Community Corner

Tuesday: Marlboro and Aberdeen Residents to Stand Against Northpointe Development

Concerns about environmental contamination and overcrowding of schools are top on the list of oppositions

Local residents are banding together and vowing to continue their fight against the proposed Northpointe development off of Nolan Road in Marlboro, which borders the Strathmore section of Aberdeen. 

The Citizens Against Northpointe (C.A.N.) will meet on Tuesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the in Marlboro to explain their position on Northpointe to local residents, in addition to highlighting the history of the development and C.A.N.'s future plans. All concerned residents are welcome, according to Marlboro resident Angie Belitsis who is part of the group.

The Northpointe development, proposed by Ohad Associates LLC, includes plans for a 385 unit complex, 85 of which will be considered affordable housing. According to legal action filed by Ohad against Marlboro in 2010, Ohad has owned the 48-acre property since 1993 and their plan was first struck down by planning board in 2004. The development plan has since several times and was most recently voted down by the board in May 2012. Mayor Jon Hornick there were too many holes in the plan and board members concerns were not fully addressed by the developer. 

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Citizens Against Northpointe contend that Northpointe will cause both Marlboro and Aberdeen problems and puts residents at a health risk. They say that if construction moves forward, there will be severe storm water and drainage problems; the soil is contaminated with the pesticides DDT, DDE, dieldrin, and lead arsenate which may become airborne during remediation; existing traffic problems will be exacerbated with the addition of new residents; the emergency exit at the Woodcliff residential community would be compromised; and the development will cause overcrowding of Marlboro elementary schools. 

C.A.N. retained an attorney and environmental specialist in May 2012 after the planning board voted against the Northpointe development.

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"Our goal ultimately is to stop this from happening," Belitsis said. "The way they want to build it is unacceptable."

However, Belitsis explained, there is a court order in place mandating that the development be built.

The organization is requesting that all concerned residents become active participants in the fight against the development, Belitsis said. Stop by the meeting Tuesday night if you are interested in learning more.

For more information, send an email to: citizensagainstnorthpointe@yahoo.com.


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