LACK PLAZA PUBLIC COMMENTS MONDAY, JAN 28

​Last Monday's planning board meeting ended without time to start public comment regarding the developers proposed plan for  Lackawanna Plaza proposal. Public comment will finally proceed this next Monday, January 28.

The final objector’s testimony at the last meeting was extensive and resulted in many subsequent questions from planning board members, the developer’s attorney and the public.  The objector’s testimony suggested provided details of the 1980’s careful restoration of assets of the historic train station.  Since federal funds for the 1980’s restoration were used it was questioned whether those assets could now be demolished legally.  

Developers come with their proposal and a wealth of experience, financial resources, experts and tactics to eliminate opposition. Strategies are used to eliminate opposition, to frustrate and burden the planning board members volunteering their time as well as residents who are likely new to the process and have limited time, experience and resources.  For example, no temporary food market has been allowed by the developer since 2015.  The neighborhood is frustrated waiting for a source for groceries and this pressure helps the developer get what he wants approved which includes a parking variance for almost half the required parking.  

In addition, when this current proposal was presented last spring, thedeveloper ignored the request by the planning board chair to work with the Historic Preservation Commission for a plan which could be approved. Since then only minor changes by the developer were proposed but required new reviews by the board.

In recent months while under oath and providing expert testimony for the developer, a consultant mentioned that he understood that there were several supermarkets interested in the site.  However, the developer increases tension by claiming that there is now only one supermarket interested and others have dropped off the list. Thedeveloper also refuses to disclose any interested supermarketconsequently the planning board cannot verify the developers claims of what a supermarket requires. Should our planning board make decisions to demolish historic assets and massive parking variance based on this developers claims ?  

Informed or insightful public comment can impact the planning board decision.  Testimony is closed now so public comment is scheduled to start Monday, January 28, 7:30 at 205 Claremont Ave. We will live with the decision.  Please plan on attending to show interest and speak if possible.  **Check for last minute changes on the town site. 

Open this Montclair Local article for information about the proposed plan and an alternative by Historic Preservation Commissioners.

***Please pass this to other residents, Like Us on Facebook. For more history of this project go to www.SaveMontclair.org to Notices page.