Franklin Lakes March 3, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Developer asked to address buffer requirements by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Planning Board has asked Tripoint Properties, Inc. to create a new plan that would meet the borough’s buffer requirements. The developer is seeking board approval to renovate a commercial building on Franklin Avenue into medical offices. Tripoint Properties, which focuses on the redevelopment, leasing, and management of commercial properties, recently purchased the local property, which is located between Connie Avenue and Colonial Road. When the plan was presented to the planning board, some neighbors and board members voiced concerns, particularly about the reduced buffer areas next to the adjacent residential properties. Tripoint’s professional engineer, Robert Weissman, was asked to return to the board with a new plan that would avoid variances for deficient buffers next to those residential properties. The property is located within the retail business zone, which requires a minimum lot area of 22,500 square feet. The Tripoint property is 80,408 square feet and is now fully developed with a one-story commercial building and a parking area. Tripoint is proposing modifications to the interior and exterior of the building, and the redevelopment of the site. The original plan calls for the removal of the existing curb and pavement throughout the parking area with the expansion of the parking lot into the existing buffer areas. In addition, that plan includes the removal of the southwest protruding portion of the building and the addition of three new covered entrances and connecting walkways along the front and rear of the building. A new septic disposal field would be installed in a new parking island behind the building. Tenant signs are planned for the front and rear facades of the building. The vehicle access off Court Street, which connects to Colonial Road, would be changed from single to double access. The access off Connie Avenue would be relocated and would also be double access. The plan calls for a six-foot high stockade fence to be installed along the southern and western property lines. The air conditioning unit would be relocated to the roof. The property contains several nonconformities and would require several variances and waivers. The existing setbacks do not meet the zoning requirements, and there are 60 total existing parking spaces on site versus the 80 spaces required for the existing building. The Tripoint plan proposes 83 parking spaces, but 112 parking spaces would be required for the proposed improvements. As a result, a parking space variance would be required. The existing buffer area between the site and the adjacent residential zone along the southeast side of the property is 15 feet versus the 30 feet required, and the proposed buffer reduces that difference by five feet. The existing buffer between the site and the adjacent residential zone along the south ranges from 30 to 33 feet. That proposed buffer would also be reduced, and variances would be required. The applicant would also need a variance for the opaque fence proposed for the front yard setback off Connie Avenue. The planning board is expected to consider the new plan for the site on March 3, when the public hearing on this application is scheduled to continue. Historical novelist and poet Michelle Cameron will offer a book reading and signing on Sunday, March 7 at 3 p.m. at Barnert Temple, 747 Route 208 South, Franklin Lakes. Cameron will read from her book “The Fruit of Her Hands: The Story of Shira of Ashkenaz.” Based on the life of the author’s 13th century ancestor, Meir ben Baruch of Rothenberg, the novel is the richly dramatic fictional story of Rabbi Meir’s wife, Shira, a devout but rebellious Barnert to host novelist woman who preserves her religious traditions as she and her family witness the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. Sponsored by the Barnert Temple Library Committee, the event is free, but reservations are requested. To RSVP, contact the Barnert Temple at ncohen1847@barnerttemple.org or (201) 848-1800. For more information about the event or about joining Barnert Temple, contact Alice Kintisch at (201) 848-1800. BUSHOVEN & COMPANY A Firm of Business Professionals Specializing in: • • • • • • • Tax Planning and Preparation New Business Set-ups and Consultation Bookkeeping Services Payroll and Sales Taxes Accounting and Auditing Management Advisory Services Financial Consultation CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS For Corporations, Partnerships and Individuals 201-444-0001 317 Godwin Avenue Midland Park, NJ 07432