A barrage of emails from Zillow was the alert that Toll Brothers Preserve at Upper Saddle River had homes that are now actually for sale. Not built, but ready for purchase. The Stop Work order is over. Able to welcome new families to what some Upper Saddle River residents casually refer to as Arsenic Ridge.
Buyers ready to have the commitment to move into the community of Upper Saddle River.
Once prospective buyers have dropped their down payment and secured their mortgage construction will begin and possibly within 18-24 months many new residents will call Upper Saddle River home.
Which brings a question, is Upper Saddle River ready?
Look at the Zillow map and count the homes – all 4 bedroom. There are 20 homes at least – if you don’t include the 4 right in the middle (which just might be affordable housing). 4 Bedrooms. 20 New homes. Time to do some math.
It might be safe to assume that each house will have 2 children. Of course some might have more, some less. And obviously not everyone will move in on the same day, or month, or even year. But they are coming.
A closer inspection of the site shows that there are quite a few lots not for sale. Possibly a community center or playground? Possibly lots held back for the construction equipment and site office, welcome center, pumping house?
Or is this Phase 1?
Town planning is a difficult job. Estimating and anticipating is not a science, but there are guidelines.Every town has the responsibility to prepare for the future, to ensure that the quality of life is maintained. That facilities are in place.
The question is will Upper Saddle River be prepared for the influx of new residents? More children? The arrival of The Commons several years ago had rumors circulating that the town underestimated how many new children would arrive at school. But somehow the school and town managed and all was well.
However, the actual numbers that will come from the construction at the Preserve, not to mention One Lake Street have the potential for a serious impact. And what about the affordable housing that is being built? The potential numbers are worth considering.
Yet, at the most recent executive session of the Mayor and Council it appears there is no plan in place. No preparation or forethought. Just a bit of road widening. Seriously? How irresponsible is this? No discussions or consideration for the new residents? For ensuring that the town is able to meet the needs of both existing residents and new arrivals? A serious case of head in the sand.
With no planning on the agenda what is going to happen at the schools? How will new children be accommodated? Is the town going to be bringing in portable units to accommodate all the children? or put up temporary buildings? Double up in some classrooms? Use the gym? Closets? With the taxes Upper Saddle River residents are paying is this really going to be acceptable to parents?
Of course there is always the possibility that the schools do have enough space to welcome new students. That they are not functioning at maximum capacity and have room for additional children. Variation in population may have resulted in a classroom or two being closed. However, given general trends in education – and population – that is not a likely scenario but could be the case.
It would be nice to know exactly what the situation is, and not pretend everything will be ok.
To leave it for some future administration to deal with. And clean up.
Schools aren’t extended or built quickly. There is planning and preparation, which takes some time. These are public buildings that are subject to government ordinances and requirements. They have to be compliant, meet the needs of a very specific population. Waiting until they are needed is asking for trouble, and right now with the lack of forethought on the part of the elected officials the town runs the risk of problems.
Town planning is difficult. What if you build it and they don’t come? Except in this case they are going to come, but maybe not all at once. However, wouldn’t it be prudent to have some discussions and plans – this might help. Some vestige of effort that something is being done to at least placate the electorate. Or at the very least have plan B.
But at least the roads will be wider.