Hillside Avenue Mikvah – an environmental disaster in the making
Despite the clear objection of residents, the environmental damage and serious likelihood that Upper Saddle River wells will run dry, or be contaminated the Hillside Mikvah construction has started. CUPON Mahwah has been working on the issue from the outset and has provided information on what concerned residents need to do.
Please call and email the officials listed
Context:
There is a massive (50,000 sq foot) religious baths proposed on Hillside Ave, Ramapo, NY. The
plot sits across the NY and NJ state line. It is irresponsible development and is completely out of
character with this quiet residential area.The plans were approved by Ramapo Planning Board, despite expert testimony about the
impacts on local flooding, excessive lot coverage, potential sewer overflows with contamination
of the local aquifer, and pollution of the Saddle River NJ Class A Pristine waterway.Urgent issues that we are asking for your help with:
A stop-work order needs to be issued to Hillside Mikvah 79 & 85 Hillside Avenue, Airmont,
NY 10952.Despite pending legal action before the NY courts, construction started on Dec 11th: in just 3
days the lot has been clear-cut, construction materials delivered and soil re-grading (without
erosion control) begun. The developers appear to be rushing through construction to change the
facts on the ground.Local residents’ sole supply of water is at risk. The plans submitted included a new
waterline to be installed; no well water use was proposed. On Monday Dec 14 th , a large well
drilling rig was onsite, surveying the plot. Based on prior dry-well crises in the area, removing up
to 8,000 gallons per day for the baths will cause local homeowner wells to run dry. There is no
municipal water on the NJ side.My request to you: Local government on the NY and NJ sides have their hands tied and
cannot or will not take further action. Please step in and place a stop work order on this
development, to allow due legal process to be completed before further construction.
Call and email:NEW JERSEY
– Joe Femia, Head of Planning and Engineering, Bergen County. 201-336-6805 or 201-336-6435
email: jfemia@co.bergen.nj.us
– Assemblyman Robert Auth (862) 248-0491
– Senator Holly T. Schepis (201) 666-0881
– Assemblywoman DeAnne C. DeFucci (201) 567-2324
You can email the NJ Assemblywo/man here: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectRep.aspNEW YORK:
– Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh (845) 638-5001: info@rocklandcountyda.com
– Rockland County Legislature: Phone: (845) 638-5100 Email: legclerk@co.rockland.ny.us
And, please contact as many media outlets as you can.