Mahwah April 29, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Board approves expansion by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Zoning Board of Adjustment has granted a use variance to Shidokan Karate of Mahwah to expand its non-conforming use for the instruction of Asian martial arts and other fitness methods in the lower level of the free standing building at the east end of Ramapo Centre. This shopping area is located at the intersection of Macarthur Boulevard and Ridge Road. The variance comes with the condition that the owners of the building, Macarthur Ridge Associates, LLC, will comply with all the requirements established by the planning board when the building was approved, and the conditions set by the planning board in May 2008, when an amended site plan describing the expansion of the karate business was approved. At that time, the planning board approved the relocation of the dumpster on the property, but required that it be enclosed by a six foot high masonry block wall. The current approval by the zoning board includes the condition that the masonry block wall be constructed before starting the construction of the expansion of the business. A use variance was needed from the zoning board because schools are not permitted in this business zone, where clubs and retail businesses are permitted uses. Barry Cohen, an attorney representing Shido-kan, described this business as a “hybrid,” or a cross between a club and a retail business. He explained that the planning board had previously granted it a variance to exist at this location. Mitchell Cooperman is a Fifth Dan Black Belt Sensei, or instructor, and he operates the business with his wife Judy, who is a First Dan Black Belt. Both have been studying karate for 17 to 20 years. The existing business occupies 1,500 square feet in the lower level of the building, and the expansion would include 884 square feet, of which 209 square feet would be used for a corridor to allow the fire department access to the electrical equipment for the fire alarm. The corridor will extend to the outside of the building. Shido-kan Karate of Mahwah teaches self-defense through the practice of individually performed sequences that combine a variety of kicking, punching, and blocking techniques. Copoperman explained that he and his wife instruct children starting at three years of age, including children with special needs, teenagers, and adults. He said the benefits students receive include better discipline, focus, and exercise. The expansion of his instruction area will allow the instructors to separate the children, allowing them to focus on specific activities. The karate instruction business has been at this site for four years. Currently, there are 175 students being instructed there, mostly between the ages of four and 12, along with about 30 older teens and adults. Several parents spoke in support of the application to expand the business, explaining that their children’s concentration and coordination have improved greatly, that the exercise helps those who are overweight, and that the business is an asset to the community. When Macarthur Ridge Associates received the planning board’s approval of an amended site plan for their building in the spring of 2008, it was explained that the space adjacent to the martial arts business was intended for use as a loading area. After the building was constructed, they were prohibited from using it as a loading space. It was further explained that there would be an adequate number of parking spaces for the expansion of the martial arts business as there will be 114 spaces available once the dumpster has been relocated. Miss Teen NJ brings message to students Miss Teen New Jersey 2007, Krysten Moore, recently visited the Lenape Meadows School in her hometown of Mahwah. Moore is the national spokesperson for bullying prevention. She founded her own not for profit organization, SHINE: Students Helping Instill New Esteem. Students at Lenape listened to Miss Teen NJ talk about her experiences with bullying, how to recognize bullying, and what actions to take. Flowers last a week... Memories . e.. last a lifetim ’s Day, This Motherne frame o for Mom! LIQUIDATION WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE SALE 10 Hardwood Closeout Lots - $3.49 sf Commercial Remnants - Now $1.00 sf Marble & Granite - 4 colors - Now $3.00 sf Ceramic Tile - $.75 sf ¼” Hardibacker - $7.50 pc Wool Floral Tone-On-Tone - $29.99 sy installed Laminate Flooring - $2.25 sf with underlayment Mosaic Marble Medallions - $100.00 ea 7’ Wide Bamboo Clip Flooring - $3.99 sf Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 9-4:30 27 East Prospect St. Waldwick, NJ 201-670-7666 PROFLOOR SUPPLY 15 INDUSTRIAL PARK, WALDWICK, NJ All Sales Final • In Stock Warehouse Items Only 201-632-0147