Upper Saddle River
Smart Meters: The discussion about smart meters continues as they arrive in the area. Residents continue to have concerns about health, privacy and increased bills – and opt out methods. Discussions pro and con showing interest and strong opinions.
Curbside recycling: This continues to raise discussions with unclear (and somewhat conflicting) information from the town, the drivers or the collection company as to whether recycled items actually are recycled or just co-mingled with regular garbage at the dumping site. Best information is the town is given a credit for the recyclables – but then what?
Toll Brother at Apple Ridge: A quiet week in Arsenic Fields as rains have diminished and pumping of the brown toxic sludge appears to have lessened. There have been some discussion about Toll Brothers intimidation tactics involving several residents and the lack of support from the town and police. Whose side are they actually on? This has ensured the situation has forcibly quieted. Meanwhile questions regarding the soil and water continue and are left unanswered.
There are also reports that a couple of homes in the Upper Saddle River portion have sold (!!) along with those sold in Mahwah. Hopefully the prospective home owners have a soil testing kit.
ERUV: Despite a ‘settlement’ and the re-drawing of where the pipes would go new work was observed going on in town. Enquiries to Borough Hall were given the answer that a District Court ruling (last week) ruled this could happen. The town is back in court? What District Court? For what case? Were residents informed? Once again transparency would really help.
Saddle River
Deer: The wildlife management program is about to begin – but no one seems to know anything about it. Saddle River residents or the town.
Mahwah
Smart Meters: A quick, totally unscientific poll of Mahwah residents revealed that a significant majority of residents had not received written notification about the installation or arrival of the meters. Some residents reported they had been already been changed without their knowledge, some were able to stop the changing as the worker arrived. Some opting out were told they would have new analog meters installed instead.
Bills are being reported as being significantly higher.
Residents also are expressing dissatisfaction about the monthly fee / fine.
Mayoral recall: This is proceeding with selection of candidates to go on the ticket, decisions are due in a few days, September 4. Many very energetic discussions are taking place to find the right candidates.