Comments On 2015 “Save the Post Office Petition”

Following the first presentation of JMF Properties proposal for the site, and following inspection of the existing building with permission of the Maplewood Postmaster, a local resident created a petition asking the Township to not demolish the structure. The petition is located on the iPetition website and drew approximately 800 signatures. The comments included by some signers appear below:

Maplewood, NJ Township Committee: Stop the Dem…

by Beth Janson · 797 supporters

Supporters

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I grew up in Maplewood and hope to return with my husband one day to raise our children. I hope that our children can experience the Village the way it was intended. For years, property taxes have been so exorbitantly high compared to other neighboring towns like South Orange and Millburn, which were able to reduce homeowner tax burdens through the development of public land made available to large commercial enterprises and national franchises. Maplewood has always adamantly and vehemently denied those types of developers from infiltrating the Village and Springfield Ave. in an effort to maintain the quaint image of Maplewood. Why compromise the identity of the town now? If the town government really wished to reduce tax burdens rather than make thinly veiled attempts to balance the budget, they can and should find another way.

Alexandra Polson, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

Who gains from bulldozing a functional and historicallysignificant building? Not Maplewood residents. If the intention is to uglify

Maplewood with another bland building, at least leave this one alone.

Janet Ozzard, Berkeley, CA 12 months ago

I spent 25 years in Maplewood, it’s my home and I don’t want to see it’s charm ruined.

Marianne Stark, New York, NY 12 months ago

Maplewood doesnt need more commerce, especially if it entails knocking down a functioning post office

christopher robins, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

Brooklyn west! Who cares if the building is ugly and the town needs the money.

Idiot McFartsalot, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

I grew up in this town, it is my home. My memories of the Post Office stand tall among all others. Please, listen to your constituents. They are who you are supposed to represent, not the incoming outside developers. Don’t give in to fearmongering and accept a proposal that does not reflect the character of our town. Selling our land is not how to balance a budget. Take a harder look before taking the easy way out and destroying what is for many, and me included, a focal point of downtown Maplewood and a bright spot in our childhoods. Please put the sale on hold until a deeper review can be made of the budget situation and other options that for addressing it that will be more sustainable and more in line with what Maplewood stands for as a community. Make all the details public and listen to your townsfolk. It is their space, they have the right to contribute to its future, and you as elected officials have the obligation to stop and listen to what we have to say.

Janna Zimmermann, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

This is a memory staple of maplewood as I’ve known it and loved it for 23 years ! Don’t do it!

Bebhinn Edmunds, san francisco, CA 12 months ago

I’m signing because I’m tired of people only acting like they have respect for history.

Carl Schwab, Orange, NJ 12 months ago

I care about preserving Maplewood’s unique downtown, and getting tax revenue instead of giving PILOTs.

Julia Erickson, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

The is should be a democratic process

Susana Caparros, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

I’m signing because there is widespread disagreement with the plan to demolish and build an apartment/retail complex and the TC has not proven their competence in community development let alone re

development (look across the street from the Police Department building. I don’t believe the current plan will make a meaningful dent in property taxes and I’m not convinced there isn’t a better solution that aligns with the character, charm and diversity of our town. I urge the TC to consider alternative plans even if only for a period of 12 years before making a permanent, irreversible decision.

Michael Burniston, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

I’m signing because Maplewood NJ is one of the last towns in NJ that has thriving small businesses that have not been pushed out by chain stores.

Adrianna Hackett, New York, NY 12 months ago

We should not gentrify our neighborhoods making them unaffordable for the beautifully diverse community it is. New Condominiums is not the answer to making our neighborhoods a friendlier, safer, and more beautiful place. Preserve our history.

Molly Hoffman, South Orange, NJ 12 months ago

Repurpose the building! Pay attention Mr. Deluca. I must say you’re doing a horrible job.

Lucia Drumgould, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

maplewood can do better than what is being proposed by JMF both in price and design.

Ellen thornton, Maplewood, NJ 12 months ago

We need all the applicable feasibility studies to be done, teaffic and pedestrian safety in particular. The finances, the PILOTS and the parking are confusing and don’t seem like a benefit or gain to the town, only the developer and investor/s.

Helen Harvey, Maplewood, NJ 1 year ago

Post office is a historical site. And we don’t want the apartments here reck ing the village. Speaking as a merchants

Timothy Gianni, Maplewood, NJ 1 year ago

I moved to Maplewood because of the small town feel of the downtown area. The proposed residential construction will ruin the aesthetics of downtown. Additionally, the price for the land sale is way to low.

Theodore Cox, Maplewood, NJ 1 year ago

I used to be resident of Maplewood and my parents still are!! You should of never closed the post office now you want to be stupider and get rid of it!!!

Meghan Montgomery, Jonesboro, GA 1 year ago

I want to keep the village the way it is. NO radical aesthetic changes

John Sarantakis, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Enough is enough with the overcrowding!! Maplewood does not need another apartment/retail for the “upscale people” !! They are trying to force all of us middle income people out!!

