Franklin Lakes September 2, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Need for water line delays Marie Court subdivision by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Planning Board has delayed action on a two lot subdivision on Marie Court until it can hear testimony about the adequacy of the water supply in the area. The borough’s fire official will discuss the issue Sept. 2. The two lots are owned by Sherif and Omneya Elfar and are located in the A-40 residential zone, which requires minimum lot sizes of 40,000 square feet. Each of the three proposed lots would exceed that minimum. The third new lot would have access to Marie Court via a 150 foot long driveway that would run through a proposed paper right-of-way in the shape of a cul-desac that would be designed on the plan, but not constructed. One of the existing lots is an irregular shape with a portion of it extending into wetlands. The two lots are fully developed. Both lots have dwellings located on them, and one property has two sheds and a garage, which would be removed along with the dwelling if this subdivision application receives approval. Robert Weissman, the property owners’ professional engineer, previously advised the board that the adjoining property owners have agreed to each maintain an area around the driveway and a well on the property would be capped and relocated to the largest lot, where a new single family dwelling would be constructed. He explained that the extension of the United Water line from nearby Scholar Court would cost about $90,000, while installing two new wells for the other two lots would cost about $24,000. In addition, he said one of the adjacent property owners on Scholar Court has indicated no interest in granting an easement for a water line, and the other has not responded to his inquiry. Board member Joseph Pullaro pressed Weissman on the net cost of the water line, pointing out that his clients do not have to construct the cul-de-sac, which makes their property more marketable. “I think it would be a good thing to have a water line coming down the street,” Pullaro said. Weissman estimated the cost to construct the culde-sac at between $30,000 and $40,000, which Pullaro noted would be a closer comparison to the estimated $90,000 cost of installing the water line. Acting board chairman Julius Lauber noted that the borough would not have a cul-de-sac to maintain, and said there would be fire protection from a fire hydrant that is 700 feet from the property. Weissman responded that most people would prefer well water because “it’s better water” and it was not worth the increased cost for one additional lot. Other board members voiced the opinion that the determination of whether a water line should be installed should not be based on the cost, but on the need for the water line. John Spizziri, the board’s attorney, advised that the board must weigh the need of a water line for a three lot subdivision versus depending on wells and that the board could not rely totally on cost considerations. The board then decided to delay any action on the subdivision plan until the fire official provided testimony. ��������� Spacious 1BR Available Immediately ������������������ ������������ NOW RENTING ����������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������������������� ACKERMAN’S Music Center ����������������� ������������ 201-488-5085 ������������������������� ���������������������� ������������ ������������������������������ � ���������������������������������� � ������������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������������ ��������������������� � ������������ �������������������������� ��������������� Like the idea and philosophy behind acupuncture but are scared of needles? Why not try Tuina Massage. Let us Gift Certificates help you relax, replenish, and rejuvenate. Available Come on in and get your 20% off with this coupon! WELLNESS CENTER ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ A Neighborhood Massage Therapy ������������������� ���������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������������������ � � � ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � ��� � �� � � ������������������������ �� � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ������������ ����������������������������������������������������������������� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � ����������� � � � ��� � � � �� � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � ��� � � �� � � � � � � � � ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������