COAH on Hold (again)

The Observer will make a prediction that this does not come back on the Zoning Agenda until the summer. It is best to do this when people are on vacation. The owner will have to renotice members of the public that reside near the property.

---------------Town Email Alert-------------

Township of Aberdeen
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS:
Please be advised that the RCM Group applications will not be proceeding on Wednesday, April 1. The applicant has sent the Zoning Board of Adjustment the following correspondence, which is being posted for your information.

The applicant’s counsel will be appearing solely for the purpose of placing the applicant’s adjournment request on the record. Absolutely no testimony will be taken by the Board. All residents will be renoticed prior to the application proceeding further.

Maxine Rescorl, Secretary
Township of Aberdeen
Zoning Board of Adjustment
732-583-4200 X101

Letter from applicant’s attorney to Maxine Rescorl, Zoning Board Secretary dated March 31, 2009:

The above referenced application is presently scheduled before the Zoning Board on April 1, 2009. There has been significant public comment upon these applications, which the Applicant has listened to. The Applicant has begun to investigate possible revisions to the plans that would address much of the public comment, while at the same time, still providing assistance to the Township in addressing its affordable housing obligation. As a result, the Applicant will not be able to proceed tomorrow night and requests that the matter be adjourned until such time that the Applicant is able to proceed. Of course, if and when the Applicant is ready to go forward, the Applicant will fully renotice the public.

I will be in attendance at tomorrow night’s meeting to answer any questions which the Board may have.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter; I appreciate your understanding.

Very truly yours,
Craig M. Gianetti, Esq.
Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla

COAH at Aberdeen

Cliffwood residents get ready to rumble!

All Aberdeen residents, especially Cliffwood residents, need to attend the next zoning board meeting on March 11th 2009 7PM. At the last zoning board meeting (Feb 25th) we found out that “Renaissance at Aberdeen” is really a trip to the dark ages. During the Feb 25th Zoning Board meeting, the lawyer for the owner of this project, and yes it was referred to as a project by the same lawyer, admitted that Section 8 eligible families would be able to qualify to live in the County Road project ….whoops … I meant to say…development.

To refresh your memory this development (Centex) was originally supposed to be a COAH development, with some market rate and affordable units off  Route 34 for a total of 63 units. The County Road development was supposed to be 120+ market and senior units. Mind you that both of these locations were/are zoned for highway commercial or light industrial use. In 2008 during zoning board meetings, residents affected by the Route 34 development were very vocal and it was clear the Zoning Board was not going to grant the variance. The town planner did not originally support this development and the zoning board looked like it would be a problem, so to pave the way in December 2008  the Planning Board quietly  (while most citizens were busy at the revaluation meeting) had the Township Master Plan updated to allow COAH housing in these particular zones.

The development has now morphed into something far more sinister. The “NEW” proposal now includes 63 market units off Route 34, “Village at Aberdeen” and 132 COAH apartment units “Renaissance at Aberdeen” to be located on County Road. Many Cliffwood residents were at the Zoning Board meeting to oppose the plan, but not many residents affected by the Route 34 plan were present. The development is linked, so that one cannot pass without the other.

We must join together as Aberdeen residents, fight, and help stop this irresponsible development. Strathmore and Cliffwood  residents really need to help each other. I fear that even if the Zoning Board denies the variance; the builder may have his way in court because of the changes made in the master plan. I urge all people to come to the next meeting, March 11th 2009 7PM to oppose this “PROJECT” that is not a benefit to our community. Don’t let the politicians and developers divide us.

