April 14
...serving up your daily dish.
First there were were the trees. Now it's the proposed sports complex at Montclair's Woodman Field that has some residents reeling. Jim Langell, a member of the Woodman Field Neighbor's Association (WFNA) who takes issue with the building of the 4200 square foot gym, writes:
On Monday, April 17th, the BOE will go in front of the planning board to formally present plans for the new Fuzzy Furlong Field House at Woodman Field. The expenditure for this project is $4.5 million with the taxpayer burden being $1.5 million, due to the donation from the Furlong Family. These funds will build new locker rooms, a reception room a 4200 ft workout gym, new bathrooms and a parking lot.
In true BOE fashion, no soil testing has been conducted yet either, even after contamination was found less than fifty feet away at the same site, delaying the completion at Fortunato and sending it way over budget.
The facility does need women’s lockers. The bathrooms will be very helpful at Football games, the parking will get better. The question is do we need to build this 4200 sq. ft. gym?
Meanwhile, another resident, Nancy Iannace, emailed WFNA members outlining some of the "neighborhood issues that surround this project": all night lighting, increased traffic, lack of adequate sidewalks, and the tax dollars needed to provide new equipment, staff salaries, maintenance, and landscaping.
Monday's meeting with the BOE and town planning board is at 6:30 p.m., First floor Council Chambers, 205 Claremont Ave. Let's hear all sides of the debate. Those in favor, against, or on the fence, take it away...
April 14, 2006 in Current Affairs | Permalink
A 4.5 million dollar facility for 1.5 million dollars?
Sound like a spectacularly good deal to me.
I am begining to suspect the residents in the area would be against any improvement because it would mean the facility would get increased use.
You know, If we can get some of Patti's tree movers to pay the $834,000 the certified arborist says the trees are worth the trees can still live, be moved and we'll be over half way there in terms of the 1.5 million!
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Apr 14, 2006 1:18:52 PM
I do not have, nor have I ever had an association with a landscaper or other business that moves trees.
I do not own a landscaping or tree moving business or a business that profits from recommending landscapers or tree movers.
Posted by: badd_patti | Apr 14, 2006 1:23:04 PM
More spending.... this is crazy and it must stop NOW!
Posted by: lasermike026 | Apr 14, 2006 1:27:13 PM
Sounds like testimony before the "House UnAmerican Tree Removal Committee"
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Apr 14, 2006 1:27:59 PM
Laser, you forgot babies, moms and apple pie too.
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Apr 14, 2006 1:40:35 PM
ROC
why do you hate nature and things green, babies, moms and apple pie?
please tell us
Posted by: pissant | Apr 14, 2006 1:47:51 PM
Remember the good old days when ROC said things like this....? "Anyway, I love Montclair and am interested in finding
out about local events, restaurants and politics.
I am a Conservative Republican, so I'll probably have
a perspective on local politics which is to the right
of center of most of your readers. As long as
everyone is civil and respectful I look forward to the
exchange of ideas.
thanks."
What happened to this seeming nice guy?
Posted by: Woof Woof | Apr 14, 2006 2:55:58 PM
"I am begining to suspect the residents in the area would be against any improvement because it would mean the facility would get increased use."
Bingo.
Posted by: walleroo | Apr 14, 2006 3:20:36 PM
did you fill in all the numbers on your card walleroo?
i think you're cheating as i didn't hear you repeat the last number called and ask twice if there are any more 'Bingos" to declare
Posted by: pissant | Apr 14, 2006 3:29:45 PM
The BOE is merciless when it comes to spending our money.
Posted by: Byron | Apr 14, 2006 3:38:39 PM
At least they are spending it on something positive and worthwhile, Byron, contrary to what they've done in the past. Now, if they run over in terms of the money, then you have something to whine about.
It's a shame that everyone who lives on Essex and Champlain didn't realize upon moving into their homes, whenever that was, that they were living near the largest and most used athletic facility in Montclair. Sure, they've put up with cars being in front of their homes for more than six months out of each year, but again, they knew that when they moved in.
Posted by: The Bird | Apr 14, 2006 4:45:46 PM
Let's not forget the very generous offer of the $3 million dollar gift from the Furlong Family.
That's certainly praiseworthy.
I think we'd be fools to squander this opportunity.
(I am surprised we haven't had a conspiracy theory floated yet.)
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Apr 14, 2006 4:51:54 PM
ROC (Right of Crazy),
You still haven't told us why you hate nature and things green, babies, moms and apple pie?
Posted by: lasermike026 | Apr 14, 2006 6:13:12 PM
ROC,
You're right on when you say:
Let's not forget the very generous offer of the $3 million dollar gift from the Furlong Family.
That's certainly praiseworthy.
I think we'd be fools to squander this opportunity
Athletics is VERY important. All I would add is this: plan this thing out properly, and execute with precision. Decide what you need beforehand and what it will cost. Do it right. Manage costs.
Don't be penny wise and pound foolish, but understand, that if the gift is three million, and IF you propose something that's going to cost the town another three million, plus add substantial operating and personnel costs, people are going to give you grief.
Posted by: carya | Apr 14, 2006 6:24:58 PM
uhm. laser....(this is awkward, uh) it was a joke. (at your expense, even)
Sorry to have confused you.
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Apr 14, 2006 6:25:21 PM
here here cary!
Why do you think it will cost another 3 million?
The article says 1.5.
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Apr 14, 2006 6:26:34 PM
"...plan this thing out properly, and execute with precision. Decide what you need beforehand and what it will cost. Do it right. Manage costs."
Halevai.
Posted by: walleroo | Apr 14, 2006 7:34:23 PM
I don't necessarily think it will cost another $3MM. I just mean, put all the cards on the table, show all the costs. No, "well, the sidewalks are extra" or "the sauna room will cost another $300,000." I just mean give us all the costs. Tell us what the operating expenses will be. Tell us additional staff.
And to make us all "happy," please explain what the facility is for, i.e. teams only, all kids in phys ed, or whatever.
Posted by: carya | Apr 14, 2006 8:05:57 PM
I'd kick in $1 if they changed the name of the structure to the Fuzzy Furlong Field Facility.
Posted by: Chris | Apr 15, 2006 5:19:29 AM
May I ask why Mr. Furlong is or was called "Fuzzy?" I hear someone called that, I think of grizzled, bearded and cantankerous sidekicks in old Westerns. Not of local benefactors, because the guys called "Fuzzy" alongside Lash LaRue or Buster Crabbe were always obviously dirt poor and mor likely to loll in saloons than go to Mounties football games.
Posted by: cathar | Apr 15, 2006 8:21:01 AM
