PequannockNews.com

Pequannock to Host Disaster Preparedness Training

2012-02-13T10:30:00.002-05:00

Image via WikipediaWednesday March 14th at 7:30, Pequannock will host a Disaster Preparedness Training Class offered by the Essex County Police Academy. The purpose of the class will be to help residents to become self-sufficient for up to 72 hours in an emergency.

The class is free and about 2 hours long.

Those interested should send an email to pacademy@essex.edu or call (973) 877-4350

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, Open Space, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Pequannock Flood Desnagging Commences

2012-02-11T10:30:00.003-05:00

Pequannock DPW employees start desnagging along
the Morris Canal Guard Bank. Credit: Dave Battaglia

Thursday February 9th 2012, work began in Pequannock on the removal of trees and other debris from the rivers. Extensive work was done to create vehicle access points to the river in accordance with DEP regulations so that trees could be removed from the water. Much of the work took place at Carlson Place, pictured right.

Department of Public Works employees had already been taking advantage of the break in the weather to remove blockages from local streams and drainage ditches throughout the township, a process which is more inexpensive and requires fewer permits. Some of these streams included Demott's Brook behind PV Park Lake and Spring Brook in the center of The Village section. Of course, work on desnagging the river itself might have been completed as early as July of 2011 had the state DEP provided Pequannock with the required permits in a timely fashion, as noted in a letter sent by the Pequannock Township Council to Governor Christie in August of 2011, prior to Hurricane Irene.

Faced with a larger number of new trees downed and old snags moved along with a nearly $1,000,000 garbage bill, courtesy of Hurricane Irene, Pequannock has created a new model for other townships to follow in its flood mitigation efforts. After numerous meetings with state officials, the township secured $350,000 in state funds to remove blockages from rivers in Wayne, Riverdale, Pompton Lakes, and of course Pequannock and Pompton Plains. Pequannock itself has been charged with leadership and coordination of the project.

While $350,000 may seem like a good step forward, in reality it's little more than a nudge in the right direction. With trash hauling alone coming in at a million dollars, it has become abundantly clear that neither the residents of the flood affected townships in the Passaic Valley, nor the insurers and government entities who bail them out, can afford to pay for flooding over and over again. This desnagging project is necessary, but regional flood experts say that it is only a small step in a much larger effort of flood prevention, an effort that received no mention in either Christie's State of the State Address or Obama's State of the Union Address.

For towns like Pequannock, more flood storage needs to be created locally, by restoring existing Morris Canal infrastructure and creating retention basins in sites such as the Aquatic Park and Topsoil Depot. In Pompton Lakes, a partial answer lies in changing the timing that the dam opens and closes. Further north, reservoirs need to be lowered in advance of storms, and still further north at the state line, federal intervention needs to address the fact that New York State has no legal requirement to avoid flooding New Jersey with its stormwater. That last is perhaps the most important and most daunting, as New York State did not even have stormwater management requirements for developers until this past decade.

What's lacking is not a solution. Dr. Henry B. Kummel, State Geologist proposed solutions to flooding in the Passaic Valley in 1903. Cornelius C. Vermeule, engineer for the Morris Canal proposed still more solutions in the next decade and his son carried on his legacy into the 1940's. Since then New Jersey has had plans drawn up for flood tunnels, retention basins, levees, and a number of other ideas, all great. What's lacking is a politician who will see those projects funded and completed, something that many residents with damp basements plan to remedy starting with the next election cycle.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Lost Wonders of Pequannock: Arundel Wilderness Spot

2012-02-08T12:08:00.001-05:00

Part three in a multi-part series, Lost Wonders of Pequannock will uncover secret spots, old and new, which make Pequannock a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.

Hidden between a handful of residential properties and a townhouse development in the upper township is something you'd never expect to see in Pequannock: one of the most beautiful ecological habitats on the valley floor, rivaling in beauty the nearby Weis Ecology Center or many official township parks.

That's right, you won't find the Arundel Wilderness Spot on any list of parks, and the reason for this is surprising: this beautiful forest of meandering streams, towering beech trees, and sprawling ferns is actually the result of swamps maintained in their existing state to provide ample drainage for the nearby townhouses.

The path follows a meandering brook for a little under a mile, starting at the end of Arundel Rd in Pequannock Township and ending at Mead Pl. It passes close by a playground where it crosses Bedford Drive. The forest it traverses is actually part of a larger green-belt extending from Mountainside Park all the way down to Chilton Hospital.