JPJ

 

Matawan Results - Republicans Win

Borough Council - Matawan

7/7 100.00%

Under Votes	751
Over Votes	0
	Vote Count	Percent
REP - Tom FITZSIMMONS	1,948	26.08%
REP - Joseph P. URBANO	1,874	25.09%
DEM - William MALLEY	1,698	22.73%
DEM - Robert T. BUNYON	1,665	22.29%
INDC - Denis BRADY	276	3.70%
Write-In	8	0.11%
Total	7,469	100.00%

Democrat, Republican or Independent

for

Matawan Council

The Matawan Council Race is shaping up to be a battle of the signs to the average person. Large Malley / Bunyon and numerous Fitzsimmons / Urbano signs are cropping up all over Matawan. The observer has not spotted any from Denis Brady who is running as an independent.

The only information posted on the race in the local newspapers is here:

http://www.app.com/article/20081020/POLITICS/810200319/1024

Though the article clearly establishes the position of the Democrats (Malley & Bunyon) being for the train station development as the solution to Matawan’s problems. The Republicans (Fitzsimmons and Urbano) argue that the Matawan finances are a wreck and need to be examined. The independent (Brady) argues that the two parties are ruining the Matawan.

The two other local blogs have this to say about the race:

http://matawanadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/10/check-out-blogger-voice-of-reason.html

http://www.aberdeener.com/2008/10/matawans-end-of-days.html

Matawan clearly has a financial problem that must be solved. The roots of it go back to before the Democrats took control of the council. However, the problem has become exacerbated under the current council majority. Not one of the candidates in the Asbury Park Press article gave any details as to "HOW" they would control the budget.

The only way to get out of a budget problem is to increase revenue (taxes) or reduce expenses (workforce reduction). I know some will say that extraordinary aid may arrive and so on. Revenue from the train station project will not will not be realized for years. How do you move forward on that with a budget deficit? The only way to fix the budget is to have a plan, none of the candidates has revealed any details for the voters of Matawan to consider.

Any candidate that wants to send email or post about how they will get Matawan on the right track will is welcome.

MAObs.

Alert! Aberdeen Council has gone missing?

 

 

It is very interesting and intriguing that the Aberdeen Democrat’s did not have a table at Aberdeen Day. Last year, when running for election the table was prominently located, and manned by council members. What happened?

• Are they against Barrack Obama ?

 

• Afraid to be questioned by citizens about firing Stuart Brown, our popular former township manager?

 

• Perhaps they don’t want to discuss Councilwoman Gallo ?

http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0918/front_page/004.html

 

• Maybe they don’t want to be questioned about the pending revaluation and 12% municipal tax hike.

 

• Perhaps they are getting concerned about the investigation on the Aberdeener Blog

http://www.aberdeener.com/2008/09/councilwoman-gallo-pushes-back.html

http://www.aberdeener.com/2008/09/passing-buck-in-aberdeen.html

http://www.aberdeener.com/2008/08/budgeting-cme-associates-style.html

It is clear that much can happen in course of a year. I wonder what the plan is to rehabilitate their image for the 2009  Township election. I heard someone was sewing a silk hat. It does look like the people are getting sick and tired and starting to attend council meetings.

MAobs.

Route 34 Development back on the Agenda

RCM Group & Centex are at it again and want approval at the Aug 27th Aberdeen Zoning Board meeting to give us 69 new townhouses in town. I know who Centex is as a home builder, but who are RCM Group LLC ? Well, I did a little looking around on the state of NJ website and found the following.

 

Business Name: RCM GROUP, LLC

Report Date: 08/22/2008

Business ID Number: 0600200264

Transaction Number: Sequence: 1356549: 1

Business Type: DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Status: ACTIVE

Filing Date: 04/23/2004

Home Jurisdiction: NJ

Status Change Date:

Stock Amount: 0

DOR Suspension Start Date:

DOR Suspension End Date:

Tax Suspension Start Date:

Tax Suspension End Date:

Annual Report Month: 4

Last Annual Report Filed: 05/08/2008

For Last Annual Report Paid Year: 2008

Incorporator:

Agent:RICK CIFELLI

Agent Address:

14 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

CLIFFWOOD BEACH, NJ  07735

Office Address Status:

Deliverable

Main Business Address:

