Action Center
Monday September 22, 2008
Boro Seeking Two Open Space Grants
by Tom Boud
WEST PATERSON – The borough currently has two grant applications under Passaic County Open Space Fund Committee review. The first is a $1 million request for Zaccaria Park rehabilitation project, phase two. The second is a $150,000 bid for acquiring a 1.14-acre lot at Browertown Road and Lackawanna Avenue. The plot is currently owned by Vincenzo and Carmela Leone of Elmwood Park, according to township officials.
According to Councilman Keith Kazmark, the $1 million park package would entail the renovation of two pavilions, as well as building another one. The money would also provide for much needed parking upgrades. The $150,000 Leone parcel is a land preservation endeavor. Eventually, the one-acre site may be incorporated into the emerging Morris Canal Park, if future funding permits.
Kazmark said on Sept. 10, he appeared before the county committee speaking and answering questions. Topics included Zaccaria Park layout, recreational programs, and the park retrofit concept plan. West Paterson’s open space accomplishments and goals were also discussed, he added.
Kazmark said with handout requests outnumbering funds available, expectations are realistic.
“It’s likely we won’t get the whole amount, but the open space committee is aware of the open space initiatives in West Paterson.”
The councilman explained the town follows through with land grants. He said that fact is a plus when trying for dollars. He noted some cities get awarded money, and don’t spend it.
Kazmark said he anticipated decisions on both before January. As it turns out, West Paterson may not have to wait long. According to Dolores Choteborsky, Passaic County information officer, the open space committee plans to award recommendations today.
Choteborsky said the actual grant resolutions are slated for freeholder vote on Oct. 14. She said the committee has 31 applications to consider from municipalities and non-profit groups. She added there is $10.5 million in proposals, with $2 million up for grabs.
After the Sept. 17 Borough Council meeting, Mayor Pat Lepore – who is also a county freeholder – said he has no early word on the applications.
Choteborsky said the county employs evenhandedness with open space grants, by weighing relevant factors. She said, with property acquisitions, important considerations are development pressure and seller willingness. With preserved land rehabilitation, she said, major criteria are successful track record with previous projects, and amount of public use. The spokesperson also said the county spreads out its earmarks.
“We balance each towns requests, so that everyone is awarded some amount toward their project.”
Reprinted with permission. (c)2008 Passaic Valley Today (Passaic Co., NJ) Tom Boud
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