Commending Councilman Pruitt After WOW Rezoning

Rezoning the World of Wings location has passed and I want to commend Dr. Henry Pruitt, who I spoke to for an hour on Tuesday afternoon with regard to the project. We agreed that the union had their own interests and poured a lot of money against the AvalonBay rezoning. Henry did his diligence and called four or five AvalonBay residencies and the townships they reside in before making a decision.

This is the first building of its type in the West Englewood section which would be beneficial for those trying to downsize.

Now that it’s approved we have to mitigate some of the risks.

1. Bakken oil trains pass through and can endanger more than just the World of Wings site. Teaneck must continue the fight.

2. The rail idling/switching technology which helps prevent derailing must be improved. (Thanks Art Vatsky.)

3. The state of NJ has to strengthen the building code. (Example: no wood frame construction for buildings above three floors.)

4. NYC tenants are required to fill out a form for use of window guards. Maybe prospective tenants should be required to fill out a form making them aware of their distance from the trains. Especially unsuspecting older tenants, requiring transparency.

Maybe AvalonBay would even be willing to throw some money at a PAC against the Bakken trains, which would increase the property and rental values.

Let’s now all get on the same page and work together for a better, safer Teaneck that is moving forward.

Stephen Gruber

Teaneck

Thanks to Chanukah Toy Drive Organizers!

Recently I had the opportunity to deliver many many dozens of toys and games to the Yeshiva Kollel community of Sanz Klausenburg Chasidim in Union City. The several hundred children have few toys or games, especially of educational value, such as those donated by the many generous donors who contributed to the Teaneck Chanukah Toy Drive. I received many letters of appreciation by the children and the yeshiva administration. Special thanks must be given to Joy Sklar and Dalia Stelzer for their many hours of time and energy for leading the Chanukah Toy Drive.

Mee KiAmchah Yisroel,

Martin Polack

Teaneck