Friday Round Up – Week of September 3, 2018

Labor Day, back to school and the end of summer.

Upper Saddle River

Smart Meters  They are arriving in town. At the Mayor and Council meeting (September 6) 4 representatives from Rockland Electricity were present to present information and answer questions. Despite the low attendance the meeting was lively with residents and council members asking detailed questions and demanding answers. The representatives did their best to present the advantages of having the meters – from the point of view of monitoring the grid and your power status. They did not address health concerns or meter security.

Toll Brothers  It has been a quiet week in Arsenic Ridge. A rain free week so no brown sludge in rivers being reported.

Eruv  The borough reports that the revised route along the northern border or town has been completed as per the agreement.

Well Water Testing  The mayor’s newsletter reports that Columbia University will be testing wells in Upper Saddle River as part of a study. (nothing to do with the contamination from Toll Brothers)

Mahwah

Mayoral Recall  Mahwah has concluded its summer of recall activity and has got a candidate to run in the upcoming elections against Mayor Laforet.  After a flurry of discussions and activities John Roth has been selected as the person to go on the ballot against the present mayor. More information on the this new candidate will be coming in the next week.

Smart Meters  Mahwah residents continue to report the change from analog to Smart Meters, despite having no 90 day notification. Additionally, several residents are reporting an increase in bills of up to 52%.

Saddle River

Deer Cull  September 1 came and went and the new wildlife management program didn’t start. The Saddle River mayor and council are scheduled to meet September 12 so there might be a decision then. However, rumors are circulating that the cull is imminent and that feeding stations are being set up to lure the deer. Once in a more contained environment the ‘hunt’ will possibly occur. Remarkable that in a community of such notable residents the stench of dead animals doesn’t distress them, or the reputation of being killers of such inhumane proportions. There is nothing fair in this event, the animals don’t have a chance. PETA has been contacted by some concerned residents and in return PETA contacted the council. Needless to say they ignored PETA’s request.

In the words of Saddle River mayor Al Kurpis:

In an era of unbridled development we are committed to the preservation of a community, of unique character reminiscent of quiet rural life styles which were prevalent in years gone by.  We hope that you share our respect for the past, in a contemporary setting and will be able to enjoy the quality of life that Saddle River provides.

Just so long as there aren’t any deer.