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The applicant requested and received a letter of interpretation/line verification (file number: 0246-04-0003.1 applicant Shamrock Creek, LLC), dated August 12, 2004, for block #7706, lot #1.This 35+ acre parcel consists of wetlands and bodies of water/tributaries which drain to the Musquapsink Brook and are part of the Hackensack River Watershed. It is important to note that this "LOI" pertained only to block #7706, lot #1. Water bodies on neighboring properties must also be studied so that the appropriate level of buffer protections could be applied. Levels of protection could cover most of block 7706/lot 1 including the “uplands”.
Watershed Management Area 5 recently presented and mailed a letter dated October 10, 2006, expressing their concerns regarding the possible development of the subject property. They mentioned a number of issues and concerns and advised that "there is a more compelling need to protect our water supply and the rapidly diminishing natural open space that remains in Bergen County". They also stated that the "negative impacts from this project far outweigh any benefit" and they urged that proposed devevlopment on this tract be denied and that it be preserved in its natural state. Please click on the below to view the 2 page letter:
http://app3.websitetonight.com/projects/2/7/1/0/271076/uploads/wma5nj.pdf
Two seniors from Paramus High School have recently started to film a documentary pertaining to the importance of this area and maintaining open space. They will release this educational film upon completion and have the support of the Paramus Environmental Commission. A 1998 Paramus Open Space report states "Paramus needs natural open space and needs to acquire the last remaining natural areas within its borders before development removes it forever"!
To assist in properly planning for its future, the Environmental Commission undertook an "Applied Natural Resource Inventory" which was conducted by the Ramapo Valley Associates. This report was dated October of 1975. Some excerpts from this 137 page manual include:
"Continuing changes in our Borough have introduced new problems which must be resolved and prevented from recurring if we are to maintain the living environment of our community.... Zoning ordinances and master plans have in the past been primarily responsive to short-term considerations, encountering frequent successful attempts to alter or waive restrictions as pressures mount. If we are to insure that Paramus retains its wholesome residential character in balance with its immense commercial stature, we must be fully cognizant of the total environment of the Borough and be capable of understanding and measuring the impact of any contemplated development upon this environment.... Our environment is constantly being damaged by small environmental misdeeds. When these are composited, we have acute environmental degradation. From the Environmental Commissioner's handbook- It cannot be stressed enough that we must know what the environment is before we can save it. The natural resource inventory is the basis for action". The report goes on to mention surface drainage and flood prone areas. Reference is made to the Soldier and Highland Brooks and a comprehensive drainage study, which was completed in 1972. "Flood prone areas are not limited to stream boundaries but includes areas of swamp and low-lying terrain. It is a recommendation of this report that land along streams be acquired at reasonable cost. It is not an exaggeration to say that every dollar spen on land acquisition is worth ten spent on flood control projects involving construction.... Even if the land is not used for a public park, other public or quasi-public uses should be found for the low-lying land.... Swamps serve as local aquifier recharge areas, noteworthy in that they guarantee that the local and regional groundwater reservoir is not depleted".
Other issues must be reviewed and the impact on surrounding neighbors considered. This could include traffic issues (Soldier Hill Road fairly busy as is), wetland and stream encroachment, flooding, effects on water tables and runoff, site contamination/remediation, loss of trees, wildlife, and other concerns. The NJDEP, County of Bergen, and other agencies should examine the property, consider these and other variables, and not approve the issuance of permits.
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Save Paramus Wetlands 