Along the way you'll see a variety of animal tracks including the ubiquitous deer, fox, ground hog, and other residents of the forest. The usual run of squirrels and chipmunks are there as well and it's even possible to observe crayfish on occasion in the warmer months. The stream bed itself thrives with several types of algae and it's banks are dense with moss, even in the colder parts of the year. It's worth noting that while the existing path is well defined and indeed likely far predates any current developments (with a few punctuations of old farmer's fence along the way), one can also veer left at the entrance and follow along the stream as it proceeds towards Rt. 287, Mountainside Park, and its head at Sawmill Pond. Rt. 287 will of course preclude actually following the stream the entire way.

As always, please obey all posted signs and parking regulations. Please be sensitive to the residents who live nearby.

When you are done exploring the forest and have worked up an appetite, you can stop in at Gilly's (a historic site in and of itself) on the Newark Pompton Turnpike for a bite to eat or the Pompton Queen Diner on Rt 23. Of course Pequannock's restuarant quarter is just a little further down past Gilly's and features local cafe's and pizzerias.

One more shot of the forest:

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Lost Wonders of Pequannock: The Landsberger Holocaust Collection

2012-01-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

10th Anniversary of 9/11 at Pequannock 9/11 Memorial

Part two in a multi-part series, Lost Wonders of Pequannock will uncover secret spots, old and new, which make Pequannock a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.

Nestled in among the DVDs, large print fiction, and mysteries at the Pequannock Library is one of the preeminent collections of writings on the Holocaust in the state: The Landsberger Collection.

The Landsberger Collection was curated and donated by Kurt Landsberger, a humanitarian and Austrian immigrant who served in the United States military as an interpreter during World War II. Composed of several hundred of the most important written works and first person accounts about the Holocaust, The Landsberger Collection is a rare resource for researchers.

When one is visiting this collection at the Pequannock Township Library, there is also the opportunity to visit the Pequannock History Room, a treasure trove of historic documents and works about Pequannock, the surrounding region, and Morris County maintained under lock and key by the library and the Pequannock Historic District Commission.

For those seeking quiet contemplation after these sobering topics, a floral meditation garden with seating sits directly adjacent to the library entrance and is especially quiet in mornings and evenings. This is also an excellent time to visit the Pequannock 9/11 Memorial, a short drive away at the Pequannock Municipal Building, which displays an actual piece of steel from the World Trade Center towers. While those from the region may also admire Wayne Township's impressive 9/11 memorial at the Wayne Library on Valley Road, Pequannock's is much smaller and in many respects more personal with a stone bench amid a garden.

A bite to eat can be grabbed in Pequannock's nearby restaurant quarter at Friendly's, The Little Food Cafe, Carnival Spot Pizza, or Pizza Man (which actually offers a variety of Italian and seafood).

While the horrors of war are complex topics to consider and perhaps even beyond what can be completely conveyed through a second hand experience, these amazing local resources go a great distance towards ensuring that we never forget and that future generations may learn from the experiences of the past.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Is Obama All Wet? New Jersey Left Adrift in State of the Union

2012-01-25T00:25:00.000-05:00

Is Obama All Wet?
No mention of flooding in 2012
State of the Union

Those hit hardest by the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene felt up a creek without a paddle as they listened to President Obama address the nation about the defeat of Bin Laden, the end of the Iraq War, jobs, jobs, and eliminating tax cuts for the wealthy during this Tuesday's State of the Union Address. Distinctly absent from the speech: any mention of aid for the flood ravaged northeast.

Obama's lack of focus on New Jersey's flooding disaster stood in stark contrast to the President Bush's 2006 State of the Union following Hurricane Katrina, in which he committed not only the $85 billion already paid out to the Gulf Coast, but further action to increase upward mobility in the region and to eliminate factors which had contributed to the disaster.

It would be wrong to ignore Obama's positive comments about the need to update our national infrastructure, to end the bi-partisan rift which has prevented political progress in the last year, and to revive Works Public Administration style projects, but those sitting on second hand couches watching his speech amid the plaster dust of their newly repaired family rooms want to know how any of that is going to help them when they're knee deep in river water 6 weeks from today.

In New Jersey, flooding has become the 3rd eternal standard, joining taxes and death. Quite frankly, no amount of jobs, solar panels, or public education is going to stand between people's homes and the rivers if federal funding is not devoted to finding a flood fix.

Obama also has a hard sell in New Jersey this upcoming election season: a state with dense pockets of strong Democratic influence throughout its numerous liberal urban strongholds proved it can still break red with its election of Governor Christie, the state's first Republican Governor in 5 terms. With that in the mix, one wonders if the president-candidate has underestimated the need to court voters in New Jersey or simply feels he doesn't need the state at all?

