemption will have an impact on future planning board meetings. I seem to recall the PB having some doubt as to whether the meetings should continue without a valid exemption.
Seems to me like the applicant should be OBLIGED to provide the updated info to the DEP, but what if they don’t? There’s got to be a mechanism in place in which another party could let the DEP know of the changes.
Otherwise, it would appear that the DEP trusts developers to keep them apprised, which would truly be a joke. I can’t believe the DEP would just leave it as a matter of trust.
I do however believe that now that they have this new info, that they’ll contact CC and deal with them from here.
Hopefully there will be some sort of penalty for CC not notifying them of the changes…otherwise, why would ANYONE go through the effort and potential hassle of notifying them of changes? If there are no consequences, why not just let it slide…
the penalty can be no less than the current exemption becoming "null and void" the DEP's own clause. From there who knows, cc could scale back yet again, spend a few more years before the PB, and still not gain approval for what the dream calls for - have they got that much time and more money to waste on a longshot?????
The way that I read it is that this is an intentional "loop-hole" that was put in the "fast-track" portion of the law. The Highlands act allows our state Legislators to claim that they are "Green" by having passed this legislation. Most of us taxpayers and property owners like this. On the other hand, the crafters of the legislation also realized which side their bread is buttered on. That means that the Legislators are very cognizant of the importance of development to keep the tax base increasing.
Yes, I know, - - - the church does not pay taxes. But, when the loophole was inserted into the law, they were looking at the general case and not specific ones like cc.
Thus, the way that I read it, if a third party informed the DEP of changes subsequent to an exemption, and the DEP responded to that information by removing the exemption, the DEP would be in violation of the Highlands Law. As perverted as this may sound, the DEP would actually be vulnerable to a legitimate lawsuit initiated by Ireland for not following the letter of the law.
If someone has a different understanding of the legislation, I would like to hear about it.
The only thing that could be done about this seeming diacotomy would be to get the State Legislature to change the fast track and exemption portions of the Highlands Act. That would be a long, hard fought "slog."
Rat - the exemption clearly states that if the plans change the "null and void" kicks in. That does not keep them from re-submitting plans, but it is part of the exemption - how can the DEP ignore it's own law?
quote: Originally posted by: Rational Thus, the way that I read it, if a third party informed the DEP of changes subsequent to an exemption, and the DEP responded to that information by removing the exemption, the DEP would be in violation of the Highlands Law. As perverted as this may sound, the DEP would actually be vulnerable to a legitimate lawsuit initiated by Ireland for not following the letter of the law. If someone has a different understanding of the legislation, I would like to hear about it. The only thing that could be done about this seeming diacotomy would be to get the State Legislature to change the fast track and exemption portions of the Highlands Act. That would be a long, hard fought "slog."-- Edited by Rational at 13:52, 2005-04-13"
There is nothing preventing any party with knowledge from sharing it with a governing agency. There is nothing in the highlands law that protects a project from omissions, errors and changes. I have had extensive conversations with many people in positions of knowledge and experience in environemental law and the highlands. We are on solid ground. It is not in our collective best interest to discuss this in greater detail on a message board. Heck we need Wendy to do some of her own research (quick Whiney hit those phones again!)
It was a very good day. We, the residents of Rockaway Twp and New Jersey, have many great friends in positions of significant power and influence working for our collective best interest.
Have a great night,
Lisa
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
For the hundreth time - THANK YOU LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys are the best!!! We all know the effort you are putting up, and I for one will never forget the dedication and hard work you guys have provided!
p.s. - if and when the Mayor decides to move up, I will be the first to nominate Lisa - if you are willing!!!!
Mayor... nah not now.... I think our Mayor is doing a GREAT job. I also have a little problem with running for public office... I am not a Republican and I am not a Democrat - I think both parties have lost focus - so I remain an independent.
For now I will be very happy when Christ Church does the right thing and finds a location that fits their needs and is kind to the environment.
Have a nice night everyone!
Lisa
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
I have taken it upon myself to email some information to the DEP - I do believe this show that there is a great difference in the plans submitted vs. what the real plan is.
Have a nice day!
Lisa
The Vision
Our future campus will feature a 3,000-seat sanctuary, senior citizen housing, a school, a center for Leadership Studies, a Family Life Center, dormitory, offices and athletic facilities (This assumes that the location we move to is zoned to receive all of the following. If not, we will make the necessary adjustments in our program expectations.)
It is our conviction that a campus will provide a wonderful base for local and international ministry. Our intent is to extend the ministry of Christ to the world in relevant and innovative ways. Effective strategizing compels us to face tomorrow today. In a prophetic manner, we have cast vision for our congregation to accept God's call to build a rich Christian legacy for coming generations.
With great boldness and courage, our congregation forges ahead to prepare a place for ministry that will improve family life, develop effective leaders and establish spiritual formation for 21st century Christian disciples.
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
