Wyckoff still lags in attracting open space grants

Wyckoff taxpayers have paid $1.9 million more into the Bergen County Open Space fund than we have received back in grants. Preservation of open space will both help mitigate the ongoing rise in property taxes and ensure we receive our fair share of grants.

Wyckoff continues to lag neighboring towns in securing Bergen County Open Space grants. Wyckoff is one of the few towns in New Jersey with a municipal open space tax that has not established an Open Space Advisory Committee. Taxes collected in Wyckoff, paid by Wyckoff residents are used for the direct benefit of Wyckoff residents. It is perhaps the only tax paid that can be multiplied by county and state matching funds for direct use in Wyckoff. More members of our Township Committee need to demonstrate a commitment to securing outside grants to preserve open space. Our town boards have continued to grant builders significant relief with variances against our zoning ordinances. Opportunities such as the Ravine property and Russell Orchards have been lost. Will Maple Lake be next? The 19 wooded acres adjacent to the CHCC, proposed for multi-unit residential development may also be lost, if our zoning board grants variances, including a change of use variance.

Governing bodies in our neighboring towns have adopted programs such as Tree City USA and Sustainable Jersey to enhance the desirability of the community. Allendale was successful in saving land for a village green demonstrating the town’s commitment to preserving what little open space remains. Our open space grants seem to fund pavement, not green parkland. In fact, in 2007, Wyckoff applied for a $900,000 grant to install an artificial turf field at Memorial Field. The request was denied.

How can you help? Extend our green programs in our schools to our town. Come to a Wyckoff Township Committee meeting with the class and express your feelings about open space and green 4 programs in Wyckoff.