Resident Says Proposed Zoning Change Could Harm Aesthetics by MICHAEL POLLACK Tual New Floor Area Ratio Based on the Mcmansions
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Ad Populos, Non Aditus, Pervenimus Published Every Thursday Since September 3, 1890 (908) 232-4407 USPS 680020 Thursday, June 2, 2005 OUR 115th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 22-2005 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J. www.goleader.com [email protected] SIXTY CENTS Resident Says Proposed Zoning Change Could Harm Aesthetics By MICHAEL POLLACK tual new floor area ratio based on the McMansions. Specially Written for The Westfield Leader new definition,” he said. “I don’t like the looks of these large WESTFIELD — Fourth Ward “The thought from the developing houses coming up dwarfing the other Councilman Jim Foerst announced community and residents was that we houses next to them anymore than Tuesday night that the council’s Code were going to change the definition anyone else does,” he said. “How- Review and Town Property Commit- of FAR and then leave the percent- ever, I’m not sure if because of that tee, of which he chairs, is examining ages, requiring people to build very you should penalize people who floor area ratio (FAR) and a proposed small homes. What was left out of bought their house and have a grow- reduction in height as part of a pro- that was that we were going to review ing family and want to do the same posed policy to address the construc- the ordinance and make appropriate thing the neighbors have done.” tion of so-called McMansions on changes. There’s definitely a misun- Mr. Redington continued, “The smaller lots in town. derstanding. We need to get the right most important thing is the architec- “The report in The Westfield Leader facts out to people,” said Councilman tural element. Many of these new (published in the May 12 issue) of the Foerst. homes are just two or three-story proposal contained some confusion. Westfield resident Greg Redington straight up boxes with punched win- The piece the paper reported was addressed the council concerning the dows and a small little two-foot porch. accurate. The piece that was missing revised zoning ordinance. Architecturally, you’re squeezing this was the ordinance where we are con- Mr. Redington, a licensed profes- big ugly box into an area with (aes- sidering changing the definition of sional engineer, challenged the coun- thetic) characteristics.” FAR but also in conjunction with cil to give an architectural review Councilman Sal Caruana re- definition change, reviewing the ac- board the power to stop the spread of sponded that to the extent Mr. Redington can provide expertise, the council will look to his experience Horace Corbin for The Westfield Leader when providing models that can be SEMPER FIDO...Marines and companion march down East Broad Street in Westfield to a cheering crowd during the Area Four Face Charges integrated. He said, however the ar- Memorial Day Parade on Monday. Thousands lined the street and hundreds of all ages marched from the World War I chitectural review cannot become the Memorial to Fairview Cemetery. town’s “fashion police.” Of Weapons Possession Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) Executive Director Sherry Hogaboom and Cuoco Help Celebrate By SUZETTE F. STALKER cluding five hollow point bullets, and Cronin presented plans for its fourth Specially Written for The Westfield Leader a .22 caliber revolver containing nine annual Downtown Westfield 5K Pizza WESTFIELD – Four Union County rounds – in the rear hatch leading to Extravaganza to be held on Wednes- residents were arrested on weapons the trunk area , Sergeant Rodger said. day, July 27. Coors has contacted the Memorial Day in Downtown Westfield possession and other charges early DWC to distribute a new low carbo- A box of 64, nine millimeter bullets By DAVID RIGGS are Americans and we must stand the Bulldog, official Marine mascot. May 24 after three loaded handguns – was found in the same area. hydrate beer, Aspen Edge, at no cost. Specially written for The Westfield Leader two of them stolen – were discovered “We did not market the inclusion of united behind them and their safety. A majority of the parade focused Additionally, a stainless steel WESTFIELD – While every Me- From there, Mr. Brown took over on Westfield’s youth, as a slew of in a motor vehicle that police stopped knuckle-bladed knife was found in alcohol. If we do approve it, it would provide some measurement for fu- morial Day is a day to reflect on fallen as he set up the order of the event. The elementary school students and Cub for a routine violation at South and the driver’s door pocket, while three, American soldiers, Westfield’s Memo- Summit Avenues in Westfield. ture plans to see if there’s interest,” parade began with the Bound Brook