Reader says Failure to turn the Ken Smith lot into a parking garage with some kind of overpass walkway to get to and from it would be to miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fix much of the parking problem, at least for commuters, for once and for all. VILLAGE COUNCIL–HELLO–THIS IS IMPORTANT. Take out a bond and pay it back with parking revenue.
Other readers disagree and say It will never become a government operated parking garage. They don’t want to lose the property tax revenue.
Others sarcastically argue to Add a few more buildings to vacant lots and soon no traffic at all! The perfect solution to our parking and traffic problems. Why didn’t we think of this earlier?
And finally one reader observers Although only 3 applicants are currently before the board, the Ken Smith site’s property still will fall within the new high density zone. Apparently that property owner is buying up more land surrounding what they currently own. Probably a smart tactic to sit on the sidelines while others duke it out. Either way any zoning benefit will be realized on this site as well.
Nice of the readers to ‘debate’ what is good for Mike Smith’s property.
Has anyone asked Mike what his intent is? (other than the project pulled from the table)
Despite removing it from the tax rolls, it is a once-time opportunity to purchase if there was a way to do so without further burdening the taxpayers with a public funded garage.
If NJ Transit bought the land, as they did in Ramsey, that would at least not burden the taxpayers with debt for a garage.
Word on the street is that Mike Smith has leased the property out for 10 years.
who leased it?
that landscaper that parks the trucks there?
I can’t imagine a 10 year lease unless he has the right to cancel to take advantage of whatever opportunities present themselves.
And..the “ken smith’ property is separate from the old “Allotto Amaco’ property and house behind it.
I think that the TLC billboard (trailer) should be a permanent fixture on the site.
Folks, forget about a parking garage or any other type of mixed use at that site. That property was sold or is in the process of being sold to Valley Hospital. So now it will be developed, and come off the tax roll. Lose, Lose.
Good place for an emergency room; at least 50% of the people trying to cross the street there will be hit by cars.