Anna tarasiewicz, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Because I lived in Maplewood for 20 wonderful years. It is a special town in many ways, one of those being the unique character of the village. A new, fourstory apartment building does not belong in the center of town on a busy, narrow street. It is not in keeping with the character of the town and the village. Please don’t turn Maplewood into a transit (and transient) village. Think about how you want Maplewood to look in the future you are all residents and taxpaying residents. Is this what you REALLY want for the village and the town as a whole? Please, please don’t allow this development to happen.

Leslie Tash, Troy, NY 2 years ago

I want to enjoy the beautiful town that I first moved to ten years ago

Christopher Bertrand, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and it’s a shame that the post office Might be torn down.

Kate Spain, Arden, NC 2 years ago

The post office building should not be demolished until the Township Committee takes the time to study how it can be saved and reused, first.

Sean Foley, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The charm of Maplewood will be severely compromised by putting up a large commercial/residential project. Also traffic will be undoubtedly heavier in high pedestrian area.

Alishia TaipingMoccia, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

The post office is beautiful, not ugly, and tearing it down would be a real tragedy.

Tom Bell, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I can’t see building a “developer special” in the heart of our quaint village. The post office building is a simple form that can be rejuvenated and repurposed without sending tons of construction material to the dump. Just consider the environmental impacts to this move. Incorporating the 1958 building into a new project shouldn’t be as difficult as it’s being made out to be.

Darren China, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Maintaining the integrity, look and feel of the Village is of utmost importance to the community. This new development is a strict departure from any other buildings in the Village and just does not make sense from any perspective (including a financial/tax incentive perspective). Keep the Village a Village!

Toni Ann Kruse, Brooklyn, NY 2 years ago

I’m a new resident and moved here for the small town feel. I don’t want new developments that are obtrusive and don’t fit with the downtown charm.

Amy Linder, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

A new structure seems unnecissary and wasteful. It seems like maplewood would lose some of its small town charm with this large scale development. I think change can be good, I just don’t think this is the right change for Maplewood.

the building they are proposing looks like any old building in any old suburb in any old state anywhere! Yuck! Get some aesthetic thought behind this plan before they ruin our quaint village (that oh by the way, attracts big money from NYC).

Aubree Curtis, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing this petition because if this building is knocked down than so is my childhood. This building is part of the town’s history and what made us Maplewood. I believe it would take more money to demolition this building and rebuild one, than it would to restore the building. We don’t need to change the town’s look by putting up a newer and taller building. What do we gain from that? nothing. Since when we care about looking like everyone else? Or looking like modern towns? Last I checked people were attracted to Maplewood because we looked different and the looks matched our diversity.

Do not demolition my childhood and the history of this town. It’s not only my childhood many others childhood. I don’t want to come back to a different looking town in the winter. I’ve already had my childhood memories in Bloomfield knocked down and built over with parking garages.

Delainey Fuschetto, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing this because it’s the right thing to do. I have absolutely no confidence in the Township Committee and its planning process. On a daily basis, we witness the debacle of their last development project, the Station House, to which they now admit that they made mistakes on. Finally, there are no longterm assessments on the financial burdens and other impacts on our schools, car traffic in the village, the environment, etc.

Nahela Hadi, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I would like to keep Maplewood village a village, I have been a resident for over 20 years I like the community and the surroundings. We do not need modern apartments, we need a good quality of life and not overpopulate our schools and public places.

Veronica Bergara, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m a Maplewood resident since birth, and I refuse to let me town go down like this.

Olivia Karten, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Maplewood is such a quaint village. Let’s keep it that way.

Helen Murray, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood, and it would be a shame to ruin the town’s charm.

Robyn Ross, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

i love Maplewood the way it is. If you destroy this building, you destroy of piece of history. How sad…

EveLaure WREMBEL, France 2 years ago

J’aime le charme de ce superbe village

Corinne WREMBEL, France 2 years ago

J’aime le charme de ce superbe village

Corinne WREMBEL, France 2 years ago

J’aime le charme de ce superbe village

Corinne WREMBEL, France 2 years ago

because Maplewood should keep the quaint downtown feel that all have always loved about it. This is where I grew up and continue to frequent. Don’t make this huge mistake.

Emily Sahuto, Caldwell, NJ 2 years ago

I lived in maplewood for over 30 years. Really enjoyed going there & seeing people from the town. My parents still live in town. Please keep the building.

Chris Helmstettet, Randolph, NJ 2 years ago

Keep this beautiful treasure of a town the way it is.

Rebecca Frankoski, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because I’ve lived here 45 years, and this is a very bad idea. It’s not Maplewood.

Teri Pagano, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

This is prime land and doesn’t seem to be in the best interest of Maplewood residents.

Melanie Kidd, Jersey City, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because the character of the vilkage and the responsiveness of our town’s leadership are important to me.

Erica Zaklin, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

lived in Maplewood from 1955 to 1968, graduating Columbia H.S. in 1961. Maplewood center is a cornerstone of the community in its’ quaint appeal.

joe liccese, Tinley Park, IL 2 years ago

We need to preserve the integrity of out downtown.

CLAUDIA MEYERS, MAPLEWOOD, NJ 2 years ago

Help keep Maplewood’s charm.

MARY DEVON O’BRIEN, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

must stop this.

Jon Doran, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I want our towns to stay that: towns. People are more important than real estate developers.

