Ho-Ho-Kus September 30, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Business owners express concerns about streetscape by Jennifer Crusco Several owners of businesses in downtown Ho-Ho-Kus attended last week’s informational session on Phases I and II of the Sheridan Avenue streetscape project that Conquest Industries, LLC of Westwood is due to begin next month. Several business owners expressed concern about the loss of three parking spaces on Sheridan Avenue near the corner of Franklin Turnpike, the potential loss of business while the street is closed for drainage improvements, and the timing of the work, which they said is due to take place during a traditionally busy time of year. One business owner asked about the closing of one of her driveways, and a business owner and a resident asked about the traffic pattern at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn. Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Engineer David Hals made the presentation to the assembly, explaining that work on the east side of Sheridan Avenue, beginning with the drainage project, could begin as early as Oct. 19. Drainage improvements will include the replacement of the existing lead connections with copper. Hals cautioned that the businesses on Sheridan would lose water service for an hour or two during this portion of the project. The west side of the street might not be addressed until spring, he said. Hals explained that, while the three parking spaces on Sheridan would be lost, the addition of eight new spaces would provide a net gain of five parking spaces. Spaces will be added on Orvil Court, near the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, Hals said. The engineer noted that a driveway from Dench’s Auto Repair onto Sheridan Avenue would be closed, and angled parking would be added. He said the plans call for bringing back the three spaces near where the others will be lost. Hals later explained that Bergen County plans to eventually work on the Maple Avenue Bridge and to square off the intersection where Franklin Turnpike meets Maple Avenue and Sheridan Avenue. The engineer told the business owners that the county planned to get rid of the three parking spaces, which it considers substandard, without making accommodations for parking elsewhere in the downtown. The borough’s plan, he said, anticipates the county’s future work in that area. Hals said the addition of 10 feet of sidewalk on the corner of Sheridan and Franklin Turnpike would make the area more pedestrian friendly, and described the change as superior to what is there now. He pointed out that pedestrians now have to step out past the parked cars to cross the street (as they walk toward the inn). “That’s a killer taking three spots away,” one businessman said. He said there is no safety issue in that area, and added, “Why fix something that’s not even broken?” A woman who opened a children’s clothing business in July said, “The retail climate is already tough. Why are you doing this during the busiest time?” Hals explained that the borough is attempting to meet deadlines set by New Jersey. Those deadlines involve the use of grant funds, which are being provided for this project. “The street will look beautiful, but there will be no place to shop…just empty stores,” the businesswoman added. She said the plans to close the street could be devastating to business, which picks up in October, November, and December. Hals said the goal is to ensure the business owners will have constant use of their properties. He said he would address needs that are specific to particular businesses, and would accommodate people as best he can. After the meeting, a salon owner told Hals her business is appointment driven. She asked that she be kept apprised of any street closings so she could advise her clients, and Hals assured her she would be kept informed. Kober asked if the work could be done in the evenings. Hals said working after dark presents safety issues, and Joe Thiel, who will oversee the work along with Gary Callahan, said the work done after dark on major highways requires special permission. Thiel noted that deliveries cannot be made at night, and all related labor costs increase by 25 percent. Mazie Dench asked why the borough did not notify her about the closing of the driveway at her business. Hals said the project has been under discussion for multiple years, and there have been public notices published in the newspapers. Commenting on the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, businessman Chip Gildea and Washington Avenue resident Stanley Kober said they envisioned problems with the turn into the inn property from Orvil Court. Kober also commented that, when restaurant patrons are being dropped off from a vehicle, they will have a longer distance to walk to the building, which he said could be difficult for elderly or disabled patrons. Addressing the concern that the turn into the inn’s driveway is too sharp, Hals said the turn meets current standards, and has received approvals from the borough planning board and from Bergen County. The engineer added his opinion that Kober’s other concerns are unwarranted, saying patrons might be asked to walk an additional 10 feet. Plans for access to the inn call for an ingress and an egress (two separate driveways) on Orvil Court. The existing entrance-only from Franklin Turnpike will remain. (continued on page 25) ������������� ����������������� ������������������ ��������� ������ ��������� �������� ����������������� ������������ FALL CLEARANCE UP TO 70% OFF SHRUB SALE Shop Early For The Best Selection! Quantities are limited! Weeping Pine Nursery ���������� ��������������� ����������� ���������� ������������ ��������� ������������ HARDING WINE&SPIRIT Make today the day you come into our store and finally try... Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel Liberty Creek or... $ HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda WE DELIVER Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel & Moscato Barefoot Wines $ 5 9 INTERIORS by Decorating Den 9-30-09 janine Comes to You WeepingPineShrubBW2x3.5(9-30-09) 2 x 3.5 C ertified Interior Decorators Susan Tenny, Lucia Palmeri and Lauren Woods provide a complete in-home or in-office interior decorating service by bringing thousands of samples of drapery fabrics, furniture, floor coverings, wall coverings, and accessories directly to their clients. They are then able to design the room in the client’s own surroundings.“Working this way tends to be very comfortable for the client as they can Lauren Woods, Susan Tenny and Lucia Palmeri really see what works in the room, plus it’s a huge timesaving convenience. It’s our belief that your home should be all about you – your functional needs - your personal interests - the area in which you live - your culture - your talents - your loves. Beautiful homes don’t just happen. Good decorating is the result of good preparation and should start by developing a comprehensive and detailed decorating plan. We have the talent, experience and specialized knowledge to help you pull it all together.” “We don’t charge design fees or hourly rates, nor do we have ‘minimums.’ We pride ourselves on our ability to work within our clients’ budgets to create a custom room for function, comfort and beauty. We handle all the details so you don’t have to.” “Our clients are working directly with the small business owner who has the buying power of a very large established company behind us. Unlike a store, we have no loyalties to a particular vendor and in fact have over 100 different manufacturers to choose from for our clients.” Lauren, Lucia and Susan are ready to help clients with any size project. “No project is too small or too big.” Call (800) 722-7200 today for a complimentary 90 minute consultation. .99 1.5 liter .29 1.5 liter 305 E. Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED 201-445-7122 We’ve sold thousands of bottles of both, aren’t you worthy of the savings?! No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors.