Vista Project is 'Inherently Beneficial,' Wyckoff Zoning Board Rules [POLL]

The Wyckoff Zoning Board voted 6 to 1 on Monday that the Vista Project should be considered an inherently beneficial use, effectively tasking the opposition with proving that negative aspects of the proposed 258-unit Christian Health Care expansion outweigh its benefits.

The board's approval in this matter does not rubber stamp the project.

"You can vote yes on this and still vote no on the project," Board Chairman Jerry Lombardo assured Zoners before the vote.

As stated in describing the potential impact of tonight's decision, it has not necessarily become more or less likely that the board will approve the overall application because the inherently beneficial distinction has been made.

Erik Ruebenacker, the dissenting vote, said that his no vote was cast in light of testimony Monday evening, as well because he felt he didn't have adequate time to review the briefs and case law provided to board members.

When board members' votes had been counted, a substantial number of audience members stormed out of the court room. One yelled, "This is a joke."

"Shame on all of you," another shouted as she left the room.

Speaking after the meeting, Stanley Goodman, the Wyckoff resident spearheading a group called "SAVE Wyckoff," did not consider the board's decision a major loss.

"I'm obviously very disappointed, but the real critical decision is the second question," said Goodman. "Are [members of the zoning board] going to approve or disapprove of this proposal?" 

The members of the Wyckoff Zoning Board are Lombardo, Ruebenacker, Jim Donkersloot, Mark Borst, Susan Yudin, Robert Decker, and Carl Fry. John Spizziri is the land use board's attorney.

At the next meeting of the Wyckoff Zoning Board — scheduled for Monday, July 23 — the board will hear testimony from Traffic Planner Gary Dean. Opposition attorney Ira Wiener is also expected to cross examine Dean, Planning Expert Peter Steck, and Project Planner Richard Preiss.

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