Mollie O’Brien, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I’d like to keep the village a village.

Michele Bloom, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because I think the post office building is unique and represents an architectural style that should be preserved. I want the building to be repurposed, rather than demolished. I also have strong concerns over any new building that will add to the parking problems and traffic throughout our beloved village.

Elizabeth Zenobi, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up here, and love my town!

Scott Birnbaum, Springfield Township, NJ 2 years ago

I want my village to stay a village!!!

Keri Lonieski, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and still frequent the Village. My mother is still a Maplewood resident. Keeping the integrity of the Village should be a priority. And I’ve heard about tax breaks for the developer?? How is that going to help reduce the tax burden of Maplewood residents? It seems like all priorities need to be realigned!

Cynthia Longley, Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I have lived in Maplewood my entire life and it’s preservation is important to me.

Nora Frank, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

This will be an eye sore and completely cheapen the beauty and style that is unique to the Maplewood Village

Courtney Lynch, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

we moved last year, in most part because of the quaint downtown… Destroying this building takes away our entire draw to the town and would make us think we could go to any other neighboring area.

Maris doran, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I wasn’t maplewood to stay the town I grew up loving and the one I want to keep going back to. I want it to stay and feel like the dickens village that is put up every Christmas all year round!

Shannon Mason, Chatham, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because I think the plans for the post office site are disgusting, and will ruin our lovely town. I have lived here my entire life and would hate to see these people supporting the new plans destroy what has made Maplewood what it is today.

Stefanie Wrembel, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Recently moved to Maplewood and would hate for it to start looking like the horrible generic apartment buildings that are popping up in my old Brooklyn neighborhood. Repurpose all the way!

Molly Reisner, BROOKLYN, NY 2 years ago

im signing this petition because I love Maplewood and I believe this new proposed construction will destroy the quintessential small town feel of our beautiful downtown. I was born and raised here and am now raising my family here. I care about our town. Save maplewood. Do not destroy the post office building.

Lauren Peterson, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I live here!

Nancy Roman, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Downtown Maplewood village is known for its distinct uniqueness and charm. This smalltown aesthetic is what makes our village so special and is the reason why many, including my family, opted to move here. The post office redevelopment project threatens to destroy the identity of our village. It presents a rare opportunity to enhance the character of the town; the developer’s plans would diminish it.

Silas Lum, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

im signing because I love that building and don’t want a cheap looking ugly building in its place instead

Freya tamayo, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because I would like to keep maplewood a village! No skyscrapers.

Luca Heineman, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Do not tear it down!!

Marilyn Egovitch, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Like everyone in Maplewood, I am against selling our land for cheap, building monstrous buildings in our cute little village, destroying the view and the spirit of maplewood(and parking space too!). For no reasons as all. Which of course raises a big question : why does the mayor wants to give this project so bad to this promoter against the whole town?…WE DO NOT WANT THAT MONSTRUOUS UGLY PIECE OF JUNK IN OUR TOWN!!!!

Stephane WREMBEL, New York, NY 2 years ago

I believe in representative government and not autocracy and bullying.

Alfred Milanese, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

i am very much opposed to current proposal for teardown of post office and replacement building that is illsuited for the village

Paul Horan, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I don’t see a need to pull the post office down.

Helen Donaldson, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because I believe we can do better. I also believe that no tax incentive should be at the expense of our schools

Erica Schwartz, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’ve lived on the Irvington/Maplewood my whole many years. I shop in Maplewood, consider it My Town. Doing this would destroy the ambiance and character of the town. It’s not necessary.

Susan Woelzl, Irvington, NJ 2 years ago

Who would not gladly see their tax bill go up $20. a year, or even $200. a year, to see another park in Maplewood. Where is the foresight? Is not Central Park, or the Reservation, an adequate example? The Post Office may not be to all tastes but self evidently it is not forever. What has been proposed to replace it is contemporary schlock, will age poorly, and the way it has been constituted for use, it will be forever: a reproach to Maplewood.

Jim Dooley, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

..petitions are another important way to communicate this message. Our elected officials are growing increasingly insularapparently determined to drive important decisions in directions that defy rational explanation. So what’s left is petitions, emails, phone calls, meeting attendance, social media, and the voting booth. We live in a nearly perfect Town…but keep your eye trained on the methods being used on projects like this one!

David Helmkamp, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Either create a park or keep the existing building. The plans for the new building are an eyesore and would absolutely ruin the charm of this town. Tax savings to the individual homeowner or negligible and am tired of hearing this being thrown around as an excuse. There are already a number of vacant storefronts and we don’t need more apartment buildings either.

Erik Peterson, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Saving architectural history is important.

Increased Density is not helpful to the character of towns. Increased density brings with it increased costs

Miriam Sumner, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I was born and raised in maplewood, still live nearby and spend a lot of time in town. I am very concerned with how this building well affect the look of the downtown and add to a lot more traffic. We need to keep maplewood the way it was intended to be, with upgrades that are in keeping with that style.

Meghan Hyer, Union, NJ 2 years ago

The new apartments aren’t well designed and add little value to the village.

William Briggs, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I would like Maplewood to retain its charm and unique small town look and feel and to support alternative ideas to repurposing a structurally sound building to the greater good of all Maplewoodians.