14 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

KEYPORT, NJ  07735

Principal Business Address:

14 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

KEYPORT, NJ  07735

Officers/Directors/Members

1) Title:

GENERAL PARTNER

Name: RICK CIFELLI

Address:

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

HOLMDEL, NJ 07733

This is very interesting because 14 Industrial Drive is the address of Cifelli Construction Company who happens to be the owner/builder ? of the building in Matawan the used to house the DMV. This was later moved to Airport Plaza owned by Scuideri Enterprises, who's owner just so happens to be the Monmouth Democratic  Party Chairman. Not sure what the relationship is, but I am researching it.

It is important that people go to the meeting. We do not need more residential development in Aberdeen. Our taxes are already too high!

JPJ

Town Council Meeting Tuesday June 17th

Get the agenda for this Tuesday's town council meeting !

AGENDA

Two items that should be of great interest to the public.

1. Looks like over 5 million dollars in bonds is to be raised, for improving signaling among other things? Explanation is rather thin, nor is the term of the bonds mentioned. Who is the law firm that is helping to issue them?
2. AnchorGlass - is back on the table again. The council in it's wisdom has declared that discussion is all about contractual matters, and must be held in executive session? If there is a contract then who is it with? If there isn't, then where is the RFQ, RFP or bid specifications? If the redevelopment of this site is a good thing for the community, why not tell the public what the plan actually is?

JPJ

Unofficial Election Results

For all results: http://www.co.monmouth.nj.us/ElectionResults/Election%20Result.htm

SENATE RESULTS - November will be Zimmer vs Lautenberg

REP - United States Senate

Vote Count Percent
Dick ZIMMER
7,974 56.39%
Murray SABRIN
1,508 10.66%
Joseph PENNACCHIO
4,626 32.72%
Write-In
32 0.23%
Total
14,140
100.00%

DEM - United States Senate

Vote Count Percent
Donald CRESITELLO
1,807 11.32%
Frank LAUTENBERG
10,554 66.14%
Robert E. ANDREWS
3,561 22.32%
Write-In
34 0.21%
Total
15,956
100.00%

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY

(Tuesday June 3rd)

(Polls open 6 am to 8 pm)

Vote today if you are a Democrat or Republican.

If you are not registered for either party,you can still declare a party and vote today!!

Who can vote in the primary election?

Registered voters may only vote in a primary for one party's candidates and they must have declared an affiliation with that party.
If you declared a party affiliation when you registered, you may vote in that party's primary. If you did not declare a party affiliation when you registered, you may do so at the polls the first time you vote in a primary election. After that, you will retain this party affiliation unless you file a form to change your party declaration.

Here is a good page with links to the candidate websites, be an informed voter !

MAobs.

Over development in Aberdeen rides again !

Just when you thought it was safe.... It looks like Centex Homes is at it again.

http://matawan-aberdeen.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html

I was sent an email from someone who was mailed an environmental study notice. Look for them to be on the zoning board agenda this summer, while most people are on vacation.

Aberdeen Recreation Center

The Observer has been informed that people are visiting various community groups pitching an Aberdeen Recreation Center. Apparently, a "feasibility" study is being done. Assurances are being made that this will not cost any taxpayer money? It has also been touted that Mayor Sobel is supporting it. Art Perri of Husky Sports Soccer is also involved. A recreation center is a good idea, our children need somewhere to go. The following questions need to be answered before I will support it.

• Location?
• How is it to be funded?
• Who is in charge?
• Who is accountable?

Does anyone know about it? Please post?

School Election

Mr. Kenny won in Matawan, he ran unopposed. Unfortunately, Mr. Aitken lost. The budget failed in both Matawan and Aberdeen.

I read the newspapers, and saw all of the big Rubino & Ruprecht signs that went up all over Aberdeen. I have seen these signs before, they look very similar, if not identical to the frames that the Aberdeen Democrats use. Why were workmen taking them down, instead of the candidates?

