Garwood to Pay for Pointe's Fire Hydrants

Garwood Council will reimburse residents at the Pointe condominiums for the costs associated with operating their fire hydrants, according to a resolution passed at Tuesday's meeting. 

The cost is roughly $80 every three months, said Council President and Finance Chairwoman Sara Todisco. 

The decision represents an olive branch extended by the borough after a rocky relationship between the two parties: Just a year ago, Garwood won a lawsuit filed by the Pointe over whether the borough should provide snow removal for the community. 

Pointe residents have previously argued that the 44-unit age-restricted condo community pays exceedingly high taxes – roughly $11,000 to $14,000 annually per unit depending on the size of the unit – and yet, the community is not provided with snow removal and must also foot the bill for streetlights and fire hydrants. 

The tension was brought to a head after the borough approved the controversial $3.2-million Athletic Field Complex, raising taxes further – a move that caused many Pointe residents to speak out at meetings (and write to us) about their tax frustrations.

"It's fascinating to me that some of you would not blink an eye at spending millions of dollars for an athletic field complex, but to plow the streets of snow a couple times a year at the Pointe you hired a lawyer to fight this case," said Pointe resident Tom Pedas at the council meeting after the lawsuit was decided. "Thanks for making us feel very welcome here."

Several Pointe residents attended Tuesday's meeting, making their presence known to ensure swift passage of the resolution.

"I think it was a step in the right direction for the community and the council to be a little more amicable and we appreciate your efforts," said one Pointe resident in the public comments portion of the meeting.