Federal funding, if acquired, would be key to finding a long-term fix to flooding in New Jersey. While the National Flood Insurance Policy has been well equipped to pay for repairs after the flooding, reservoir management legislation can help ease regional flooding, and the creation of additional flood stores can alleviate local flooding, a massive influx of federal cash is what's required to undertake a huge infrastructure project such as a flood tunnel or levee system to end flooding once and for all. This is exactly the project which has been recommended by those appointed by Governor Christie to address flooding. Unfortunately, for 2012 and perhaps even this presidency, that hope may have just gone down with the ship.

Full text of President Obama's 2012 State of the Union Speech here:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71920.html

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Lost Wonders of Pequannock: The Old Morris Canal

2012-01-21T10:30:00.004-05:00

Part one in a multi-part series, Lost Wonders of Pequannock will uncover secret spots, old and new, which make Pequannock a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.

If you've never noticed the 15ft tall waterfall equal in width to the Great Falls of Paterson located in Pequannock, you're not alone!

One could be forgiven for not knowing of Pequannock's integral part in the nation's industrial revolution, however the evidence surrounds us to this day. Pequannock was an essential link in the transport of both iron and the anthracite coal used to process it from the 1830's to the 1920's. It is perhaps an ironic bit of history that the canal helped to transport the very metal which would eventually put it out of business in the form of a transcontinental railroad system. Much of that metal also ended up in buildings which stand in New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and even Detroit to this day. The coal of course is long gone, used to heat generations of homes throughout the harsh northeast Winters.

If you've lived in New Jersey for any length of time, you've already seen the Morris Canal. The Morris Canal was series of man-made canals, locks, and inclined planes which actually lifted cargo boats up and down the New Jersey highlands over some 107 miles (and 760 vertical feet). It was considered a feat of modern engineering along the lines of the Roman Aqueducts for its time.

At the same width as Paterson's Great Falls, the lower falls in Pequannock are a marvel unto themselves, created by a feeder dam once used to maintain water levels along the canal. Accessible most readily by an unmarked path between the post office and the soil depot on Pompton Plains Crossroads, the falls are an amazing place for fishing, exploring the area, or just having a picnic lunch (an especially tantalizing prospect with a Dunkin Donuts, Moes Mexican, and VJs Pizza all nearly within walking distance). Please obey any "No Trespassing" signs posted in the vicinity and take care near the water, as drownings have occurred.

The upper falls, also the product of a Morris Canal feeder dam, are also impressive, though more difficult to reach. They are most accessible by parking along the roadway on Carlson Place and proceeding along the path located behind the horse farm.

Between the two falls lies a scenic path along the Pequannock River which was once the Morris Canal tow path, a key feature of Pequannock's Aquatic Park. The path proceeds along the Guard Bank of the canal.

Amazingly, restoring these two historic landmarks may hold the key to solving Pequannock's seasonal flooding problems. When new, the feeder dams greatly slowed the velocity of downstream flow, allowing more time for more water to vacate the lower parts of the river. Over the past 90 some years, little has been done to maintain the dams and both are now almost entirely silted on the backside, negating any positive effect. Though some have suggested removing the dams, those statements are misguided as doing so would reduce the entire Aquatic Park and surrounding residential areas to a muddy swamp, which was indeed what the area was prior to their construction, as noted in the 1923 decommissioning engineer's report.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Pequannock Jewelry Store Owner Allegedly Aided Burglar

2012-01-16T10:30:00.010-05:00

Image via WikipediaPequannock saw a rash of home burglaries in late 2011, most of which followed a pattern of broken rear windows and stolen jewelry. These burglaries tapered off during the holiday season. Thus concerns about burglaries within the township are understandably at a high.

In what is presumed to be an unrelated case, on December 23rd 2011, a local jeweler was accused of aiding a burglar by purchasing stolen jewelry from him, then attempting to conceal this from the police by failing to provide a record of the transaction. The $6,500 in jewelry was later determined to have been taken from a West End Ave home by a 15 year old boy who was a friend of a member of the family.

The Pequannock Police Blotter reported the following:
Having information the jewelry may have been sold at a local jewelry store in Pompton Plains, the detectives went to Johnny’s Jewelers, 589 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains, NJ. During the investigation, the jeweler denied ever purchasing jewelry from juveniles, but eventually admitted to buying jewelry from the detective’s suspect. Numerous pieces of stolen jewelry were located at the jewelry store that belonged to the West End Ave homeowner...the jeweler had never provided local police with the jewelry transaction as required by township ordinance...on December 21, 2011, Det. Mandeville responded to Johnny’s Jewelers and charged the owner, Johnny Sebastian, 49 years of age from Spring Valley, NY with two township ordinance violations for Failing to Provide Purchase Records and Purchasing Jewelry from a Juvenile.

