Resident decries council’s proposal
By Peter Prato, Hasbrouck Heights

Dear Editor:

As a concerned citizen, I am shocked at the imprudent proposals developed by the Hasbrouck Heights governing body. Despite the disputations revealed at the March 25 and 26 meeting at the VFW between the citizens and the governing body, it appears that the Mayor and Council remain as obstinate as before. They assert their views despite the salient points expressed by the many individual citizens. The governing body stacked their explanations with a slight onslaught of numbers. Numbers should never take the place of citizens’ needs and desires. There should be no price put on human feelings.

To consolidate the many buildings into one giant building would undoubtedly increase the traffic flow in a concentrated area. It would increase the potential danger in an already bust street. The Boulevard is the busiest street in our town, therefore, it’s reasonable to believe it is ludicrous to increase the traffic flow in that area.

In terms of the architect’s rendition relative to the outline of the said proposal, I question the advantages of the consolidated buildings to be developed. Will it be more profitable to him if the larger building be approved? Perhaps this is not his motive at all.

Hasbrouck Heights is a highly aesthetic town. The large building will diminish some of the aesthetic beauty. It will make a clearly suburban town into a more corporate appearance.

The issue of condemnation proceedings were undermined by the governing body. It appeared that they did not believe it to be a critical issue. The psychological impact of the affected citizens who are compelled to remove themselves from their dwellings are devastating. Condemnation is usually proposed when it becomes a necessity. This consolidated building is by no means an emergency of a necessity in any other way. A number of options are available.

I was aghast when a resident voiced her concern relative to her being legally evicted from her apartment. The governing body’s reply was that they notified the owner of the apartment. Should not those who dwell in the apartment deserve the equal right to be notified? They pay their taxes included in the rent they are required to pay.

The governing body also stated that the owner of the aforementioned party agreed to sell the apartment, therefore, it was an acquisition and not a condemnation. Legalese was frequently used with gusto. It is obvious that the apartment owner who was the only individual notified is far from being needy and who can afford to sell especially when he does not live there. The residents who do live there did not agree to sell but the law provides the landlord with the only privilege in which only he be notified and it is only he who needed to agree.

Hasbrouck Heights is a relatively small town, a quaint town, which contributes in making it a comfortable town. The building can indeed remain as separate structures. It created no significant problems. Why create problems needlessly?