March 28
...serving up your daily dish.
We've been hearing the loudest protests from Montclair's tree advocacy group, but fiscally concerned taxpayers have also been vocal in their opposition to the Board of Education's proposed $1 million renovation of Woodman Field, which would have meant the death of more than 30 hundred year old trees. In case you didn't make it to the latest Trees Vs. The Board of School Estimate meeting last night at Glenfield School Auditorium, here is what we hear went down: Mayor Ed Remsen read a recommendation to the Board that stunned the sizable audience: not to proceed with the controversial baseball field renovation.
The pronouncement was met with applause. Today, Remsen told Baristanet, "Sure, alot of people are jubilant, but a lot are disappointed as well. Something has to be done with Woodman Field. We recommended that for this year, they find a better solution. It wasn't just about the trees, there were other budget issues." The Board of School Estimate is comprised of Mayor Remsen, Councilors Gerry Tobin and Robin Schlager, and members of the Board of Education. After hearing the mayor's position, The Board of Education will take a final vote tonight. Remsen said, " I 'm fairly certain that they will take our recommendation."
Montclair Trees advocate, Scott Kevelson circulated a letter thanking the mayor and councilors for their support Monday night:
Dear Mayor Remsen and Council People Schlager and Tobin,
Thank You All for your wise decision not to move the baseball field at Woodman Field. I commend you on your courage to publicly change your opinion when a change of opinion was needed. With this vote you all have become an inspiration to our young students. You have helped to restore our confidence in our government officials.
As more details become available, Baristanet will update this story.
March 28, 2006 in Controversy | Permalink
I imagine OX will be along any minute to tell us that one of the trees was Ed's Campaign Manager.
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Mar 28, 2006 2:36:29 PM
It seems to me from his quote that Remsen still plans to cut down the trees, just not this year.
I agree with Gerald Tobin. They are trying to fit 10 lbs of potatoes into a 5 lb. bag. with this field.
Posted by: Jimmy229oz | Mar 28, 2006 3:38:07 PM
I hate that expression. Mostly, because, you know what? If you could fit 10 lbs of, er, "something" in a 5 lb bag, then you have really achieved something!
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Mar 28, 2006 3:49:01 PM
This is probably for the best. Although I didn't know much about the proposal other than that it involved murdering trees, it sounds like it didn't have too many advocates--even the baseball crowd was lukewarm at best.
Posted by: walleroo | Mar 28, 2006 3:53:25 PM
sometimes called a blivet:
blivet - /bliv'*t/ [allegedly from a World War II military term meaning "ten pounds of manure in a five-pound bag"]
http://computing-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/blivet
Posted by: badd_patti | Mar 28, 2006 4:07:36 PM
Trees=1
Boring Little League Games That Make Me Wish I Was Having a Root Canal=0
Posted by: Miss Martta | Mar 28, 2006 4:10:54 PM
I cheer my friend the Mayor.
Since he spent most of his capital on some very debated issues, we should start seeing more moves like this.
Especially with the property revaluation coming.
He is no dummy.
Posted by: OX | Mar 28, 2006 4:44:47 PM
Here's the thing about the mayor, IMHO:
Although sometimes I think the pace of getting things done in Montclair is a "bit" on the slow side, I been to many meetings and have seen Ed in "action."
I've found Ed to be a "reasonable" guy. He listens and collects facts and then decides. And if more info comes in he may change course. But he listens, which in this day and age is a big thing.
He's also a concilliator. When ten people in the room are going off in twelve directions he pulls people back together, gets agreement, and moves forward. This is no small accomplishment. It's right up there with herding cats.
Posted by: carya | Mar 28, 2006 5:07:32 PM
What fabulous news! Thank you, Ed!!!
The trees thank you, too.
Posted by: latebloomer | Mar 28, 2006 9:03:39 PM
okay we saved the trees -very nice Mr. Mayor-So now what are we gonna do about the geese-??? can we murder them--oh the hate mail---or make them mini maps directing them somewhere in Passaic county???
Posted by: cstarling | Mar 28, 2006 9:10:52 PM
how 'bout a designated 'goose hunt' on a saturday when we can teach the young kids how to shoot and kill?
Posted by: Iceman | Mar 28, 2006 9:16:32 PM
I was thinking more of an egg hunt rather then a massive kill. I really like them in my heart of hearts but like a few not like a few hundred.
Posted by: cstarling | Mar 28, 2006 9:31:05 PM
suck up?
Nah, I just like to give credit where (and when) credit is due.
I even been known to occasionally say nice things about ROC.
Posted by: carya | Mar 28, 2006 10:58:20 PM
mmmmmm goose eggs! They make great over easy eggs.
Seriously, an egg hunt is a very good idea, are they laid in time for easter?
Posted by: Max | Mar 29, 2006 8:52:09 AM
Now there's an idea for a Montclair Restaurant. Local Cuisine:
Edgemont Goose
Eagle Rock Venison
And for the NYC Diaspora
Manhattan Squab
Does anyone have a recipe for skunk?
Posted by: Bitpusher | Mar 29, 2006 9:19:39 AM
Thank you Mr. Mayor,
Now that this task is taken care of, Please join with your counterpart in Glen Ridge to save help save mountainside.
http://www.baristanet.com/barista/2006/03/can_the_patient.html#comments
Posted by: Bitpusher | Mar 29, 2006 9:27:54 AM
Thank goodness the town has come down in favor of a bunch of trees over its children. Granted, this plan may have been flawed, and it would certainly be better to be able to have a decent baseball diamond without having to cut down trees. But surely there are some things worth cutting down a few trees for. It's not like we have a dearth of them.
Posted by: walleroo | Mar 29, 2006 9:39:03 AM
