I am hoping to spurn you to act with us to save this home and prevent a step in the wrong direction for Bound Brook’s future. The home was built by George LaMonte, a prominent Bound Brook founder (LaMonte School, LaMonte Field, LaMonte Avenue, etc.), in approximately 1905, and Mr. Phillip DeBellis lived there for over the past fifty years. The home is unique in architecture along with its neighbor, 161 West High Street. There are no other homes like them in town.

The property has a significant amount of trees and vegetation, including two beautiful enormous American Sycamore trees. This home is one of five very unique properties and homes that stretch from the St. Mary rectory on the corner of West High and Vosseller to the late Mrs. Spagarro’s house at 161 West High. A walk along this neighborhood is truly a feast for the eyes and senses.

Since January 16, Mr. Villani has been attempting to DEMOLISH this home. He is seeking the Borough Planning Board’s approval to subdivide the property and build TWO DUPLEXES. The plans call for FOUR THREE-BEDROOM HOMES, with TWO DRIVEWAYS, TWO TWO-CAR GARAGES, and FOUR PARKING SPACES IN THE BACKYARD.

Besides the loss of Bound Brook’s history with the demolition of the home, the proposed construction will add to our borough’s already overburdened infrastructure. We believe his plans are contrary to the goals of the Borough’s Master Plan, and should be denied. His construction of two duplexes will increase traffic on High Street, most likely increase parking (because most residents use garages for storage, not parking), increase noise, destroy most of the vegetation on the property, remove one of the American Sycamore trees, adversely affect our quiet enjoyment of our own adjoining properties, and forever change the landscape and character of this haven in Bound Brook.

I, along with a small number of residents, have attended every Planning Board Hearing to prevent Mr. Villani’s application from being approved. We have succeeded so far, but WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! On THURSDAY, JULY 27, AT 7:30 P.M., at Borough Hall on Hamilton Street, PLEASE ATTEND the Planning Board Hearing and OBJECT to Mr. Villani’s application. YOUR VOICE COUNTS!! PLEASE MAKE IT HEARD!!

The plans are available in Borough Hall, but I'm happy to provide information to anyone who wishes to review it, as well.

With many thanks,

Stacey Pilato