Incredible but true: Our elected officials aim to sacrifice the little, green, wooded, Borough-owned lot at 58 North Passaic, right next to our Memorial Park, for two buildings, with four apartments and a parking lot.

“It’s as green as Kermit the Frog. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/chatham/categories/letters-to-the-editor/articles/as-green-as-kermit-the-frog

On June 18th, the Planning Board will approve that development unless enough residents start emailing questions today to mayorcouncil@chathamborough.org, and go to the Planning Board meeting this Wednesday, June 4, 7:30 pm, Borough Hall, 54 Fairmount Avenue, Chatham.

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/chatham/sections/government/articles/chatham-residents-question-green-space-borough-land-being-used-on-north-passaic-for-affordable-housing-without-public-input?fbclid=IwY2xjawKodJZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFaTjZNZ29aUVBUZ0w0OWV2AR575-CbLahYMja40NtUXgzske9a8WfO-byB44GylTHMZOZ-LCYsTULE4Fwnrw_aem_foI7DuyJVPFQ7WiMQ7RJgg

The Borough bought that nearly 0.3-acre site for recreation, not housing. Check out this clip from the November 15, 1981 issue of The Chatham Press.

Borough taxpayers shelled out $68,000 to acquire that land by deed dated March 31, 1982.

Today, it’s officially deemed a tax-exempt playground.

That’s exactly the kind of property Chatham has long tried to preserve.

https://chathamborough.org/government/documents/plans-reports/recreation-and-open-space/1298-2010-chatham-borough-open-space-recreation-plan/file#:~:text=Recreation%20Areas,Milton%20Avenue%20Woods%20are%20located.

What’s more, the site is at the intersection of TWO official Wellhead Protection Areas:

https://chathamborough.org/government/documents/forms-documents/maps/1263-chatham-borough-well-head-protection-area-overlay-zone/file

Now the Council is trying to steamroll the Planning Board into sacrificing that green lot by cramming in a 4-unit housing project and parking lot, to satisfy 4/6 of the Borough’s new affordable housing quota.

The Borough needs to consider other ways to satisfy its housing quota so that we can preserve that green, grassy, treed, Borough-owned lot.

You can help! Attend the Planning Board meeting on June 4, 7:30 pm, at Borough Hall, 54 Fairmount Avenue. Chatham Borough. Use the north entrance and take the elevator to the upper level.

Showing up shows you care, even if you arrive late and leave early. Speaking is optional. Please bring a friend.

You won’t be able to ask questions if you Zoom the meeting, but it’s far better than not attending at all. Log in following the directions on the Borough home page www.chathamborough.org. Don’t log out even if you can’t pay attention.

Really tied up on June 4? Email the Mayor & Council right now:

mayorcouncil@chathamborough.org

Cdempsey@chathamborough.org

Jmathiasen@chathamborough.org

Kkoronkiewicz@chathamborough.org

Itreloar@chathamborough.org

Jstrickland@chathamborough.org

Bhargrove@chathamborough.org

Khay@chathamborough.org

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/chatham/categories/letters-to-the-editor/articles/what-is-happening-to-lovely-historic-charming-chatham