Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-June 24, 2009 Issue

Midland Park June 24, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 A physician group is proposing to add a second story to its building at 4 & 10 Godwin Ave. in Midland Park instead of expanding the existing single story structure. According to Attorney Andrew Del Vecchio, Urology Group Realty decided to drastically revise its original plans in response to residents’ comments at the public hearing in February. He said the new plan is a more expensive solution, but that it minimizes variances, increases on-site parking and provides for better interior and exterior circulation. The applicant proposes to open a Medicare-certiﬁed surgical center on the Urology group revises design for surgical center second ﬂoor so that doctors in the practice can perform in-house procedures under anesthesia. Two operating rooms and corresponding waiting and recovery areas are proposed. A hospital-size elevator would service the second ﬂoor and the cellar. The proposal calls for closing off a rear portion of the cellar and demolition of a small section of the ﬁrst ﬂoor. The ﬁrst ﬂoor would then get a 22 ft. by 64 ft. addition to the east of the building. The uses of the ﬁrst ﬂoor would be reconﬁgured but remain as medical ofﬁces, examination and treatment rooms, in addition to waiting space for the surgical area, according to Architect Robert Zaccone. Entrance and lobby areas would be at the rear of the building, off the parking lot. Zaccone said that the second story would span the existing structure and be built on footings clear of the existing foundation so that the medical practice could remain open during construction. Structural columns on the western and southern sides of the existing building would support a cantilevered second ﬂoor and provide for a covered walkway. As many as 46 persons, including doctors, staff and patients, could be in the building at a given time, though Zaccone said that scheduling and staggering would probably reduce that number. Onsite parking for 39 cars is provided, about one-fourth of the required spaces. Engineer Andrea Piazza called the parking requirement excessive and not realistic and said that the applicant’s parking proposal was based on the functions of the practice, its actual needs and safety concerns. Piazza said the residence and garage on the property would be demolished, allowing for a regrading of the driveways, �� better vehicular circulation and landscaping expansion and improvements. She said exiting onto Godwin Avenue would provide the best trafﬁc plan, but expressed concern that the county would limit the Godwin driveway to one-way in. The building’s aesthetics would also be enhanced, she said, particularly along Maltbie Avenue. The borough’s streetscape plan would be followed along Godwin and Maltbie avenues. Piazza said proper drainage was a key priority, and that she was recommending a full soil investigation to make sure the system that is put in place can work adequately. She said she is proposing two separate systems with 16 seepage pits along the property to collect runoff. She said there are no storm sewers on Godwin or Maltbie in that area, and the corner is often ﬂooded and icing occurs in winter. “We want to improve the existing situation,” she said. The public hearing will continue at the board’s July 20 meeting, at which time neighbors may question Piazza on her testimony. A professional planner and a trafﬁc engineer are also expected to testify. �� Hair Care ��