Area June 16, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 21 Elmer’s Country Store, a long-time landmark at 359 East Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River, was razed last week. Plans for the property include reconstruction of the store and the installation of gas pumps. The old building was in disrepair and needed to be rebuilt. In 2008, the borough zoning board provided approvals for multiple variances, including those for front-yard setback, lot size, and lot coverage, paving the way for construction of a 2,700 square foot convenience store/country store that will have the appearance of an old barn, and the installation of two gasoline pumps and a canopy that will fit the character of the convenience store. The contractor for this project is Betts Environmental of Wayne. Work could Local landmark razed; will be reconstructed continue for six months up to a year. Elmer’s has been a familiar sight in Upper Saddle River since the 1920s and was reconstructed after a fire in the 1950s. In the 1980s, Bergen County widened the roadway that runs past the property. Two barns, which were considered historical buildings, were removed from the property at the borough’s request. The application process took several years. During the hearings on the case, the board heard concerns of the neighbors and pushed the applicant to scaledown its requests. Neighbors who objected to the plans for the property felt the changes might bring additional lights and cars to the site. At first, plans had called for four gas pumps, but the applicant reduced the number to two. The peak-roofed canopy and recessed lighting were implemented in response to neighbors who were concerned that the lights might intrude on their properties and that a flat-roofed structure might look too much like a highway gas station, rather than one ensconced in a residential area. The lighting plan provides that no lights will face the nearby homes. Celebrating 1 A Variety of 8” Annuals many to choose from Large Selection of Flats 4½” pw pots still available Years – 1910-2010 24 Impatiens Plants $ Secor Farms 85 Airmont Ave • Mahwah, NJ 07430 Hanging Baskets 795 12” $ 201-529-2595 secorfarms.com With this coupon Exp.6-22-10 12 2 6-16-10 joan/janine SecorFarms3x3(6-16-10)vt2 3 x 3”