Life on Edge

Sometimes we want to overlook things, like when we are taking in a view from the top of a cliff or the roof a fancy schmancy spa.  But we also sometimes overlook things unintentionally, like our assumptions, premises, and weaknesses in our argument and preparation.

Today we stop by the April 13, 2021 and April 20, 2021 meetings of the Edgewater Zoning Board of Adjustments. Both meetings concerned two large projects in Edgewater but the tone at each meeting was quite different.

After that, we talk to a PhD candidate about architecture, what we find pleasing, and why we I might be overlooking an opportunity to learn when I dismiss something as unappealing. Even if I think I'm right. 

Today we recap the March 16, 2021 meeting of Edgewater's Zoning Board of Adjustments. The applicant argues that the Board should grant its request for variances because the proposed residential complex will not have a significant effect on traffic in Edgewater. Along the way we discuss a conflict of interest and hear a bit of Duran Duran.

Our conversation today is with Valory Bardinas, Kat Jones, and Mary Hogan, former officers and founders of the Independent Coalition for a Better Edgewater. Both Valory and Mary are also former councilpersons who served the Borough of Edgewater. The ICBE was a political organization that advocated for more modest and controlled growth in Edgewater.

Municipal Plans

Article II Edgewater, NJ

Article III Edgewater, NJ

We join the February 18, 2021 Edgewater, NJ  Zoning Board of Adjustments meeting as our Board once again considers the application for variances in connection with the proposed development on 575 River Road, across from the Alexander.

One Board member characterized it as a murder trial.

Yes, we do revisit the issue of bifurcation and we talk about  questions and expertise. In addition, we learn about someone being unhappy with how this application is going.

In this episode we talk with Gayle Fine in advance of the January 28, 2021 Edgewater Board of Adjustments Meeting.  After that, we join the meeting. 
Gayle has some excellent insights on development in Edgewater and at the meeting we learn about bifurcation and standing. 

We join the January 6, 2021 meeting of Edgewater's zoning board of adjustments as a developer enters the final day of his quest for variances in connection with a proposed home on Undercliff Ave. And one variance in particular is generating conflict - - a d(6) variance for a to build a home with a height 8' above what the ordinance normally allows.

We learn a little about variances and the process to apply for one. Also, we see how neighbors ask the Board to deny the variance.

Our conversation this episode features Laurie Molina and her efforts to create a more informed, active, and supportive Edgewater community. In particular we focus on her work with two Facebook groups, Life in Edgewater and Edgewater NJ  Politics.

We also get some Korean food.

A few place get shoutouts. These are not paid endorsements.

Dalgoona Bowl
Emma's Bistro

Frank's Pizza

Pizza Club

The Village

This is the first episode of the Life on the Edge Podcast with views from a town on the Hudson.

We speak with Ping Hsieh about the Edgewater NJ School District budget crisis, how it developed, and how it can be resolved.

For more information, videos, and charts, please visit:

https://edelsonlawoffice.com/solving-edgewater-school-budget-crisis/

This is our first podcast, created quickly in response to an emergent issue. Audio problems etc are the responsibility of the host, not our guest Ping.