Two Code Violations may seem a light punishment for what amounts to enabling and obscuring burglary within a community already struggling with the problem, but according to township ordinance 178.01:
...the offender shall be subject to imprisonment in the county jail for any term not exceeding ninety (90) days or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000.00), or by a period of community service not exceeding ninety (90) days.

With no minimum sentence declared, a judge has great latitude in sentencing, though it's hoped consideration would be given the fear and suffering these kinds of crimes engender. The jeweler could also face a number of legal issues regarding the revocation of business licenses and permits and possible fees for violations of the same.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Alex Decroce, NJ Assembly GOP Leader, Dead at Statehouse

2012-01-10T15:58:00.001-05:00

Longtime Assemblyman and current GOP Assemby Leader Alex DeCroce has passed at 75 of a heart attack. In the last legislative session alone, DeCroce had sponsored bills requiring a general vote prior to the dissolution of a public library, protecting the Highlands Area while respecting Fair Housing requirements, and requiring public schools to educate children about the contributions of our veterans. Perhaps most poignant, DeCroce also recently sponsored a bill to allocate $1.7 million to the purchase of defibrillators for the public use in municipalities. Though DeCroce has passed, there is hope that his good works will live on through his memory and the legislation he started.

Pitbull Abuser Sought by Pequannock Police

2012-01-08T10:30:00.004-05:00

Anyone with information about a pitbull found severely injured beneath a home on Pequannock's Caroline Ave is asked to contact the township police.

Now nicknamed "Honey" for a small patch of remaining fur on her ear, the pitbull mix was found cowering under a porch after a chilly 15 degree night last week. Honey had almost no fur and open lesions on large portions of her body. Honey also appears to have been nursing, so locating her pups might help in locating her abuser.

Unsurprisingly, no calls have come in attempting to located Honey, giving credence to the idea that Honey was likely abandoned to die in the Winter weather. Honey has undergone testing for mange and ringworm, received treatment at a Wayne veterinarian, and is now recuperating at the Pequannock Animal Shelter.

Any information about the owner or honey colored pitbull mix pups for sale nearby, contact the Pequannock Police Department at 973-835-1700

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Pequannock Council Opts to Maintain Commission Membership at 3

2012-01-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaAt the January 3, 2012 reorganizational meeting of the Pequannock Township Council, Mayor Rich Phelan was reappointed for a 2nd year. Deputy Mayor Melissa Florance Lynch was also reappointed. Neither Councilman Engelbart nor Vanderhoff sought either position, though both are entering the final year of their terms.

Appointments to township commissions were largely uncontested with a couple exceptions. Ruth Spellman was reappointed to the Library Board, despite interest from Rocco Salluce. Salluce was noted as fully "capable of doing the job" by 2 council members, but it was preferred that continuity be continued as Spellman served the preceding term. Salluce remains active on other commissions.

Christopher Lotito was nominated for appointment to the Open Space Commission, in addition to the Historic Distric, Flood, and Environmental Commissions which he has previously held seats on. A majority of the council opted not to create a precedent which would encourage the holding of more than 3 seats by a single citizen in the future. Some council members made comments complimentary of Lotito's work for the township in the past. Lotito, who was present, stated for the benefit of the citizens and the media that none of the commissions for which he requested appointment had any legislative power whatsoever, but were merely advisory. Lotito also noted that work on the Open Space Commission would complement work he has already completed with the other 3 commissions. It was decided that Lotito would cede his interest in the Environmental Commission in favor of appointment to the Open Space Commission. Councilman Winterfield requested that Lotito continue to attending Environmental meetings until a replacement was found, Lotito noted he had intended to do so.

The majority of other appointments were reappointments of former commission members, with a couple contested seats on the zoning and development boards which required further discussion. 2012's reorganizational session stood in contrast to 2011's, wherein several commissions were increased in size to accommodate the record number of applications that were received.

It was noted at the meeting that having to choose between several applicants is a "good problem" and reflects a great interest and passion of the citizens in their community.

Q&A: What Keeps Reservoirs from Flooding Your Home (NJ)?

2012-01-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via Wikipedia
Question: What laws have been passed to prevent reservoirs from contributing to flooding in New Jersey?