Scouts marched in the parade. “I want nine millimeter bullets and one .38 rial Day Parade this year paid special Marching Band and Mr. Cuoco. Mr. the parade to focus on the younger As Patrolmen James Stivale and caliber casing was found on the floor said Ms. Cronin. Councilman Foerst said Mayor tribute to World War II and Vietnam Cuoco was joined by his wife Nancy generations,” said Mr. Brown. Frank Padovano approached the gray, of the front passenger seat. Mari- War veterans, as well as those currently four-door Mitsubishi during the 12:30 Greg McDermott, who was not and son John, who just returned from The parade concluded at Fairview juana was found in an ashtray in the serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. a tour of duty in Iraq with the Ma- Cemetery where refreshments were a.m. stop, they witnessed “a lot of car, Sergeant Rodger added. present at Tuesday’s meeting, called him about his reservations with the Under the theme “60-30 and Pray for rines. Alongside John was Sammy served to all of its participants. activity” inside the vehicle and de- Authorities determined the .22 and Peace,” Westfield not only commemo- tected a strong odor of what they be- .38 caliber handguns were stolen availability of beer at the event. Councilman Peter Echausse said it rated the 60th anniversary of the end of lieved to be burnt marijuana, accord- outside of New Jersey, while owner- World War II and the 30th anniversary ing to Westfield Police Sergeant Scott ship of the nine millimeter weapon sets a bad precedent. The event calls for a “beer garden,” an enclosed area of the end of the Vietnam War, but also Rodger. could not be determined. the men and women overseas fighting Landlord and Tenant Upon shining his flashlight into the The suspects were identified as where people can only drink within the parameters of the garden. in the war on terrorism. interior of the car, Officer Stivale saw Michelle Spangenberg, 19, of Union, Numerous veterans of all three wars what police described as the barrel of a the driver of the car; Daniel Torres, Councilman Mark Ciarrocca agreed and said that if allowed, a were on hand to participate in the Dispute Use of Private chrome snub-nosed .38 caliber revolver 22, of Union, the front passenger; parade, including the grand marshal under the front seat passenger’s foot. Luis Luna, 20, and John Resto, 21, police presence is needed to keep the area safe, and, once it gets out of Sal Cuoco and parade director Bill Officer Stivale opened the door and both of Elizabeth. Brown. seized the weapon, after which the All were charged with unlawful hand, law enforcement have the power to shut it down. The day’s events began with a 9 Park as Outdoor Café officers called for backup police per- possession of a weapon; receiving sto- a.m. ceremony at Monument Circle “I’m concerned that this event By BETSEY BURGDORF sonnel to respond to the scene. The len property; possession of less than on the corner of East Broad Street and into the matter. She told The revolver contained four rounds, Ser- 50 grams of suspected marijuana, un- draws thousands of people and I don’t Specially Written for The Westfield Leader Westfield Leader that the restau- want to see a four-hour open bar after North Avenue. Peter Hogaboom, WESTFIELD – To the surprise geant Rodger said. lawful possession of prohibited weap- Commander of Post 3 of the Ameri- rant, which is her tenant, had re- During a subsequent search of the ons (the knife) and possession of hol- the race,” Councilman Caruana said. of adjoining property owners, a de- quested permission to have outdoor The council tentatively agreed to can Legion, served as the Master of livery truck unloaded tables and vehicle, police also found two addi- low point bullets, which are illegal. Ceremonies. Mr. Hogaboom spoke dining, but not on the storefront tional weapons – a nine millimeter Torres also was charged with hin- allow a two-beer limit with police secur- chairs at 105 Elm Street for use at sidewalk. Instead, the dining sec- about former Westfield residents who outdoor café dining last week, on handgun containing eight rounds, in- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 sacrificed their lives in various wars, tion would be located on a nearby what is referred to as a “Private property owned by others separated allowing listeners to gain a more lo- Park” at that location. cal perspective on the meaning of a by the service alley for Panera Bread TV Debate on Property Tax Reform Set The town council approved an and other stores on East Broad national holiday. application for outdoor dining on He paid particular attention to the Street. The service alley is on prop- May 17 for Acquaviva Restaurant erty owned by the Greco family. new Korean War Memorial across the located at 115 on Elm Street – but street from the World War I Monument, Mrs.