The Historic Committee meeting November 21 @ 7:30 pm. 

The Historic Preservation Committee met on November 21, 2006. Council Person Joseph Smolinski attended so he could understand what was going on. It was nice to see our council taking an effort to understand the situation.

I have to be honest I left the meeting in disgust after I was insulted by Wayne McCabe (the towns’ expert), but before I did here are some things that were said:

The expert hired by the town said:

• There is not much money available from local or state agencies;
• The commission should be one of education only;
• The town ordinances are outdated and should be reviewed;
• The committee should re-address their inventory list (watch out your property could be next!)

Mr. Harry Rescigno said:

• I am sitting here smoldering; (after hearing Mr. McCabe’s report)

Mark Fredrick’s sent a letter to the commission opposing the designation.

Mr. Vanhooker said:

• The problem with Passaic County is that they do what ever they want to do, but don't let you do what you want to do. (hmmm sounds just like what his commission is doing)

Much discussion took place and it was evident that West Milford Twp could develop the downtown area with out historic designation; this was even alluded to by Council Person Smolinski. 

However this is the historic preservation committee and their views are one sided. (that’s why they are on the committee)

During this discussion Mr. McCabe insulted me and said that I was Grand Standing and using to many big words.

 At this point I got up and stated:

I will do what ever I can do legally to stop this!

I walked out in total disgust!

It is not grandstanding to protect your property rights! It your right and duty as an American!

Unfortunately the America we all love does not exist in West Milford.

When we changed out form of government a few years back I didn't realize we changed it to Communism.

Mr. Vanhooker said I threatened him. If protecting my property is a threat to him then he now knows how I feel. The meeting is 100% taped and I am not nor will I ever be ashamed of my words or actions. 

They were both well with in my 1st amendment rights! 

It is 100% evident to anyone with even the modest level of education that this committee is set on doing what they want and not what is in the best interest of the taxpayer. According to their own admission they have been working on this for 10 years.

In 10 years West Milford could have had:

•  sidewalks
• better parking
• maybe even an ordinance defining our downtown center and concept.

Unfortunately we have absolutely nothing but the same old downtown. So much for protecting West Milford for generations to come. I must have been a nut to think I could grow my business here in West Milford.

Note of Interest:

Mr. Vanhooker nor his wife nor her sisters bothered to disclose these issues to me when they sold me the property in 1999. A full 3 years after the committee that Mr. Vanhooker chairs started this project.

I always wonder why the home his wife had in their family for over 100 years was never designated historic when they owned it. Especially since the Commission has been in effect since 1986. They had 13 years to do something but did not. I guess the historic value didn't mean that much to them or was it because they didn't want their hands tied by government intervention?

If the council does read this please consider an investigation as to the possible conflict of interest by Mr. Vanhooker. After all anyone who keeps a picture of my house in their wallet surely has an agenda. 

As a business person I caution anyone thinking of operating a business here in West Milford to think twice before investing here.

Our local government seems out of touch with the working man. 

If you haven't read my first comments on this issue  please click here.

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