Answer (none)(scan to bottom for Observations):

1996-1997

A2799 Requires DEP to study and assess stream capacity and water usage in areas surrounding Reservoirs, set minimum and maximum levels for each Reservoir, and maintain specific levels at Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
Identical Bill Number: S2119
A2857 Prohibits the construction or operation of a recycling center for Class B recyclable material within 2,000 yards of a proposed or operational public water supply Reservoir.
Identical Bill Number: S1999
S1162 Requires Wanaque Reservoir to be kept at a level to protect against Wanaque river flooding.
S1999 Prohibits the construction or operation of a recycling center for Class B recyclable material within 2,000 yards of a proposed or operational public water supply Reservoir.
Identical Bill Number: A2857
S2119 Requires DEP to study and assess stream capacity and water usage in areas surrounding Reservoirs, set minimum and maximum levels for each Reservoir, and maintain specific levels at Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
Identical Bill Number: A2799

*All referred to committee. None accepted.*

1998-1999
A779 Requires DEP to study and assess stream capacity and water usage in areas surrounding Reservoirs, set minimum and maximum levels for each Reservoir, and maintain specific levels at Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
Last Session Bill Number: A2799
A2042 Requires DEP to study and assess stream capacity and water usage in areas surrounding Reservoirs and set minimum and maximum levels for each Reservoir; appropriates $200,000 for study.
Identical Bill Number: S1169
S1169 Requires DEP to study and assess stream capacity and water usage in areas surrounding Reservoirs and set minimum and maximum levels for each Reservoir; appropriates $200,000 for study.
Identical Bill Number: A2042

*All withdrawn from consideration, none accepted or referred.*

2000-2001

A3833 Requires DEP to study and assess downstream river or stream capacity of water supply Reservoirs, set minimum and maxium levels for each Reservoir, and require that specific levels be maintained at Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
Identical Bill Number: S2582
A3934 Requires owners of water supply Reservoirs prone to downstream flooding to implement flood protection programs.
S2582 Requires DEP to study and assess downstream river or stream capacity of water supply Reservoirs, set minimum and maxium levels for each Reservoir, and require that specific levels be maintained at Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
Identical Bill Number: A3833

*None progressed.*

2002-2003

A396 Requires owners of water supply Reservoirs prone to downstream flooding to implement flood protection programs.
Identical Bill Number: S460
Last Session Bill Number: A3934
A2667 Requires DEP to classify Reservoirs as category one waters.
Identical Bill Number: S1517
S1050 Requires DEP to study and assess downstream river or stream capacity of water supply Reservoirs, set minimum and maxium levels for each Reservoir, and require that specific levels be maintained at Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
S1517 Requires DEP to classify Reservoirs as category one waters.
Identical Bill Number: A2667

*All referred to committee and subsequently, no action taken.*

2004-2005

A313 Requires owners of water supply Reservoirs prone to downstream flooding to implement flood protection programs.
Last Session Bill Number: A396 S460
A1302 Requires DEP to classify certain Reservoirs and Reservoir feeder streams as category one waters. *
Last Session Bill Number: A2667 S1517
S956 Requires DEP to study and assess downstream river or stream capacity of water supply Reservoirs, set minimum and maximum levels for each Reservoir, and require that specific levels be maintained at Woodcliff Lake Reservoir.
Last Session Bill Number: S1050

All referred to committee and subsequently, no action taken.

2006-2007

A159 Requires owners of water supply Reservoirs prone to downstream flooding to implement flood protection programs.
Last Session Bill Number: A313
A2321 Requires DEP to classify certain Reservoirs and Reservoir feeder streams as category one waters.
Last Session Bill Number: A1302 (1R)

*All referred to committee and subsequently, no action taken.*

2008-2009

*NONE.*

2010-2011

A4287 Requires DEP and owners of Reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures, and authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of Reservoirs in response to severe weather events.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/A4500/4287_I1.HTM

A4320 Authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of Reservoir levels prior to certain severe weather events.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/A4500/4320_I1.HTM

*Both referred to committee.*

Observations:

None of these bills ever comes out of committee. In a couple cases the same bill is re-entered session after session with no progress. The biggest recipient of these disappearing bills is the "Environment and Solid Waste Committee." In the 2008-2009 session, no reservoir related bills were introduced, which I suspect relates to election issues, though I'm not sure exactly what happened. It appears that unless a supporter of the reservoir management bills is a member of one of these powerful committees, the chances for a reservoir management bill being passed at all is poor.

At no point since 1996, has a NJ Governor enacted any legislation which specifically and directly dictated management standards for reservoirs, though it's possible standards may have been adopted at a lower level by governmental entities with control of reservoirs.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Answered: What Funding Has New Jersey Gotten From FEMA Post-Irene?

2012-01-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaThis post has been a long time coming and required drawing data from a number of sources. It's hoped that it will serve as a definitive answer to the question:

What Funding Has New Jersey Gotten From FEMA Post-Irene?

As of December 12th, over $275-million.

$ ~152,000,000 > Housing Assistance (for housing repairs)
~ 13,000,000 > Other Needs Assistance (personal property, medical, dental)
~ 10,000,000 > Public Assistance (rebuild public infrastructure)
~ 86,440 > Disaster Unemployment Assistance (jobs lost due to Irene)
+_______________________

$ 175,086,440

FEMA also claims another ~$100million in Small Business Administration low interest loans given out to NJ residents. That figure was not included above as it must be paid back over time.

