From the April - May  2001 Edition 

Environmental Issues   Several members of the Borough's Environmental Commission recently urged the Borough Council to create more open space, clean up the riverfront and ensure properties are well maintained.   According to Elaine Winshell, Chairwoman of the Commission, the role of the Commission is to advise the Council on environmental issues.  Open Space: Ms. Winshell told the Council that while Fair Lawn has no undeveloped land, a few opportunities exist to purchase some land. She mentioned the piece of land owned by Lackland Storage that might be available for acquisition either by the borough or the Passaic River Keepers.  It is on the corner of Wagaraw Road and Lincoln Avenue.   Borough Attorney Lustgarten told the Commission that several years ago the Council discussed and rejected purchasing the land, because of maintenance problems. Mayor Ganz suggested asking the Engineering Department for help with a plan for the area. Riverfront: The Commission also expressed their concerns about the Passaic River. The riverfront along Memorial Park is in dreadful condition. It is full of grass clippings and other improperly dumped items.  Councilman Etler said that clean up on the River will be done so the emergency services can launch a boat. Manager Sacks added that she and Councilmember Etler made a site visit and she plans to have the area cleaned up.  Councilmember Amato thought the Passaic River was dirty and cleaning up the land will not help the River. Councilmember Amato indicated that before he votes for money for a riverfront, he would have to see some evidence that the river is being cleaned up. Property Maintenance:  The Commission told the Council that the necessity to enforce the property maintenance ordinances is an ongoing issue.  Since the property maintenance officer only responds to complaints, Ms. Winshell suggested that he might need an assistant so they can actually enforce the ordinance.    What Do You Think?: Send an e- mail to editor@fairlawnnews.com or post a message on the Fair Lawn News Discussion Forum.