Bimal Peiris, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Oppose current plan

Daniele Merlis, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

Proposed building is too high.

Gayle Mackiewiczgaylemack@me, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The developer basically hoodwinked the Township Committee: the price is too low and the tax relief unnecessary. In fact, the whole project is unnecessary ….and the new Post Office has NO parking facilities.

Joseph Kalichstein, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The proposed design is very much out of proportion to the feel and scale of downtown. It’s overwhelming

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Added scrutiny required on financial agreement, and alternatives with respect to current building use.

Alberto Fernandez, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I like the post office and it should not be knocked down.

Robb Bothe, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

keep the character of maplewood!

gianni galante, brooklyn, NY 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood, and for sure if you get rid of the old world charm, will change the whole Village affect

Gabriella McArthur, Ocean, NJ 2 years ago

We must preserve our natural wonders!

SK Duff, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Opposed to current post office redevelopment plan

Bill Young, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I love the beauty and the simplicity of downtown Maplewood. Do not spoil it.

Jeffrey Eldredge, New York, NY 2 years ago

I don’t believe a compelling reason for knocking down the building and building the proposed building has been given. I believe more compelling reasons for saving the building have. I believe the scale of the new building is not right for our town. I say this as a licensed architect and LEED AP BD+C professional in the state of New Jersey.

Mary Rene Clawson, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I believe in adaptive reuse, not demolition.

Ulysses Dietz, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I don’t believe enough effort has been invested in seeing if the building can be saved and repurposed.

Colleen Kraus, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

My father worked as a clerk in that building until he died in 1985. The only problem with it was upkeep and lack of parking for trucks and employees. When it was built the mail came in via the train and Maplewood was the regional center for Northern NJ. Too much history in that building to just destroy it.

Harold Bork, Newton, NJ 2 years ago

I think demolishing this building to give a PILOT to yet another developer is a bad idea for so many reasons!

Madhu Pai, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I believe in repurposing the old, demolition of the old.

nancy sobieski, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Dat building be uuuugly. And money stuff.

Stephanie Volin, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’d like to see Maplewood preserve a smalltown feel, it’s what brings so many of us here and what makes the village so special. The original architecture of the post office lends a sense of history and of lives lived here. Isn’t this what we mean when we describe a town as having ‘character?’ Sentimentality aside, it is a fine building that can be repurposed while still maintaining the original structure.

Hope Chernov, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing this because I believe the architecture in Maplewood is part of what makes Maplewood Maplewood. The post office has been an

integral part of this towns history. We have always had a post office and should continue to have a post office and sorting/ distribution center. This new building is ugly and does not fit the charm of the village. They destroyed the original police station now they want the post office. What’s next town hall?

Stop the madness!

Frank Fiorito, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I want to save the village!

Heidi Wolfley, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I always used this building for my postal needs when growing up in Maplewood, lots of memories!!!!!!

timothy edward, Palm Coast, FL 2 years ago

I like Heather Kerns’s usage suggestion year round green market, coffee shop, locally sourced restaurant and Chelsea Market style place. Architects Richard Meier’s and Peter Eisenman’s comment about it being a fit building in context and scale to the village.

Sheryl O’Connell, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Hire Meier and Eisenman to reenvision and repurpose the existing building into something the community can enjoy and be proud of, not just another piece of junk construction that overwhelms the space.

Rona Kwestel, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

More rental units are not needed and will stress our schools, which are already struggling to place students.

Kathy Greenstone, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

Maplewood village is a unique and thriving locus for township residents. Rather than raze the post office building it would be rational to repurpose it saving taxpayer funds and offering the community an attractive and useful site. Keep the village as is no tall buildings just functional and appealing to residents. Not many communities have a special place like the Maplewood village. I have not found another.

Although I think the current post office is an eyesore and would love to not see it anymore, I am signing because 1) I want the new buliding to be more sustainable and therefore don’t think we should demo such a solid structure but rather modify it instead. 2) the proposed building is too tall and not so attractive or unique. 3) parking is essential to town so I hope there will be parking. 4) i want to know the tax benefits to the community 5) i am concerned about the drain on our schools and possibility of larger class sizes with the potential for more kids 6) i am concerned about the types of businesses that would occupy space as we don’t need more hair and nail salons. Starbucks would be nice even though it competes on some level with village coffee with their great food and chai (but billage coffee’s coffee isn’t great). I also worry about competition for current retail spaces as we want to support them! I’m sure i have more issues and concerns but I assure you loosing the appearance of that hideous midcentury modern building is not one of them.

Lisa Mainardi, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

This building is an important historical Modernist masterpiece.

Vincent Dermody, Brooklyn, NY 2 years ago

Um no let’s not destroy history

Alexandra Henderson, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I think we waste valuable buildings for no good reason. We should learn some lessons from our 15,16, 17,18,19th century European ancestors. Build to last, and use the space.

Dr.Ken Muckelroy, Tyler, TX 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and don’t want to see its distinctive charm eroded.

John Tamburri, Philadelphia, PA 2 years ago

Wish for repurposing old Post Office for a suitable Building site which conforms to the existing architectural make up in the Village center of Maplewood.