Reference: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=60004

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Petition Launched to Fund Flood Levees in North Jersey

2011-12-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaA petition has been launched by the Passaic River Basin Flood Commission to request federal funding for the creation of levees to prevent flooding throughout the Passaic River Basin.

The commission, created by Governor Christie and headed by Assemblyman Scott Rumana, considered a number of plans including the region's oft-suggested "flood tunnel" before settling upon a system of levees as the best long term solution. Best in this case appears to mean a combination of ability to receive permits, likely to be effective at stopping floods, and likely to receive funding.

The petition is available to be signed online here, please sign only once:
http://www.floodpetition.com/

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Cornelius Van Houten Ryerson's Flight from Labor on the Mandeville Farm

2011-12-25T09:30:00.001-05:00

Image via WikipediaHappy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

It is my extreme privilege on this day to offer to you this story provided to us by Pequannock's Official Township Historian, Councilman Ed Engelbart:

A CHRISTMAS STORY 1854

The following Christmas story was brought to light in an April 25th, 1930 Paterson Evening News newspaper interview by an unknown reporter with an aged Civil War veteran, named Cornelius Van Houten Ryerson -86 years old (born in 1844) - of Meads Basin, Mountain View ( present-day Wayne,N.J.) -who recalled his labors as a 10 year old farm boy in Pompton Plains in 1854. The article came from Sidney Ryerson Sauter, the great nephew of Cornelius Ryerson. It is a story that brings out the reality of early 19th century farming in "Old" Pequannock Township and the often harsh and non-romanticized nature of rural life that could be part of young child's life. ~ Ed Engelbart, Pequannock Township Historian

"Boys went to work at an early age in those days," said Mr. Ryerson. When I was ten years old I was working around Peter Van Dyne's farm, doing odd chores around the place when Anthony Mandeville of Pompton Plains happened along and told me that he was looking for a good boy to work on his farm. I told him that I was that boy if the job was steady." "Mr. Mandeville took me up to my dad’s house, for you know in those days boys could not be hired out for any length of time unless papers were drawn up. So papers were drawn whereby Anthony Mandeville was to have my services for a year in return for which he was to board, clothes and provide school for me. Well I got board all right, but no clothes and no schooling, but by ginger, I worked for that board until I got tired and home sick. I was there most of the year and I had not been allowed to visit my parents once and when Christmas Eve came along I decided to run away home. I will never forget it. We had heavy snow in those days and when I started from the Mandeville farm I had not proceeded far when I heard Mr. Mandeville corning after me. I dug my way into a snow bank until he passed and then came out and continued my hike through the deep snow toward Mountain View and home. When I finally reached the Wayne section I stopped at the log cabin of an old colored mammy. My feet were soaking wet and I was tired and hungry. You know, many farmers in North Jersey had their slaves in those days. This old colored lady had been a slave. She invited me in and not only gave me a meal but took the cloths which I had wrapped around my feet; warmed them up for me and helped me rewrap the old porous pair of rubber boots that I had been wearing with nice warm cloths. I managed to get to my dad's place where I am now living. It is Prospect avenue now, but then it was called Hopper Hill. How happy I was and my parents and brothers and sisters, they were all so glad to think I would be with them on Christmas Day. You know we did not make presents in those days. Of course we had a Christmas tree. Dad would got out in the woods and cut down a native cedar. There were no ornaments at the time. We made our own Christmas tree decorations. Colored paper, strings of pop-corn and homegrown apples or pears were the extent of our tree trimmings."

"Had the roads been passable Dad would have driven to the Mandeville farm after Christmas and have it out with Tony Mandeville for the way he had treated me, but the drifts were too high and it was a few days later I got a job at the Peter Mandeville farm where I get $50 a year, board, clothing and schooling. Well I stayed the year, got my board and I certainly earned it. Received about two weeks school, but never got my $50. I hear a lots of the old boys say. "If the boys of today had to work like that they would be better off. Well, I don't just believe that. In the first place I am darn glad the boys of today don't have to go through any such experiences and in the second ...place this country is producing mighty good boys today as they have done and always will do."

