The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection nixed developer John DeSimone's application to build 38 townhomes (down from the 42 originally requested) on a flood plain of the Third River and its tributary Spring Brook.

The five page letter sent to the developer offers great information on why the the proposal didn't fly.

For the last six years the Bloomfield Third Riverbank Association has lead efforts questioning the proposal by the developer, under contract with Tilter Realty/Patty Copek/Marie Ruvo, to build on the this vulnerable spit of land home to one of the last remaining stands of virgin treescape in the township.

The project was initially turned down by the planning board under the Bukowski/Kane administration, but, after an appeal to a Superior Court Judge (you'll enjoy the town attorney's seven minute defense in front of the judge ) the planning board's denial was overturned.

Since that approval, the developer has made repeated attempts to gain NJDEP approval for the project

Not only has the BTRA kept tabs on the project's whereabouts at the NJDEP, the BTRA also hired the esteemed hydrologist Joe Skupien to help explain the problems he found with the application. Joe tirelessly met with the NJDEP and reviewed and commented on any changes submitted by the developer. Joe deserves a gazzillioin gigabytes of thanks for his work. (Anyone who needs an hydrological consultant, please give Joe a call.)

The BTRA does not know at this time what the landowner's plans might be for the property. Our wish list is for it to become a wonderful addition to the greenway we would love to see winding through our town. We are also uncertain at this time whether the developer/landowners can appeal the decision or what other avenues may be available to them.

Questions/comments?: e-mail thirdriverbank@yahoo.com

In other news: The BTRA Blog (yep!) is working. Please visit