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Story
June 15, 1942
The Wilmington Morning Star
Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
In Rockleigh, N.J., a tiny hamlet of 79 resists industrial encroachment by rejecting Aero Mufflers' factory proposal amid WWII production needs, citing preservation of rustic life; company warns of federal override.
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NEW IDEAS DEFIED
BY JERSEY VILLAGE
Rockleigh
in City Fathers
Man Bastions To Pro-
tect Tranquility
(AP)
ROCKLEIGH, N. J., June 14— Rockleigh's borough fathers manned the bastions of this tiny hamlet of 79 persons today to protect its rustic tranquility from the threatened encroachment after 100 years—of the industrial revolution, given impetus by war production efforts.
The borough council, which rejected the petition of an aviation equipment company to allow an exception to local zoning restrictions against manufacturing, faced the possibility that the War department might command the council to about face.
Ralph O'Neill, president of Aero Mufflers, Inc., manufacturers of ordnance parts vital to the armed services, served notice on the council the War department had been notified of the council's stand. The company is converting a recently purchased polo arena into a factory.
The council's opinion of the whole business was summed up by its president, Ernest A. Seele. Said Seele:
"We've had plenty of nothing for years and we like it.
"A factory in town might bring in workers and that if 20 families move in, each having two children, the town would be bankrupted by education costs alone."
"What about your own sons and daughters," asked John Christie, counsel for Aero Mufflers, "won't they have children?"
"Our children won't live here replied Seele.
Rockleigh nestles in the Palisades across the Hudson river from New York city.
Balked, O'Neill said he would dump the problem in the laps of War department officials.
"I would like to come to Rockleigh friendly with you, but whether it is that way or not it seems we aren't the ones with the final decision," he told the councilmen. "If you refuse to change your zoning law the War department will move in and take over the plant under wartime emergency powers. If this is done you won't receive any taxes from the property."
BY JERSEY VILLAGE
Rockleigh
in City Fathers
Man Bastions To Pro-
tect Tranquility
(AP)
ROCKLEIGH, N. J., June 14— Rockleigh's borough fathers manned the bastions of this tiny hamlet of 79 persons today to protect its rustic tranquility from the threatened encroachment after 100 years—of the industrial revolution, given impetus by war production efforts.
The borough council, which rejected the petition of an aviation equipment company to allow an exception to local zoning restrictions against manufacturing, faced the possibility that the War department might command the council to about face.
Ralph O'Neill, president of Aero Mufflers, Inc., manufacturers of ordnance parts vital to the armed services, served notice on the council the War department had been notified of the council's stand. The company is converting a recently purchased polo arena into a factory.
The council's opinion of the whole business was summed up by its president, Ernest A. Seele. Said Seele:
"We've had plenty of nothing for years and we like it.
"A factory in town might bring in workers and that if 20 families move in, each having two children, the town would be bankrupted by education costs alone."
"What about your own sons and daughters," asked John Christie, counsel for Aero Mufflers, "won't they have children?"
"Our children won't live here replied Seele.
Rockleigh nestles in the Palisades across the Hudson river from New York city.
Balked, O'Neill said he would dump the problem in the laps of War department officials.
"I would like to come to Rockleigh friendly with you, but whether it is that way or not it seems we aren't the ones with the final decision," he told the councilmen. "If you refuse to change your zoning law the War department will move in and take over the plant under wartime emergency powers. If this is done you won't receive any taxes from the property."
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Rockleigh Zoning
Factory Opposition
Wartime Production
Rural Tranquility
War Department Intervention
What entities or persons were involved?
Ralph O'neill
Ernest A. Seele
John Christie
Where did it happen?
Rockleigh, N.J., In The Palisades Across The Hudson River From New York City
Story Details
Key Persons
Ralph O'neill
Ernest A. Seele
John Christie
Location
Rockleigh, N.J., In The Palisades Across The Hudson River From New York City
Event Date
June 14
Story Details
Rockleigh borough council rejects aviation company's petition to build factory due to zoning restrictions, fearing loss of tranquility and increased costs; company threatens War department intervention under wartime powers.