Save the Fell House

UPDATE -- AND A THANK YOU...

   

The battle for the Fell House is far from over, but the citizens of Allendale and those who cherish our great American heritage have cause for celebration.
   The Deep Pockets who wish to develop the Fell House property are formidable opponents, but the Planning Board voted 6-0 to to reject the application, without prejudice.
    We understand that the vote will be memorialized at the next regular scheduled planning board meeting tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 20). After that, it is unclear what will happen.
    In the meantime, we wish not only to thank all the volunteers and concerned citizens and American heritage lovers for their tireless efforts, but we also wish to thank two groups for their expertise and support -- the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the Fyke Nature Association.
   Thank you, all!

A VICTORY -- FOR NOW

  

Developers' plans to tear down the Fell House hit a roadblock last night when the Allendale Planning Board voted 6-0 to deny the application until legal problems involving Allison Village -- the adjacent townhouse  development -- can be resolved.
   Turnout was great: The developer likened it to the premiere of the latest James Bond movie, and the parking lot was so packed that a fire marshall had to have some of the citizens move their cars.
   The standing-room-only crowd was a great grassroots effort. John Fell would have been proud.
    To everyone who showed up last night or at previous planning board meetings, we salute you!

    To our lawyer, George Cotz, and the Columbia University Law Clinic, who gave him an assist, we can't thank you enough.

  

CRUCIAL MEETING TONIGHT, 7 P.M.

     The Allendale Planning Board is holding a special session tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 11, to hear a developer's proposal to tear down the historic home and to build 11 townhomes in its place. The board will also be taking public comment at this time.

    Attendance at Fell House-related Planning Board meetings has been strong and crucial. Please help -- show your support for the Fell House and our Allednale American heritage by attending tonight. 

    This is for all the marbles.

   Questions? E-mail us.

WELCOME TO THE FELL HOUSE BLOG

    The purpose of this blog is to keep you up to date on efforts to save Allendale's historic Fell House, to tell you about the amazing patriot John Fell, and to direct you to the books and articles that underscore just how vital a role John Fell played in American history (see the links on the left).