Tonight, December 7, another permanent change was accomplished for the Ballyowen Bluffs Active Adult community in Sussex County NJ. The Hamburg Council passed the resolution to lift all age restrictions within the Bluffs, meaning those under 18 may now be residents. (This, however, in no way impacts my own child-bearing plans!)
Both the town and the new owner, Lorterdan Hamburg Development LLC, had done an excellent job of notifying all the current Ballyowen Bluffs residents and our neighbors. Big Changes at Ballyowen Bluffs Active Adult Community in Hamburg - Sussex County NJ real estate news My husband Chip and I took the Lorterdan principals up on their offer to meet with us in our home; they fully answered all our questions about plans for the development.
At the meeting tonight, the floor was opened to the public for comment. Admittedly, I broke that ice on behalf of myself and Chip. We went on record in favor of lifting the remaining Active Adult restrictions. Of the 6 other households in Ballyowen Bluffs, all but one was represented. One couple voiced their reasonable objection that they specifically bought within an age-restricted community and were opposed to the change. Most of the others commented that they preferred a thriving development to a failed, age-restricted one. And, yes, Robert Jackson of Lorterdan addressed the Council and answered residents concerns at the public meeting.
No fireworks, just a good example of a public meeting in which all were able to express their viewpoints.
The Hamburg Council then voted unanimously to lift all age-restrictions at Ballyowen Bluffs. Next week there will be a land-use meeting to tie up the loose ends but tonight was the change.
Now, if I could only get us a street sign...