Andrew Wozniak, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

the development of this space into condos ruins the charm of the village.

Priya Shah, jersey city, NJ 2 years ago

Financial terms of sale are inadequate and shortsighted.

Andrew Lipetz, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

It adds historical values to the heart of Maplewood.

Jasmein Hamilton, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I’ve been a Maplewood resident my entire life and care deeply about the preservation of this town’s history. Our town has already started to become gentrified in other areas, and I do not wish to see our downtown area destroyed in the same fashion with virtually zero gain for taxpayers.

Julia Engel, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing this because the new structure does not keep in line with the character and charm of downtown Maplewood. The current 1958 building could be repurposed into something(s) that does not destroy history.

Jessica Ganjon, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

Tear down in haste, repent at leisure. Let’s slow down and solicit some designs that would give a new look and purpose to this solid, sunfilled space.

Jane Conrad, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

As a former Maplewood resident this sale is wrong on many levels. This isn’t the way to balance any budget with a onetime sale of an historic site, which also is a perfectly good building as well as a part of the long time fabric and charm of Maplewood Village. The township would be better off not to impinge on this charming site and solve its fiscal and parking issues other ways. There’s a difference between progress and process, and keeping a place livable. The size and scale of the proposed building does not fit with the existing Village fabric. What happens next time the budget needs a fix? Knock something else down? That is fiscally bad policy.

Gail Yazersky, West orange, NJ 2 years ago

It’s a shame that this great old building is being demolished, and all for what, a tax relief that will be $20 per year or less! It’s absolutely ridiculous! I hope enough people sign this petition to help stop the demolition of this great building!

Sarah Redfield, Dennis, MA 2 years ago

it should stay

Susan Horlick, Cary, NC 2 years ago

I grew up in this town and even though I have since moved away, Maplewood still holds a place in my heart. This building is a source of many of my childhood memories.

Gabriela campbell, Richmond, VA 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and I believe in preserving our country’s architectural history.

Margaret Stefandl, Basking Ridge, NJ 2 years ago

Entendo que esta demolição vai desfigurar o espaço local com prejuízo irreparável para a identidade local. E isto significa um atentado contra os valores comunitários da localidade que tanto aprecio e admiro..

Edinicio Lima, Diamantina, Brazil 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and would hate to see it loose its charm and become commercial.

Sarah Kwiatkowski, Old Greenwich, CT 2 years ago

It’s a great idea

Liz Dornfeld, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Why not year round green market, coffee shop, locally sourced restaurant and Chelsea Market style place? Light good, size good, location good, style good.

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Don’t turn Maplewood village into another generic new construction strip. The Post Office is a part of the town’s history and should be preserved.

Stephen Wilder, Bayonne, NJ 2 years ago

This is another example of the committee selling property for less than its evaluation and without any oversight.

David Fischer, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I don’t want a big generic building going up in our charming town!

Shauna Cagan, Brooklyn, NY 2 years ago

what the TC is planning is appalling

Robert Kinsky, Womelsdorf, PA 2 years ago

The new building idea will ruin the wonderful ambiance of Maplewood. We must stop our community “leaders” from their poor judgement.!!!!

M Gartenlaub, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

This building would alter the look and feel of this charming village!

Jennifer Stemmermann, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

Mid century bldgs are works of art, this bldg should have a designation, not be on the table for demolition.

Ilene Silver, New York, NY 2 years ago

I want to preserve the character, history and beauty of Maplewood

Sheri Weinstein, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I want to maintain the charm and character of maplewood. The new building looks generic and ugly!

Rachel Perry, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Very Important To NOT Lose Another Post Office.

George Matias, South Orange, NJ., NJ 2 years ago

I value the quaint, historic, small community feel of Maplewood, and this project will take us in the wrong direction.

Paul Williams, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I expect the town to align this proposal with a broader town development plan with designs on maximizing property tax value. I don’t think we need more apartments. I’d prefer to see a way to encourage more businesses.

Guy Hochstetler, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Demolition is a bad deal for the town the appraisal seems way off, and it unnecessary to tear down a perfectly useable building.

Walter Egbert, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I do not think this an aesthetically pleasing building for the center of town. I also do not think that the taxes will provide a sufficient

Tara Kelly, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I am against tearing down something still useable and much cheaper to keep than tear down. Why does the Government want to replace good buildings with expensive “new” and taxpayers have to pay for it always….

Karen Henschen, Kendallville, IN 2 years ago

i was born and raised in Maplewood and would hate to see my home town ruined by this ugly development in the village!

Kasey Cullen, Dumont, NJ 2 years ago

New building is full on hideous

Walker Perry, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Concerned about the impact of the development on Maplewood’s smalltown feel and culture. Concerned about overcrowding and lack of parking and the entire development being out of proportion with/overshadowing the rest of Maplewood Ave.

Teal Paynter, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

To preserve the aesthetics of the town.

Robert Kelly, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I couldn’t agree more, Fred! As a preservationist and appreciator of local history, I feel there are more than enough reasons to keep a building that not only fulfills its purpose, but is a perfect example of a oncepopular style of architecture. Sure, we could update and spruce it up a bit. But if we tear down all the remnants of our past doesn’t that rob us of an understanding of who we once were? Would that make town the “downtown village” we all know and love? Save the Post Office! It helps

tell our story……

Carolyn Mohn, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

I’m an architect and fan of mid century modern design. This history needs to be preserved instead of building.