Later at the age of seventeen, he told "a little white lie about his age, " and enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil war - that required an legal age of eighteen for enlistment - often ignored by recruiters. Cornelius said he was influenced by the recruiter who said, "We are here to enlist men for Uncle Sam.," who came with a fifer and drummer playing "Yankee Doodle" and the "Star Spangled Banner." Cornelius Ryerson fought in the battles of Williamsburg and Fredericksburg, Virginia and at the decision battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He received a bullet in the leg at Fredericksburg, and slight gunshot wounds at Gettysburg. He is buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery in Totowa, New Jersey. Anthony Mandeville is buried in the Cemetery of First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains. Unfortunately, the Christmas story doesn't give the name and burial site of the former slave woman, a woman of great and unexpected kindness. ~ Ed Engelbart, Pequannock Township Historian

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Coming Soon! A Christmas Story from Our Own Ed Engelbart!

2011-12-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaI'm very excited to announce that on Christmas Day this year, Pequannock News will be privileged to offer a Christmas Story, researched and unearthed by Pequannock's Township Historian Ed Engelbart, about Cornelius Van Houten Ryerson's Christmas Eve flight from his oppressive work on the Mandeville farm in Pompton Plains.

I won't spoil it, but suffice to say Cornelius receives some help from an unlikely source and goes on to play an important part in our nation's history.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

How to Track Santa's Flight Path

2011-12-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaWhen Santa's not making toys or making phone calls to all his adoring fans, he's delivering toys to those same fans!

Now, with the help of NORAD, you can track Santa's flight on Christmas Eve in realtime: http://www.noradsanta.org/en/

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

How to Send a Phone Call from Santa

2011-12-19T10:30:00.002-05:00

Image via WikipediaThis year, Santa's taken time out of his busy schedule to make a phone call to anyone in the world with the help of some friendly folks at Google.

To schedule a call for your loved one (or yourself), head on over to: http://www.sendacallfromsanta.com/ and program in your family appropriate options so Santa can share his holiday, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. wishes!

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Pequannock Checkpoint Yields 4 Arrests

2011-12-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaDecember 15th from 10PM to 2AM, Pequannock police conducted a DWI checkpoint at the entrance to Plains Plaza on Rt. 23 North. The checkpoint yielded 2 arrests for driving under the influence, 1 arrest for drug possession, and an arrest for presenting false identification and being unlicensed to drive.

Numerous other agencies assisted in the exercise.

Once again, "Eat, Drink, and Stay Over!" Have a good holiday and stay off the roads when you drink, please.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

$15 Flu Shots Still Available at Pequannock Health Department

2011-12-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaFor those in need, flu shots are still available via the Pequannock Health Department at only $15, even without insurance. A flu shot is an excellent way to avoid missing work later in the season and the price is absolutely reasonable.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Pequannock Awards Residents at December Meeting

2011-12-17T10:30:00.002-05:00

Image via WikipediaAt Tuesday's December 13th meeting of the Pequannock Town Council, several residents were recognized for their outstanding service to the community.

Emergency Management Coordinator Bobbi Jo Murphy and Deputy Coordinator William McCrystal were give the Mayor's Award (on behalf of the township) for service above and beyond the call of duty during Hurricane Irene. The entire Emergency Management staff and all of our emergency responders provided amazing service during both Irene and the 2011 Halloween Blizzard and we're very lucky as a township to have them.

The council also recognized Eagle Scout Matthew Reda for his work in establishing a pavilion to be used by youths at the Boys and Girls Club in Pequannock. This young man's commitment to public service is an example to all. Matthew will receive his Eagle Scout designation in a Court of Honor later this month.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Pequannock Pedestrian Killed Has Been Identified as Steven Arnone, 32

2011-12-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

Thursday morning, police made public the identity of the pedestrian killed on Newark Pompton Turnpike near New Read Street Tuesday night, Steven Arnone, 32 from Pequannock.

No charges have been filed against the driver. The investigation is still underway at this time. Our thoughts are with the family and many friends of the victim.

Funeral arrangements available here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/northjersey/obituary.aspx?n=steven-arnone&pid=155046189

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Pequannock Pedestrian Killed in Vehicle Accident Tuesday Night

2011-12-14T21:44:00.000-05:00

A 32 year old township man was struck and killed Tuesday night on the northbound side of the Newark Pompton Turnpike and pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle which struck him was a 57 year old woman from Towaco. At this time, no charges have been filed and neither the identity of the driver nor the victim have been released.

There is additionally no evidence to indicate fault or whether or not alcohol played any part in the accident. As more information becomes available it will be posted here. Our thoughts are with the victim's family.

While we do not know the cause of the accident at this time, I'd like to take a moment to mention some of the steps that are being taken in Pequannock to increase pedestrian safety:

Following the Streetscape project several years ago, most of the Newark Pompton Turnpike now has well defined, uniform, and handicapped accessible sidewalks.
In the last 2 years, Pequannock has pursued changes to markings and walkways through the Morris County Walkable Communities program to increase pedestrian safety. Many of these changes will become effective in 2012.
The Pequannock police department has performed sting operations on Newark Pompton Turnpike to ensure that vehicles are obeying pedestrian crossing laws, usually issuing warnings rather than tickets.

