Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-November 4, 2009 Issue

Ho-Ho-Kus November 4, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Building owner to ﬁght loss of parking spaces by Jennifer Crusco Dr. Leonard Goldfarb, owner of the building at the corner of Sheridan Avenue and Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus, has pledged to ﬁght the impending loss of three parking spaces used by his tenants’ patrons. The spaces are slated for removal as part of the Sheridan Avenue streetscape project, which began last month. Before the project commenced, Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Engineer David Hals described the streetscape plans at an advisory session for local business owners. Those who attended that session were most concerned about the elimination of the three parking spaces on Sheridan Avenue near the corner of Franklin Turnpike. Hals noted that the streetscape calls for the addition of eight new spaces, which will result in a net gain of ﬁve parking spaces in the downtown. Spaces will be added on Orvil Court, near the HoHo-Kus Inn. In addition, a driveway from Dench’s Auto Repair onto Sheridan Avenue will be closed, and angled parking will be added. Hals told the business owners that the county planned to get rid of the three parking spaces, which it considers substandard, without making accommodations elsewhere in the downtown. At last week’s public council session, Dr. Goldfarb told the council he wants to see the town protected, but said that, at this time, the existence of his building is threatened. “There is no parking for that building. Don’t destroy it by improving it,” he urged the council. He offered his opinion that the six businesses located in his building would go out of business, negatively impacting the business owners, and ultimately, his own heirs. “I will do everything humanly possible to prevent (the loss of the parking spaces),” Dr. Goldfarb continued. “That will create a skeleton across the street.” He told the council that patrons of those businesses tend to make a quick stop, and prefer to park nearby. Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Thomas Randall told Goldfarb that borough ofﬁcials have spoken with the doctor’s tenants about the situation. “We’re not pushing for the removal,” Randall told the citizen. “It’s Bergen County’s plan for the future.” The mayor noted that the borough’s aim is to improve the viability and desirability of the downtown. The current streetscape work includes the realignment of the curbs and sidewalks to meet Bergen County’s design plans, which are to be completed at an undetermined future date. The county’s plans reportedly involve squaring off the intersection where Franklin Turnpike meets Maple and Sheridan avenues. Goldfarb told the council he would like to see the borough purchase the Marron property (the former Texaco station) just around the corner on Franklin Turnpike and use it for parking. “We could always use more parking, but money is tight,” Randall responded. Goldfarb told Villadom TIMES he plans to contact Bergen County to protest the loss of the parking spaces. A resident of Ridgewood, the doctor has owned and managed the property in Ho-Ho-Kus for 51 years, having purchased the building from Harold Cheel, designer and builder of the borough’s Cheelcroft development. Improvements being undertaken by the borough include both sides of Sheridan Avenue from Franklin Turnpike to Warren Avenue. The construction crew will make drainage improvements, move the curb closer to the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, and provide bump-outs in various locations. The work on Orvil Court includes the realignment of curbs and the redirection of some parking to include some angled spaces. Some additional space will be added to the Ho-Ho-Kus Town Green, and concrete tree vaults will be added to the east side of Sheridan. Plans also call for the installation of paver sidewalks designed in a basket-weave pattern, paver insets in the crosswalks, and the installation of additional Victorianstyle street lights. Phase I includes Sheridan Avenue, and Phase II includes Orvil Court and portions of Sycamore Avenue. Both phases are being completed simultaneously. Maple Avenue, North Franklin Turnpike, East Franklin Turnpike, and a portion of Warren Avenue are being considered for future improvements. Late last month, the New Jersey Department of Transportation notiﬁed the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus that the municipality would receive an additional $200,000 for Phase III of the streetscape. This portion of the project includes Warren Avenue and part of Sycamore. The grant would be available for use next year. The borough previously received a $150,000 grant for Phase I and an additional $175,000 grant for Phase II. These grants do not require matching funds. The current phases of the streetscape project are being carried out by Conquest Industries, LLC of Westwood. Conquest Industries submitted a base bid of $524,796 and bid $7,800 for alternates. No need to leave town for CONVENIENT, expert service - our ASE Certiﬁed Technicians know your vehicle! We Offer a BETTER $ VALUE than the dealer with a Longer Lasting Warranty: 12 months or 12,000 miles. Here’s a SMART IDEA for Vehicle Owners! ComForcare Assisted Living in Your Own Home • Personal Care • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping • Medication Reminders • Hourly & Live-In • Licensed, Bonded & Insured Home Care New Customers Now Take GIVES US A CALL WHEN NEED 15% OFF the first service YOULOCAL CONVENIENT, SERVICE! 209 S. 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