Spring 2004 Edition

Letters to the Editor   Radburn's Sale of Daly Field In the Winter/2004, Evelyn McHugh wrote a terrific article in your newsletter about  Radburn.  I personally love living in Radburn.  It's a wonderful community and I can't imagine living anywhere else.  But even Utopia has its flaws.   This morning I opened a letter from the Radburn Association.  The letter announced that the Radburn Association was selling Daly Field for $3 million.  Daly Field is an open field near the train tracks and Route 208.  The letter said: The decision to sell Daly Field resulted from a long, laborious and well thought-out process.     The letter disturbed me not because they are selling the field, but because the Association decided to do it in a way that reminded me of a place where I used to live.  You see, I moved to America from the former Soviet Union with my family when I was 10 years old.   When I came to America I found this country's freedom and wealth intoxicating.   When I studied American History, I understood the power of democracy in ways that my fellow students could not imagine.    The Radburn Association's Board of Trustees reminds me of the Soviet Union 's Central Committee and Politburo.  A small group of people who get to choose their successors.  They meet in secret and make decisions that are in the best interests of the people.  The letter my husband and I received about selling Daly Field reminds me of how the Soviets used to make decisions.  Behind closed doors.  The Soviets decided what was best for the people.  Most Americans are familiar with the Russian term for open discussion 'Glasnost'.  I do not think the Association’s Board of Trustees are very comfortable with that concept.  They didn't even bother to get any input from the thousands of intelligent and thoughtful residents who live in our wonderful community.   The Radburn Association could have had an open meeting to hear what the residents thought.  Daly Field is a community resource.   How Radburn chooses to use our land and to spend $3 million should be a decision that is made by the community, not by a few self-appointed members meeting in secret.  I hope the next time the Radburn Assocation makes a decision that resulted from a long, laborious and well thought-out process", they add the words "open" and "inclusive".   On the request of my husband, please do not give my name or email address.  Just sign me, Back in the USSR   Thanks To Fair Lawn and Fair Lawn News I grew up in Fair Lawn (1960-1990) - prior to getting married and moving up to Massachusetts. Every once in awhile - I view the websites associated with Fair Lawn (yours being one of them). It gives me an opportunity to see how things are going back at 'home'.   I have always been appreciative of my time in Fair Lawn. I simply had the best time growing up - was exposed to all the right culture and people. How fortunate I was to see a Mets game (through the rec), go to the library, watch the fireworks, watch the memorial day parade or simply ride my bike to Radburn. There was always something to do - and how safe my parents felt allowing me to 'play' throughout the town. One thing that always had an affect on me was how many volunteers made Fair Lawn what it is. Many of those people are still in Fair Lawn and I applaud them for teaching me what affect a person can have helping another.   While living in town - I learned that what makes a community is what you give back to the community. And if you are lucky enough - you learn something about this life our ours!   Through the following organizations, I was able to become a better person and learn the value of given back (or passing forward). - Through the Recreation Department and as a founding member of the street hockey league - the kids taught me to reach for your goals and still have fun. - As a member of the Volunteer Fire Company 4 - the members and elders taught me to never forgo who you are, and just maybe you can learn a thing or two about teamwork and diversity. - Through the business's of Plymouth Park Pharmacy and Wilkes Delicatessen I learned the invaluable lesson about how to give great customer service.   These things have a deep affect on who I am today...and how I look at things. As I continue to live my life, learn and grow - deep down I am never to far away from were it began.  Anyway - just thought I would drop you this note! Douglas W. Emond Marblehead, MA (grew up on Ferry Heights)   Sunday Store Hours  I am a resident of Fair Lawn, I find nothing wrong with the Malls and other stores being closed Sunday.  At least we can have one day of peace. Anyone who has ever experienced the traffic on Rt 17, knows what I talking about.  If the stores were open Sunday, nothing would change for the residents of Bergen County.... except Macy's JC Penney's and the rest of them would get richer.   If you think these corporation stores gives a damn about the people you are wrong, It is about Greed and Money for the big stores. As far as very few so-called Mom And Pop stores that are family owned, they are not going to go broke for one day. People have moved out of Paramus due to the traffic problem with the malls.  Fair Lawn does not need Sunday shopping. And if you cannot get out to buy during the week or on Saturday, then go to Passaic or Rockland County.  I will vote against a referendum to open stores on Sunday.  And there are many people who feel like me. Thanks.  Ron Ciccone   Overnight Parking The city don't want you parking overnight and that's just fine but they should not give you such a hard time when you want to expand your driveway so that you can a least fit 2 cars, they must understand that for residents to pay the city's high property taxes a least 2 members in the family must have to go to work and that means 2 cars.    HELLO! I had someone ready to expand my driveway and when we applied for the permit it was denied because we had to get a variance and make payments for an application and also make another payment to bring it to the council and not only that you also have to wait for the council to meet and also you have to notified by mail all of your neighbors within 200' of your property.  Give me a break, the city bans the parking and then gives you a hard time when you try to expand your driveway. Anyone running for any political seat come up with an idea of making it easier for city residents on the overnight parking problem has an easy win.  Evelyn     Three Thanks To Fair Lawn News I enjoy reading all of your editions. However, the winter edition was one of the best. I almost ran out of paper running off article to read at my leisure. Keep up the good and public spirited work that you are doing.  Philip Zimmerman   Thanks for the information, being from Fairlawn for 21 years (1950-1971). I like hearing what goes on in the old town. Keep up the good work. I left Fair Lawn (regrettably) due to career requirements 35 years ago. I love reading your paper on-line. Thanks.  Henry Pielaet   This is a wonderful idea to send FL newsletter by e-mail! Please keep me on your list! Thank you for your service, Anna Aleynick   From The Editor:  You're welcome. We just love compliments.      If You Are Not On Our Notification List   If you are not already on our notification list and you want to find out when our next edition is available, just type in your e-mail address in the box below and click ' Notify Me'.  (Don't worry, we don't give out your e-mail address to anyone)