River Coalition to Gain Control of Butler Accessway

The Passaic River Coalition announced at Tuesday evening's Butler Council meeting that it is willing to take control of an accessway to the  behind Arch Street  as is.

Butler Borough Administrator James Lampmann announced that he received an email from PRC Executive Administrator Ella Filippone earlier Tuesday stating that the coalition

Several properties abutt the accessway property that will be given to PRC and there were some encroachments that the borough had to discuss with property owners before the transfer could go through. Lampmann said a property owner who has a shed and patio that are technically on the property the PRC is gaining control over have agreed to allow the coalition to take ownership of the shed and patio.

He added that one of the properties that has a wall signed an agreement and that the final property owner refuses to sign the agreement.

"We're at a point where they were going to sign where they can do something with insurance but the woman came in today and indicated that she will not sign the (agreement). Her message was 'will not sign the (agreement) at this time. Would like Butler to keep the property, does not want the property disturbed.' I then reached out to her and she indicated that she was visited and after that has decided that she will not sign the agreement. That was relayed and Ella came back and sent an email that they will take it as is."

Lampmann said all that there's left to do is finish and file some paperwork.

Councilman Robert Fox added, "This was a long time coming and looks like it's finally done."

After the news was announced, Matt Polsky, sustainability and land trust director at the PRC, read a letter aloud from the coalition to the council.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Passaic River Coalition we wish to thank you, the council, and your staff for the patience and cooperation in completing the task to transfer the property from the Pequannock River to our land trust. While it took longer than any of us anticipated, we believe the transaction will meet the needs which are required by the state to include in our land acquisition program. This property is an integral part of the riverfront; we look forward to a positive and worthwhile association with the Borough of Butler. We also want you to know that we very much appreciate the help provided by Jim Lampmann, who has done an outstanding job of bringing this project to closure," he read.

Polsky added, "The whole point here is to create a wonderful park to help people learn to enjoy the river. The feeling in the field is when (residents) learn how wonderful things like that are, it inspires a feeling of redemption and so forth. I think it will be good for all of us.”

"I'm sorry it was such a difficult road," Polsky said. "The encroachments are always a tough issue for everyone but we got through it and we're pretty happy with it, so thank you."