POST OFFICE SHUTDOWN, WOMEN'S CLUB SALE SPARKS NEW MOVEMENT, MEETING TONIGHT

This week's final deal to have the Township purchase the Women's Club for just over $1 million, and the pending shutdown of the main post office, has sparked a new movement to find out more, and perhaps shape, what the next moves will be.

John Harvey, a local resident, and a group called Why Maplewood, is holding a meeting tonight at Morrow Church to discuss the related issues.

See this notice from them below:

To all, I hope your week is off to a good start.  I apologize for the short notice but I am hoping you will be able to attend a one-hour meeting at 8 PM Thursday evening at Morrow Memorial Church at the corner of Baker Street and Ridgewood Road.  

The why behind the meeting is driven by a a core group of local residents and merchants who want to influence local politics and politicians to be more transparent, forthcoming, and engaging in making local decisions.  

For example, there is not a clear public understanding of the why, how, and what of the Post Office redevelopment, where the development plan could become an ordinance in the next few weeks.  

Additionally, tomorrow the TC closes on the purchase of the Women's Club property for just over $1M.  Again, there is a lack of clarity on the future use of the building, the actual cost of restoration - it could be as high as $1.7M, nor the net tax impact to you and me.

At Thursday's meeting several merchants and residents will share our beliefs in the hope that they connect with your beliefs about local politics.  We also want to know your perspective - do these changes to the Village matter to you?  If so, how much?  Do you know the potential impact of the changes? 

If these decisions matter we want to share some ideas and discuss with you how we can influence politics, governance, and decision-making locally, in a positive way.   

It would also be appreciated if you would reply to let me know if you are willing and able to join us for an hour.  I hope to connect on Thursday.  

I have attached a flyer communicating Thursday's event.  Please share the information with others who might be interested.  

If you are a merchant it would be appreciated if you would display the flyer in your store window.  I can drop off a copy if you do not have access to a printer.  

In the meantime, have a great week - John