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...
It's nice when public meetings do not get out of control. One benefit of living in the U.S. (and in your community in NJ), is that we all have the freedom to voice our opinions ;-)
Melissa,
And we KNOW how folks feel about something that hits home as much as, well, their home!
Irene Imagine what could be accomplished if the Hamburg Town Council was the US Congress :)
Karen,
I like a gal with great dreams! Keep at it.
Irene, It sounds like a good idea and while some residents never like changes, this may be for the best. I'm sure you'll get your street sign--don't give up :)!
If anyone can rally up the troops and get a street sign...you can! Go get them!
Carole - Just saw from Bob Stewart's Platinum email that you we'll be going to 'Camp together! Are you also busy sewing name tags in your clothing?
Sharon - The Mayor quickly passed the buck when I pointed out the town could be a little more supportive of the community. "A street sign is the responsiblity of the developer." Oh, yeah - then why do we have identical once throughout Hamburg?
I've been here just over 3 years, so both my friends already know how to find me...
Good for you on breaking the ice! We have five major ones here and it does impact values (when you look at a normal market) as your pool of buyers goes down!
Renee,
I don't have a shy bone in my body! The age-restricted communities just haven't been as popular as predicted. Are your 5 thriving in the Las Vegas NV Valley?