POST OFFICE PLAN PROTESTERS SPARK ONLINE PETITION

The opponents of the former Maplewood Post Office redevelopment plan were out in force last weekend.

But they are also out in force online with a petition aimed at gathering 500 names to oppose any redevelopment of the site that includes destroying the building. It claims to have more than 400 so far.

Right now, plans call for the destruction of the building and replacement with a 20-unit housing/retail complex that is drawing ire for its size and sterile modern design.

The petition states, in part:

This distinctive building, built in 1958 and designed by architect and then Maplewood resident Alfred O. Pollitt, is an excellent example of mid-century modern architecture. Despite this history, the Township Committee is currently finalizing the sale and subsequent DEMOLITION of the building. It will be replaced with this new building that will contain rental apartments, underground parking and some retail stores.

The Township Committee insists that the sale of the property and subsequent building of rental apartments is necessary to decrease the tax burden for Maplewood residents. However, the likely tax relief to taxpayers will be less than $20 per year. The building AND property are being sold for $1,250,000 (though it was assessed much higher) and after incentives for the developer; the Township is anticipated to net only $950,000 – conveniently close to the amount stated as the anticipated deficit in the Township budget for the next fiscal year. Selling our public land should not be the answer to balancing a budget.

The Township Committee insists that the current building is ugly, which is ill-informed and subjective reasoning for not re-using or re-purposing it—for either historical or sustainability reasons—even though it is constructed of heavy steel and masonry which appears to be in excellent condition. There are no structural reports known to state otherwise. In fact, the Post Office building is the NEWEST BUILDING ON MAPLEWOOD AVENUE.

As stewards and citizens, we cannot let Mayor Victor DeLuca and the Township Committee proceed with tearing down this historically significant mid-century modern building and making Maplewood look like Generic Town, USA without proper due diligence, no thorough financial plan, nor any serious consideration of alternative plans.

See it HERE.