It is clear to me that there was a suspicious alliance of interest groups against Mr. Aitken; which included the Teachers Association and the Aberdeen Democrats. It was brought to the attention of the Observer that Councilwoman Gumbs was seen putting out Rubino & Ruprecht signs. Councilwoman Gallo was also observed challenging for them.

What are the Aberdeen Democrats getting in return for supporting Rubino & Ruprecht, who now are part of group that controls the board? Why were people not concerned about the solicitation of teachers by Rubino & Ruprecht for campaign donations? Looks like classic 'pay-to-play' to me. Get your hand on your wallet and don't let go! All contracts that this board awards need to be scrutinized, to see if they are Democratic party contributors.

MAObs.

Matawan-Aberdeen Board of Education Election

I have been spending some time catching up on local events. I do have to say that the Aberdeener has been very informative along with the Matawan Advocate. I took the time to watch the school board candidates night video posted on the school website and found it both informative and disturbing.

Mr.Kenny and Mr.Aitken both presented a clear vision for the future of education in our school system, and acknowledged our problems. Ms.Rubino and Mr.Ruprecht did not bother to show up for the event.

Last year this blog endorsed Dr.Gambino and Mr.O'Connell for seats. I am pleased that I did it. We finally got a budget with a school tax increase that although not great was reasonable when compared with recent increases. Hopefully, educational improvement will follow.

I don't have to much to say other than to read the Aberdeener and you will find out how badly Aberdeen is riddled with corruption and Pay-To-Play. It is disgusting.

I endorse Mr.Aitken in Aberdeen and Mr.Kenny in Matawan.

MAObs.

The Truth about Mr. Brown and our town !

Hats off to the Aberdeener www.aberdeener.com for finding out about the terms of Stuart Brown's severance. If you care about this town, you owe it to yourself to surf over to his website and read the agreement. This blog has repeatedly pointed out the inconsistencies in the actions of the town council. People really need to start paying attention. Thank You Aberdeener! Mr. Brown was a real change for the better. I hope he chooses to stay in our town. I think he would make an excellent Mayor.

As an FYI: Be aware that the will be a hearing this Wed. 7:30 to allow a another 120 homes along county road ! The last thing we need in this town is another 120 homes !

MaObs.

Welcome and Farewell

Welcome

The Board of Education has hired a new superintendent for the district. Dr. Richard O'Malley, appears to have the right credentials and a track record of success. It looks like some members of the board voted "NO" based on technicalities over the contract. The Asbury Park Press has weighed in. It is interesting that they did not note that our former superintendent (who was a business administrator in Hazlet) was hired without even bothering to do a search. I did some research in the newspaper archives, some of dissenting board members approved that vote.

APP Article 1

APP Article 2

What I do not understand is how they (Asbury Park Press) keep saying the former Superintendent left because of a "divided" board. Is there a school board that votes 100% for everything? I want to see the issues debated so we can get the best for our children. The observer welcomes Dr. O'Malley. I hope he will provide the leadership we need for improving the education of our children.

Farewell

It looks like Aberdeen Township manager Stuart Brown has resigned. Someone had sent mail to the blog about this last week, but I was unable to confirm. There was some disagreement over management of the town. Not much being said. The observer wishes Mr. Brown well. I thought he did a fine job of keeping the public informed, and was much more approachable than his predecessor.

APP Article #3

MA Obs.

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION DAY (polls open 6 am to 8 pm)

Please vote today if you are a Democrat or Republican. If you are not registered for either party, you can still declare a party and vote.

Who can vote in the primary election?

Registered voters may only vote in a primary for one party's candidates and they must have declared an affiliation with that party.

If you declared a party affiliation when you registered, you may vote in that party's primary. If you did not declare a party affiliation when you registered, you may do so at the polls the first time you vote in a primary election.

After that, you will retain this party affiliation unless you file a form to change your party declaration.