Jasper Francis Cropsey
The Van Allen House and The Stream House continue to be a subject of public debate with the introduction of a new player, The Ramapough Conservancy, which seeks to enter into a lease agreement with the town and assume responsibility for fundraising and restoration.
The Ramapough Conservancy is currently operating in conjunction with The Land Conservancy of New jersey while finalizing its 501(c)3 status.
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, which lists Oakland as a partner, is responsible for preserving over 17,000 acres of land in New Jersey; in addition to varied efforts to improve the stewardship of open space, recreational space, and historic structures.
Recently, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey and The Township of Pequannock announced the completion of the fourth phase of the Pompton Riverwalk. In this phase of the project 16 homes were purchased in the floodway, 14 of which were removed for the Riverwalk – a public walking path along the Pompton River.
The entrance of the Ramapough Conservancy as a potential partner in the stewardship of the Van Allen and Stream House provides another turn in what has become a perennial subject every election season. In 2011, Oakland sought to put the issue to referendum, but with a result that led to what can be considered the most ridiculous referendum in New Jersey’s history.
A multiple choice referenda, asking 3 questions of voters on the November ballot, only allowed for one answer. The town blamed the county for the foul up, and the county blamed the town. While county and local officials play “he said, she said”, it’s evident that the Oakland referendum was poorly conceived and executed; and, simply a waste of time.
The idea of a referendum was originally conceived at the end of June when the Oakland borough attorney submitted to the town council a draft resolution on the subject that month. The draft resolution in June lacked the details provided in the historic restoration report delivered at the end of July, but the multiple choice structure existed from the beginning.
Multiple choice referenda are not the norm, and Oakland would have been well served to follow the structure utilized by municipalities such as Brick Township with a 2010 resolution that clearly defined each question, provided an accompanying interpretive statement for each question, and left no room for “he said, she said” excuses.
In Oakland, the referendum did not delineate the questions in a comparatively clear manner; in addition, one interpretive statement for three questions can only lead to confusion and an unclear understanding of what is actually being asked.
The introduction of the Ramapough Conservancy as a new player in the effort to bring leadership and stewardship to Oakland’s open space and historic assets will offer another opportunity for public discussion.
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Submitted by Richard Saunders
The Land Conservancy web site points out they help with the purchase of the Raymond property across from the First Aid building. This shows they have a proven track record in Oakland. The Ramapough Conservancy only has a Facebook page link with absolutely no accomplishments listed, nothing! The question to be asked is why not work directly with a group who has a proven track record of success here in Oakland?
It might be better for Oakland to work with The Land Conservancy directly, but perhaps The Land Conservancy would prefer working with another organization with more of a focus. I would think they like building up their network of local groups like Ramapough.
But if the town is looking into a partnership with Ramapough Conservancy, they will need to ask the same questions as Martin; and make sure the parameters of any partnership don’t leave Oakland stuck with the same rotting corpse of a building. Setting specific milestones to assure that Ramapough is serious about making something happen would be key for giving me that comfort level.
Personally, I’m in favor of public/private partnerships, and think that’s the direction government needs to go….Government should partner with non-profit entities to assume some responsibility, leadership, get things done in an affordable fashion. That’s how I feel about Recreation also, it’s already run by volunteers, so just get a local non-profit to partner with the government….
Unfortunately, The Stream House is a real tough nut to start off with for a private group….a lot of goodwill has gone down the drain, and people want action.
Dear Mr. Treich,
We are currently operating under the close guidance of the Land Conservancy (by written agreement). The Land Conservancy seeks to involve local community leaders in the open space planning process for a variety of reasons and is very motivating in helping us develop and accomplish open space goals for Oakland. All of the communities that have submitted Conservancy-produced plans to the state Green Acres program have successfully received state grants to acquire open space land. The Land Conservancy is helping four other local organizations in connection with purchasing open space in the Ramapo Mountains (in the same manner as it is helping us). We are extremely lucky to have their support as the effort is monumental. We are always looking for volunteers so if you would like to help us build a website, please let us know. Kind regards, Judith Sullivan
Mr. McCormick,
You hit the nail on the head with your perception about grass root involvement. Thank you for your competencies (and generally for your and Caron’s continuing contributions to the intellectual richness of Oakland).
We will likely incorporate mileposts in the proposed lease for the houses so that everyone can have some type of comfort. The lease is being drafted now for review and consideration by the mayor and council.
Judith Sullivan
Dear Ms. Sullivan.
I’m in total support of preserving land from development. Land acquisition is not an issue with the Van Allen House property. My question more specifically is that since the professional assessment done last July calls for about 2 million dollars to preserve the structures on the Van Allen property, what specific specialties and experiences does the Ramapough Conservancy bring to the table to secure funding for and the project management of the restoration of the buildings?
Doe’s the Ramapough Conservancy still plan on partnering with The Ramapough Lunaape Nation a NJ 501 c3, State recognized Indian Tribe, to acquire land for conservancy purposes or any other. And does the Ramapough Conservancy have any other plans on partnering with the tribe for any other land acquisitions.
Mr. Treich,
We will be engaging professionals to assist with the Van Allen Restoration. We have already asked Oakland Historical Society to take a leadership role, and they have agreed. We are led by a commercial lawyer, a banker and guided by a very experienced land preservation trust. We work closely with archaeologists and historians in the region, including one of the greats, Edward Lenik. As commercial professionals, we are highly experienced in project management. Given the condition of the property and the length of time that has gone by without another group coming forward (30 years), we hope you will support our endeavor. We are always looking for volunteers. Feel free to call or email us as well — judithjoansullivan@gmail.com.
With kind regards,
Ramapough Conservancy
Dear Mr. Trump,
Ramapough Conservancy assists the Ramapough Lenape Indian Nation in caring for the Land in the Ramapos. This assistance benefits all of the community. The Land is a sacred being to the Tribe. Ramapough Conservancy will be dedicating space in the Van Allen House to the Tribe to educate on native american ways and culture. We do not have a joint plan to purchase property together but we would always look to help any group which treats the Land such as the Tribe does. Ramapough Conservancy’s President has a grandmother who was a Native American Indian.
Ramapough Conservancy
Mrs. Sullivan
Your are in the line of many who try and capitalize on the Ramapough being a “TRIBE”. Before your concerns for the pipeline and figuring out ways to gain support ,where was the support for the Tribe. The fact is If the Ramapough were actively seeking federal recognition and wanted to open a Casino, what about land claims . That would include Oakland ! outside pressures would make you rethink your support and Alignment with the Ramapoughs. I do agree the land is sacred, however just because a Group is Native American does not mean they follow the true ways of their ancestors as caretakers of the land, your comments are contradictory, if you visit the Halifax Rd property owned by the tribe, the trash on the property would suggest the land is not treated the way it should be, besides who would put their own people in harms way by building in a Floodway in the name of “Native Rights”. or non applicable “Open Air Prayer” Do you know how many of the habitations was affected or killed while gravel was poured and spread out “In a Flood Way” Yeah I know by saying you are representing the Tribe or aligning yourself with what appears the “Numbers of the Tribe” you will appear to have support against the Pipeline. Do you officially represent the Tribe? If so , for your own sake do some research before you start throwing around Blanket statements,