Alicia Crigler, Morristown, NJ 2 years ago

I want to save the charm and character of my beautiful hometown’s downtown!

Marian Raab, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The current post office structure can be repurposed and serve the next generation. The charm and character of Maplewood Village is an essential part of our town’s identity, and the current plan will harm that for almost no economic benefit. A second look, with more opportunity for public input, is needed before proceeding.

Greg Lembrich, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Did not realize that the proposed new building involved the sale of public land at so low a return. Sounds like a Chris Christie move.

Amy Miano, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The building can be renovated very inexpensively for reuse. Instead, we’re going to have a box built that looks like downtown Montclair. It’s a waste to have sold the building so cheaply, given incentives to the builder (so I understand) and possibly ruin the village. We might as well have okayed the 3 storey parking lot down the block a few years ago. Why not demolish the entire village and make it a mall? Let’s protect our distinctive architectectural buildings. Please sign this petition.

Olga J Roberts, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

we as a family love the quaintness of the village , this building would not look good at all

Colin smith, Millburn, NJ 2 years ago

a high building is the wrong style and blocks the view.

Daniel Helming, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I don’t want to see more rental property when Tuscan school is already overcrowded and couldn’t accommodate my daughter and many others for kindergarten zoned for!

Shawn jacobs, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m in favor of incorporation, inclusion and community over development and destruction

matt williams, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I do want to see such s large and tall structure in town, I can not see how some of the merchants in town can survive the long interpretation of business in town

Gideon Romann, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Ay yo wait chill. This is my favorite post office. Its part of this damn quaint town. I love this post very much. Don’t do this to mee.

Omowumi Mebude, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I do not agree with plans. Permanent loss of character with no financial benefit to town. Developers have no interest in our culture only monetary gain for them.

mary kelly, maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

nobody has the right to wipe out our history…

Joanne lansing, port charlotte, FL 2 years ago

i am a Maplewood resident and love our downtown area without any high rises .

I love its integrity. Something’s are worth preserving.

Deborah Hebron, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I love the existing building architecture and despise the new pedestrian architecture created by mediocre designers

Dana McGuffey, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

This building does not need to be demolished. There are many other places in town we could waste money.

Mentha Marley, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Find ways to renovate & repurpose the PO through positive environmental & longterm fiscal solutions that maintain the unique character of the village and protect town land.

Vicki Arlein, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

It is wasteful and unnecessary to demolish this structure. The notion of any tax benefit to the community is unfounded.

Jill Hammarberg, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I am opposed to the destruction of a reusable building and the construction of a new large building in its place in our downtown area.

Mary Durante, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The last thing the township needs is to give up more public land.

Ken Pettis, Irvington, NJ 2 years ago

MID century architecture is cool. freshen it don’t demolish it

jonathan shlafer, maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and would like to see the original landscape preserved.

Gayle Keen, Clayton, NC 2 years ago

I think the village should be developed with caution and sensitivity towards exciting architectural scale

Lydia Lacey, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Though I agree the PO is ugly as is, options to reskin and repurpose the current building should be considered before demolition. It’s reckless and shortsighted to demolish a sound and historic building without a transparent and thorough study of the alternatives.

Amy OMeara, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

This structure should be repurposed with new windows and other treatments. Another floor can easily be added. It makes no sense to demolish the newest structure in Maplewood Village and replace it with a big box, 50 feet high on its downhill edge. That is not sustainable, wastes money, and will ruin the streetscape. It is also contrary to Maplewoods 1999 law which prohibits demolition in the Village without the showing of significant financial hardship. Prevent this demolition from happening!

fred profeta, maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The charm of the village was one of the draws of Maplewood when deciding where to settle down with our family. A high building with

condos with completely ruin this charm both aesthetically and in spirit/vibe.

Annie Horcasitas, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The existing building is solid and could be repurposed. It isn’t in Maplewood residents interest to sell it!

Jill Ryan, Brooklyn, NY 2 years ago

I have notsofond memories of waiting for my mother in that post office as she attempted to send care packages to my relatives who were trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Turn it into a ICBM facility, lest the Russians decide to take Poland and Prague again.

Udo von Hohenzollern, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because the new building does not respond to the needs of Maplewood and does not fit the character of the site. A few examples: ramp does not encourage pedestrian traffic; proposed building only has a “front” to Maplewood Ave. (even though it is exposed from all four sides); it towers over other buildings (especially as it is on the “top of the hill” on Maplewood Ave.); the style does not celebrate the cohesive yet diverse style of Maplewood.

Sandra Pagan, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

there is no reason for this building to be destroyed. It was wasteful and is not what most people in the community support.

judith wolochow, maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Downtown is too small to house more multi dwelling units which will take away from the quaintness of our small downtown.

dawn hughes, maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I agree that the residents of this town should have input on important decisions like this.