"The Ridgewood Singers" Christmas Concert Now Online

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

On December 11th 2011, I had the honor of being asked by a friend to record video of The Ridgewood Singers' annual Christmas concert. The group performed 20 some holiday classics in fresh new arrangements that helped to make the event exciting and entertaining in addition to the high technical quality of the performance.

Shown below, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The entirety of the concert is available in a playlist here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFE69641B53A26BC6&feature=mh_lolz

Pequannock News Undergoes Format Change

2011-12-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

Image via WikipediaPequannock News is undergoing a format change. Operating since July of 2011 and catering to the 7.4 sq mi communities of Pequannock and Pompton Plains, in just a few short months Pequannock News has received nearly 5,000 views delivered to the area's 15,000 residents (not counting numerous email subscribers).

The intent of Pequannock News has always been to provide a central repository for local information in a community that has struggled with previous attempts at the same (the defunct print town newsletter and Panther Press being just two of those). The site has also sought to act as a storage facility for local information that might be sought by search engine users rather than directly and has in that regard acquitted itself admirably.

Going forward, Pequannock News will now feature video clips and provide news from around the region, though the focus will remain centered on Pequannock.
Pequannock News also sports a new layout which makes deep articles more readily available from the front page of the site and minimizes other elements (such as the weekly archive) which were not highly utilized.
Pequannock News will also seek an increased focus on credited stories (and announcements) provided by external writers and agencies in the new year.
Finally, Pequannock News is at this time investigating the possibility of a single-page news summary printsheet to be distributed at local venues gratis in order to alert those who may not have visited the online edition previously as to what is available on the website.

What will not change is Pequannock News' commitment to informing local residents, the availability of RSS feed subscription, or the availability of email subscription. It is my fervent hope that these small but significant aesthetic changes will help increase the usability of Pequannock News as a tool for everyday readers, local leaders, and researchers alike.

All the Best,
Christopher Lotito
Editor in Chief, Pequannock News

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

Disaster Preparedness: How to Store Water

2011-12-06T10:30:00.001-05:00

Image via WikipediaQuestion: How should one store water in an emergency?
Answer: Plentifully and pre-emptively!

You might not think that water shortages are an issue. You might, like me, live in a suburb like Pequannock, which is sufficiently supplied by its own artesian well system, even during droughts. Unfortunately, things like water main breaks still happen and even something as simple as a localized power failure can prevent water pumps from supplying your home during an emergency.

It was sometime after the earthquake and after Hurricane Irene, but before the Halloween Blizzard of 2011 that I decided that my family needed emergency water storage. Up until that time, we had relied on 1 gallon spring water jugs from the supermarket, but these were not made to last, leaked, split, were damaged by the sun, and in general were a disaster unto themselves. I looked into other options including a cistern outdoors (too pricey, difficult to maintain, and unattractive). I considered a homemade PVC pipe container, but it turns out PVC is rated for long term water storage. I thought about glass bottles, but no one makes anything bigger than a one gallon jug out of glass in the United States anymore. Finally, I stumbled upon the answer: Aqua-Tainers, designed for both emergency storage and use while camping.

Each Aqua-Tainer holds 7 gallons and is made from thick blue food grade non-bpa PVC. This was literally the best option short of a blue pickle barrel and I was able to secure my Aqua-Tainers from Walmart at $11.98 apiece. Homeland Security standards say you should store one gallon per person per day for a 2 week interval. That means for a family of 5, you'd need to store 70 gallons or 10 Aqua-Tainers. This is not a problem as the Aqua-Tainers are cubes designed to stack tightly on top of one another and the containers have a very long lifespan.

Aqua-Tainers are the best option I've seen for drinking water storage and I recommend everyone pick some up today. Based upon my research, for the average family, the second best resource for emergency drinking water is to buy several packages of individual water bottles, date them, then rotate them through (using them on a week to week basis) so that they plastic doesn't degrade and they don't get stale. When I say best, I mean that impure drinking water can make a disaster into a catastrophe and for the average person, this system is the easiest to follow safely.

For non-drinking water in an emergency, fill your bathtubs and sinks with water as soon as you know the disaster is coming. Your heating system, water heater, and swimming pool can also be sources of wash water in an emergency, though it goes without saying that these sources are not fit for human consumption.

Christopher Lotito is a member of the Pequannock Environmental, Historic District, and Flood Control Advisory Commissions as well as the author of "Torrent," a book about flooding in the region. Lotito's personal mission is to reduce new taxes, drastically reduce flooding, and preserve more green spaces for our children. Christopher Lotito Profile

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