Ramsey July 29, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Board approves application for Interstate upgrades The Gabrellian Associates plan for upgrades at Interstate Shopping Center has gained the approval of the Ramsey Planning Board. Last week’s vote, unanimous among those board members present, will allow the applicant to expand the ShopRite by 10,155 square feet. A rectangular addition will be constructed on the south side of the store. The applicant will also provide pedestrian safety and traffic flow improvements in the parking lot, which serves the grocery store and the multiple shops in the mall. Ramsey Borough Engineer Harold Reed explained that the revised traffic circulation plans would include a change in the path of Interstate Way, the entrance from Franklin Turnpike. The entrance road, he said, will eventually intersect with the road that runs in front of ShopRite and will curve left and intersect with the road that runs in front of the main mall building, near Petco and Mandee. As a result, the parking area located to the left of that entrance road will be reconfigured. Changes in the parking layout and the islands are planned. The engineer said steps would be taken to ensure that motorists observe the one way restriction in the loading dock area behind ShopRite. Islands will be installed to block access to the parking area, so shoppers will not be able to drive where the delivery truck access is located. A series of crosswalks will allow pedestrian access to the main building. Plans call for three crosswalks from the parking lot to the mall proper and one that will provide access to ShopRite. Sidewalks are planned for the north side of the parking area on the south side of Bed Bath & Beyond. Reed said there will be an entry by Addison Place that will allow pedestrians to walk to the shopping center. Another walk is planned near Carlson Way, the path in front of the main mall, that will lead to the south end of the shopping center. Before the current plans reached the borough’s board, Gabrellian Associates had included a proposal for two stand-alone restaurants, one which would have been 4,000 square feet and another totaling 7,000 square feet, and a four-deck parking garage. Those elements were removed from the application that was approved last week. Planners and borough residents who live near the shopping center had expressed their concerns regarding increased traffic “We were satisfied that the applicant took into consideration all of the concerns raised by the board and our residents. The plans as approved will improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow,” said Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta, who is also a member of the planning board. Gabrellian Associates owns the retail center, which is just under 29 acres. Access is available from Franklin Turnpike and from Route 17 South. 4 Out of 5 Ain’t Bad! One of my SAT Verbal-Writing tutorial students got into four out of five colleges he applied to…including his target school. College counseling too… G.R. Goris     Sewer & Drain Cleaning Water Heaters BBQ Gas Installs Bathroom Remodeling $ OFF ANY SERVICE CALL with this ad 25 Plumbing Alterations NO JOB TOO SMALL  Plumbing & Heating , LLC NJ Master Plumber #12147 201-995-1380 Emergency Service �������������������� ���������� ���������������������������� ���������� 201-445-1343 • $60 per hour.  Weekend & Evening Appointments Available to Fit Your Schedule Serving Mahwah & Surrounding Towns Family Trade Since1927 repair service ������������������������������ �������� Bikes by Trek, Gary Fisher, Haro and much more! www.bestbikesmahwah.com 201-252-8217 ����������������������������������������������������������� 7-29-09 joan/janine ������������������������������������� BestBikes2x(7-29-09) 2 x Preschool and Kindergarten, Infants, Toddler,2.5” Grades 1-6, Ages 6 weeks to 12 years of the A Truly Unique Montessori School • Unique Phonics Reading Program • Computers • Music • Foreign Language • 3 or 5 Half Days • Full Days 7am - 6pm • Fastrackids • Character Education • Parenting Seminars • Dance Academy CORE APPLE Summer Camp ���������������������������� �������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������� ������������������� ������������ ��������������� • Daily Swimmming Lessons, Heated Pool designed for safety of young children • Sports/Organized Games • Arts & Crafts • Field Trips • Music/Dance • In House Events Call, visit and • Nature & Science compare the advantages gained for • Computers • Cooking your child... www.applemontessorischools.com 192 Ramapo Valley Rd. OAKLAND 201-337-0183 Please call for our other locations 973-696-9750 Nevins Rd. WAYNE 75 East Ramapo Valley Rd. MAHWAH 201-512-1141