Stephen Hughes, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The Town Committee is arrogant and is ignoring the wishes of the

citizens of Maplewood. We need a good investigative reporter to discover why the Town Committee continuously ignores the will of the people and gives incredible deals to real estate developers. As always, follow the money!

Diana Leo, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

its a bad deal for prime land.

Michael gerber, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

i am a former resident of Maplewood. I remember when the post office was built and first opened. I urge you to keep it intact and reuse it. It is part of Maplewood and should not be destroyed.

Charlie spencer, Irvine, CA 2 years ago

i grew up in this community and with all that changes .. It’s wonderful t see the old treasured Post Office . I wish Livingston , did not ruin the old one in our community

Jill Stone, Livingston, NJ 2 years ago

More thought, planning, options need to be offered. Maplewood cannot afford (aesthetically) a generic building.

Rick Hauser, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The village just wont look the same anymore

Matt Jaffe, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m in total agreement with your statement.

al kuehn, maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

What you propose in its place doesn’t bling in the village

Patricia DeFilippis, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I feel the Twp Committee is no longer interested in maintaining the character of Maplewood

Donna Damato, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I love coming home and visiting where i grew up. Spend days at the village.

debbie armistead, Suffolk, VA 2 years ago

im signing because of the historical architecture and property value is not worth losing.

Rosemond Dane, St. John, VI 2 years ago

The current proposal does not withstand costbenefit analysis on aesthetic, fiscal, nor public policy grounds. We need RESPONSIBLE RATABLES.

Dirk Olin, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’d love to see this building repurposed. It’s well built, in great shape and architecturally significant. As a town, we absolutely shouldn’t give a tax credit to developers to rebuild something that isn’t broken.

K Ruane, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

There are other locations in Maplewood to put this large of a building. There are many other smaller more attractive buildings that could replace the PO. If retail is the goal, that would be more appealing. The apartments can go somewhere else.

beverly kaczmarski, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

The Village has a character and vibe that will be completely overwhelmed by the proposed structure. When the finances come under scrutiny, its quite apparent the town will receive LESS revenue than when the post office was paying rent directly to the town. LESS money for the library, LESS money for Police, etc. The building is in fine shape and people with more creative minds than the ones that currently represent us should have the opportunity to explore options for adaptive reuse before signing the contract to sell this prime piece of Maplewood property at firesale prices. Maplewood is a unique and creative town,

and this current development for the apartment building fails to capture our spirit.

Kurt Kiley, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I was a resident of Maplewood, NJ almost my entire life and know how the members of the community care about the historic preservation of our town. Keeping the history alive in Maplewood is important. We lost a great building when the police station moved how can we lose another part of our towns history.

Devyn Gordon, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

The plan is wastefulwhy not find a way to use the present building?

Anne Harding, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

i disagree with the proposed plans and after growing up in maplewood i believe in whats best for the towns future.

James Stark, New York, NY 2 years ago

I would like to see the building repurposed as opposed to an environmentally unstable teardown and rebuild of a mediocre large building in the middle of our small village.

Robert Rogers, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I lived in Maplewood for 25 years and would loved to have lived there the rest of my life, but after my husband retired we couldn’t afford it.

Shauna Dickerson, Moab, UT 2 years ago

Maplewood needs a better vision for the property

Lee Navlen, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

This building should be saved, not only because of it’s historical relevance, but because it’s planned demolition is unnecessary.

Pamela Hug, Portland, OR 2 years ago

I do not want our small town ruined by the monstrosity they want to build

Laurie Evans, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I agree the building can be successfully repurposed.

Linne Thomson, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

We will lose the charm and appeal of Maplewood if this building goes up.

Debbie Haine, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Maplewood village will lose its charm and character and will be overwhelmed by this big building. I care about our town.

Leslie Dee, Underhill, VT 2 years ago

this building is a landmark and a new building would destroy the culture and charm!

Donna Scarola, New Providence, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up on Woodland Road and have fond memories of going to the post office with my mom. The workers there were always extremely friendly. The building is spacious and offers lots of natural light. It is not ugly. And it is part of Maplewood’s history. It seems to me that there is no reason to tear down a perfectly functional building and that there has to be a way to repurpose it while maintaining it’s original charm like turning an old mill into a restaurant or minimall.

Elizabeth Emerson, Hingham, MA 2 years ago

Although I no longer hang my hat at Scrivener’s on a regular basis I still love this town.

I believe the demolition of the existing Post Office without proper plans to move forward will be detrimental to the beauty of our Village and garner no benefit for the residents of Maplewood

Norman Scrivener, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

no more apartments, we have enough housing in town and do not need the traffic problems

time has shown that real estate developers always win and we always lose. We don’t need more retail or rental space in downtown

eric fink, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Retain character! Retain uniqueness! Do not allow money to dictate continued superficiality across the nation by wiping out history.

Craig Marsh, SAN DIEGO, CA 2 years ago

I care, and I agree. The township committee has proceeded on their own steam without caring what the residents feel for too long.

leigh haber, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Maplewood is home to me & I have traveled & lived many places but the charm of downtown cannot be matched. The post office is part of the communityrepurpose it to provide another fabulous space for the town. It belongs among all the other beauties in the Village!

