August - September 2002 Edition 

Letters on Town Stuff   Pool Committee I served on the final rendition of the Fair Lawn Pool Committee some 5 years ago. I was asked to serve because Radburn had had a good experience paying for and putting in its own new swimming pool. As a matter of fact it was specifically requested that at least two members of the committee be from Radburn. The pool committee was formed to assist the town council with issues concerning the problems with Memorial Pool. The pool had previous restrictions from the EPA regarding the use of chlorine recently lifted at the time. However, it was made clear that these restrictions may come back at any time. An alternative solution was asked to be explored.   On specific directions from the mayor we were asked to present low, medium and high cost alternatives. In the 2, 4 and 6 million dollar range. It was made known that the lowest cost do nothing approach was 2 million dollars (new sand, contouring slides, repaving, bath houses etc. ) a medium cost alternative was 4 million dollars but only provided a glen rock size pool (too small for Fair Lawn even though pool membership high was approximately 1200 persons) the 6 million dollar alternative was recommended by the committee as it would accommodate 2500 persons at any time. If the pool membership increased at all when the new facility opened only a minor cost to tax payers would have occurred.   One of the main issues that came up during our discussions was the cost of water for the pool. We were told this figure was insignificant. I wonder how much we are supplementing the pool water with our taxes? It was explained to us that Fair Lawn gets 60% water from its wells and buys 40% from the Passaic Valley Water Commission. It's interesting to note that when they talk about opening the pools in the drought that all the water comes from wells!!!!   While I was serving on the pool committee a survey firm called my house to ask if I was for or against a bubble type all weather pool facility at the current Walsh Pool site. I thought it was interesting that I had never heard of this idea being on the committee!  Did you know that Walsh Pool must be used as a pool or the land reverts back to the family that donated it?  I heard about that just recently. I always thought the local neighbors had a good lobbying effort.   How about those trailers at Memorial Pool, did you know we signed a long term lease?  I bet you thought they were temporary. I am beginning to think they wanted Radburn residents on the committee because we have our own pool and wouldn't want to pay for somebody else’s. But after security and education I believe recreation is third most important. Not to mention its impact on property values. But instead let’s build more 2 bedroom apartments so we can have the turnover that will keep our schools over capacity for years to come instead!!!! Ugh!!! At least they can visit those trailers at memorial pool for relaxation on weekends! I just wish they had the names Dobrow and Ganz on the side.   By the way did you see the suggestion by Fair Lawn in the paper recently?  It encouraged all residents to buy a rain barrel to conserve water! 400,000 gallons of bull is stinking up city hall! Drew Hayes     Improving Recreational Facilities I think it is great that Deputy Mayor Weinstein wants to do all of these things at the parks and other recreational facilities that Fair Lawn provides. There is one item that I do not see being addressed and that is the need for year round toilet facilities at some of the most used playgrounds in Fair Lawn.   I am the mother of small children yet I must go out to Paramus or Glen Rock to use a playground due to the fact that Fair Lawn does not provide year round toilet facilities. I realize the potential for damage due to vandalism but I have yet to see any of these things occur at other playgrounds when the toilet area is well-lighted and supervised.     All playgrounds in Fair Lawn "close" at dusk and a police officer can easily add to his route the nightly lock up of any toilet facility.     I would like to know if the council has even thought about this or if some state or federal funding could be provided to pay for the building of these structures.  Thank you.  Michele B.    It's Time To Come Together I feel like a deer, wounded by an arrow, and the "Hunter" (The Mayor and Borough Council of Fair Lawn) are just waiting for me to become weak and fail.  However, I still have some fight left in me.  I personally have attended and have watched council meetings on television with disbelief.  As residents, young and old are challenged and belittled by the Mayor and some council members, instead of receiving the proper assistance and relief due to them.  Why do the residents of Fair Lawn tolerate this behavior?  Is it unawareness?  Are we all too busy with our lives to care about what our Borough is doing?  Or are we afraid to take a stand and defend our rights.     Why do we allow our Borough Mayor, Council and Boards to dictate our living conditions as they see fit and not as we would wish.  I understand, everything must fall within reason, but when you go before them with legitimate concerns, they should, and need to be addressed.   Since September 11, all our lives have changed.  We are now met with new challenges and fears, never experienced by anyone before us.  We've had our rights violated by outsiders.  All the citizens of this great country must become more vigilant.  We need to start somewhere to reclaim our dignity, safety and rights.  There no longer, is any room for unawareness.  I'm not only speaking to the residents of Fair Lawn but to all residents of all towns and boroughs.  Take a look around your home and town, are you satisfied 100% with what you see.  Even if you are, still, attend your town meetings and let your government know you care.     Become aware of what is going on around you, how fellow residents are being treated.  Do not allow only a minority to speak for you, become a part of a majority.  Join your neighborhood watch or start one.    These are trying times.  Our homes and our local towns are our havens, we need to protect them and our rights.  Getting involved for just a few hours a month will make a huge difference.  But we need to work together and hold our local governments and elected officials to the high standards of action and not reaction.  Your local government has an effect on how you and or your loved ones live.     Be heard, be seen and be noticed.  Surround your home with the best environment possible.  Make your home and town a safer place.  Accomplishment, achievement, positive results and knowing you were a part of it all, can bolster even the weakest of spirits and souls.  Looking forward to seeing you at the next Council meeting. JoMarie Sacchinelli   Hey, Lady.  Memo to the lady driving the silver Ford Taurus eastbound on Howard Ave. this morning between 8:30 and 8:40 AM today. Just a few things to bring to your attention: a) It's raining - SLOW DOWN b) The big yellow thing that was stopped on Howard Ave. is called a school bus. It was stopped well before you came whipping around the Howard Ave. curve at Abbott. The bus was stopped to make a left turn onto Brearly Crescent - as indicated by the blinking thing on the front and rear of the bus. This blinky thing is called a turn signal. c) The bus was stopped to make the left turn, waiting for the black Dodge Intrepid to pass going westbound. The bus driver was nice enough not to turn in front of the Intrepid causing an accident. d) Get a CLUE - what possessed you to attempt to pass the school bus on the left side when it was clearly turning left? Also, the black Intrepid had it's lights on so you should of seen it coming at you. You are lucky that the wet road was not much slicker as the Intrepid could have wacked you head-on becuase you were too stupid to wait!!! As it was the Intrepid stopped a few feet from your front end as you were attempting to pass the bus in the westbound lane of traffic. e) Some Suggestions: Read the driver's manual, it stinks, but it might give you some idea on how to drive. Take some driving lessons - you need them. Use your brain to drive, not as a seat cushion. Oh, by the way, you are a ... Traffic Todd          What Do You Think?: Send an e- mail to editor@fairlawnnews.com or post a message on the Fair Lawn News Discussion Forum.