Save Rural Andover Borough - Rural days over for Andover?

Bookmark this page and check it regularly for Andover Borough meeting information regarding this project.

RESIDENTS, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS - PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
The final two remand hearings on the Beazer Homes proposal's have been scheduled. The first (and possibly only!) hearing is March 27 at 7:00 pm in Andover Borough, at the Borough Community Center. For directions or information, call Borough Clerk Beth Brothman, at 973-786-6688.

It is very likely that the testimony of the last witness, Borough Planner Ken Nelson, will conclude and that public testimony (not just questioning of witnesses) will begin. Depending upon public turnout, this could be the only opportunity to comment on Beazer's development plan during these hearings! The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1 (how oddly appropriate) at 7:00 pm also, but if public testimony finishes tomorrow evening, there may be no reason to hold the final date.

Therefore, your attendance at this meeting Thursday evening is VERY IMPORTANT! If you have something to say, please come out for this meeting! This could be your ONLY opportunity to show your support for the Borough's elected officials and their decision to revoke the Beazer General Development Permit and zoning changes!

These hearings are the opportunity for residents and neighbors to provide valuable input and comments on the town’s future as the Council takes public input regarding the proposed Beazer project. Sign up for our "Announcement List" for further information and announcements.

Save Rural Andover Borough Inc. (SRAB) is attempting to get as many individuals and organizations as possible out these evenings to speak at the hearings.

A bit of background:

On February 13, 2006, the Andover Borough Council passed a resolution declaring the nearly 20-year old general development plan approval null and void. Since that time, Andover Borough has been revising it's master plan, addressing issues of zoning, and working on limestone, steep slope and COAH ordinances, as well as reviewing its town center designation.

Litigation was initiated by the developer and property owner. Andover Borough has hired Attorney Richard P. Cushing of Gebhardt & Kiefer in Clinton, NJ to defend itself against Beazer Homes, represented by Attorney Donald R. Daines, of Hill Wallack in Princeton, NJ.

In October 2006, Judge Theodore Bozonelis, New Jersey Superior Court, Morristown, NJ directed Andover Borough and Beazer Homes to engage in several public meetings (originally scheduled January 17 and 25, 2007) to establish a public record of facts to be reviewed by the judge before making his decision on the lawsuit. At the court hearing, Judge Bozonelis told all parties that this proposed development could not be a financial burden to the town and/or its schools, and may not have a negative environmental impact to the area.

With little or no money, aside from that raised at bake sales and yard sales last summer, we have done our homework and begun the fight, which has been ongoing for over two-and-a-half years now. While we are just a small group from a small town, we have has been successful to this point. But now it's time to take on the Fortune 500 company and noted pro-development attorneys at Hill Wallack. And to do so, we would like to ask for the help of individuals and organizations from around our region.

Additionally, residents will have an opportunity soon to provide valuable input and comments on the town’s future growth at a public hearing for the Borough's Master Plan reexamination.

This reexamination process is the opportunity for the Borough to evaluate environmental constraints, infrastructure needs and zoning standards to enhance environmental protection and encourage economic growth in our town.

The results of the hearing has potential to affect all properties, developed or undeveloped, or construction and/or renovations of existing properties. It is crucial that the Borough’s residents and business community participate in this process. This is your chance to have a say in the finished product. Your input is vital to this process.

We will keep you advised of the time, date and location of these hearings, so that you can take these opportunities to join your neighbors and Borough officials in discussion of these issues. This will be the greatest chance you will have (outside the ballot box in municipal elections) to help shape the future of our town, its development and/or preservation, and the taxes you will pay for the years to come!

Hope to see many of you soon!

For regular meeting schedule updates join the "Save Rural Andover Borough Announcement List" by clicking here and you'll also be kept up to date on all other Save Rural Andover Borough news and information.