Jeanne Aument, Willow Street, PA 2 years ago

I live in Maplewood. As a realtor, I firmly believe the selling price is too LOW and the solution for real, beneficial tax relief for residents has not been found.

Caroline Gosselin, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up in maplewood and everything is special there..including this building.

jodi morese, North Brunswick Township, NJ 2 years ago

i do not want to see my childhood town defaced by huge apartment/retail buildings. I’m sure there is property somewhere else in the town to do that. Use the old post office space to open another unique store like the rest of the stores found in the village!!

Patricia Warncke, New Milford, NJ 2 years ago

Preserving the best of the modern movement

Stephen Rooney, Montclair, NJ 2 years ago

keep our “Small Wonder” small.

Indira Singh, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Maintaiing the integrty of the Village ofMaplewood as a restament to the eclectic mix of architecture is an integral past in maintaining the history of the town. As a past resident, who grew up o Sagamore Rd, the village of Maplewood made this town unique and NOT cookie cutter; please consider the importance of representing all types of architecture in our town and DO NOT destroy a wonderful example of MID=CENTURY modern for some performed ox!!!

Donna Godfrey, Seattle, WA 2 years ago

What’s the rush?

Art Christensen, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I grew up and lived in Maplewood. It’s a beautiful town, but I have to say, that the proposed building and its height will not add anything to the ‘Village’ feel of the town. It will be too big, and parking is already a problem. Why would you think that additional apts. would enhance the nice small town feel?? You will ruin it…and once its gone…it’s gone for good!!! The new post office neglected to think of the parking spaces needed…and is giving out tickets instead…someone is sleeping on the job!!!

Marilyn Maas, Asbury, NJ 2 years ago

B/c I would like to keep Maplewood quaint as it was during my childhood and for years prior. STOP THE DEMOLITION!!

Emily Gruenwald Lowenfels, South Orange, NJ 2 years ago

i live in Maplewood my whole life until 6 yrs. Ago. It would be a shame to destroy the post office.

Sheila Williams, Florham Park, NJ 2 years ago

I think the idea of repurposing a solid building is the most sustainable option

Helen Kensinger, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

Grew up in Maplewood. My dad used to bring me their as a kid when running errands.

michael chymiy, Newton, NJ 2 years ago

I was raised in Maplewood, I have many memories of visiting this post office. My mother had a P.O.Box there. Also I ‘m a current Letter Carrier with the USPS. These landmarks are special and a rich part of our history,that can still add Great Value to the community. This Post Office has served as a bridge of communication for years.

John Burnett, Manassas, VA 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and I can still at 53 clearly remember the PO as one of the first places I went with my parents and on my own.

Ron Bishop , Hockessin, DE 2 years ago

Thirty Seven years of loving Maplewood. A town of beauty is a joy forever.

william dunsavage, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I lived in Maplewood for 19 years want to preserve the charm of the town.

Catherine Farro, Warren, NJ 2 years ago

That is my hometown and I used to work there.

Lynn Dworak, Aberdeen, NC 2 years ago

Stop this demolition! The proposed building would dwarf the view of South Mountain from town, and highly genericize our little Village.

Maplewood is important and historic, and the city leaders are not thinking about the future or past of our town in any way that accentuates

Maplewood’s biggest assetitself. No more plastic overgrown buildings in Maplewood! The building belongs to the people not to the city council. Adaptive reuse of the building is feasible and will be beautiful. Go to the town meeting tonight!

Mya Byrne, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

What is the problem with the present building?

Susan Winters, Conway, SC 2 years ago

I think the current redesign plan is not acceptable. I’d much rather keep the current building.

Adrianna Donat, MAPLEWOOD, NJ 2 years ago

It’s time for a timeout and a rethink of our goals and objectives for this project.

Steve Weber, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

This building represents an important period in architectural history and should be considered for reuse.

Meredith Bzdak, Princeton, NJ 2 years ago

the Maplewood TC has not considered options to demolition that will provide …a better outcome for the space and a better financial arrangement for taxpayers….

John Harvey, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

our Township Members have been basically the same for 20 years and talking about the same plans for 20 years. So much has changed and the members have not changed with the times. The proposed redevelopment is ridiculous in height and mass and use. It says nothing about who we are or that we even want to be known as a green community. I believe we should be using our local talent to design a repurposed building which will serve the entire community as well as increase business for our existing mom and pop shops!!!

Helen Harvey, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I’m signing because this is a perfectly fine building that can be reused and repurposed.

Lara Tomlin, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

I think it’s important we maintain the historic character of maplewood. This does not appear to be a logical solution to balancing the budget, and also appears it’s not even being done effectively.

Stephen Francis, New York, NY 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood and think it would be a shame to demolish this building to replace it with rental apartments and retail stores.

Kaja Stamnes, New Orleans, LA 2 years ago

I grew up in Maplewood, and my family still lives in town. The post office is an important part of our downtown’s landscape. Please do not demolish it!

sydney harris, New York, NY 2 years ago

I don’t see how more apartments helps our town.

Rachel Fisher, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

do we really need more apartments in Maplewood? With so many empty store fronts on Springfield Ave, I question why we need more in downtown Maplewood?

Rebecca Barbacci, Maplewood, NJ 2 years ago

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