Politics & Government
Opposition to Proposed Patrick Farm Subdivision in Ramapo
The Patrick Farm Subdivision in a rural residential district of Ramapo was submitted to the Planning Board last night to a packed house of more than 70 residents.
The Patrick Farm subdivision in a rural residential district of Ramapo was submitted to the Planning Board last night to a packed house of more than 70 residents all expressing opposition to the plan. This subdivision is conservation restricted land and conservation protected habitat.
The proposal put before the town Planning Board could alter the character of the neighborhood — in a way that is harmful to its established residents, proclaimed the members at the packed house. This proposal would also destroy the Aquifers provides water to 2.8 million people in Western Ramapo, Bergen and Passaic Counties in New Jersey, they contend.
Patrick Farm is the 200-acre parcel of land at the intersection of Routes 202 and 306 is historical and bucolic according to residents. On the property are streams, ponds, and wetlands that feed the Mahwah River, a water source that provides many Rocklanders their drinking water. Those who have walked the property, including the town supervisor, invariably have been impressed with the woods and waterways. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the entire town.
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The properties immediately surrounding the farm appear on the New York State Historic Preservation Office maps as archeologically sensitive. They have been given that designation by the state as former Indian hunting grounds.
The owners and developers want to erect high density housing on the property. Yechiel Lebovits, along with his sons Aron and Chaim, and Abraham Moscovitz of Scenic Development, LLC were given preliminary approval of the development pending the Planning Board's final approval.
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Ramapo Supervisor Christoper St. Lawrence's administration declared the farm as one of four Adult Student Housing (A.S.H.) sites in the Town of Ramapo. The original zoning for the area would allow only one house to be built on two acres. With the zoning, the builders can place 16 apartments on one acre. With the A.S.H designation, there must be religious educational institutions on the property, but they only have to amount to 10% of the total building. That leaves 90% of the growth for housing complexes for married students in whose families, only one adult needs to be a student.
Terry Rice asked for a continuation of the hearing so that he can properly address the residents and boards concerns. The next meeting will take place on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at Town Hall.