Mahwah April 21, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Water pressure remains problem for Skytop subdivision by Frank J. McMahon Water pressure in the Skytop Drive area of Mahwah continues to be a problem for the potential development of a 7.7-acre site located between Wyckoff Avenue and Skytop Drive on the border between Mahwah and Ramsey. At the most recent meeting of the Mahwah Planning Board Robert Inglima, the attorney for property owners George and Deborah Kayal, said his clients have agreed to pay for the water pipe and related hardware necessary to connect to the water line in Wyckoff Avenue when Mahwah approves the extension of its sewer line from Parsloe Court to the Ramsey border. Michael McGowan, the professional engineer for the Kayals, testified that the new plans for the eight-lot subdivision call for looping, or connecting the water line that will service the homes in the subdivision, to the water line that exists in Wyckoff Avenue when Mahwah extends its sewer line on Wyckoff Avenue. According to McGowan, that move will increase the water pressure in the Skytop Drive area from 380 gallons per minute to 650 gallons per minute. Mahwah Township Engineer Mike Kelly pointed out, however, that a water pressure of 650 gallons per minute will still not meet the state’s residential site improvement standards requirement of 750 gallons per minute. Board member John Spiech, who is concerned about fire protection in the area and wants the water system to reach the 750 gallon per minute level, cautioned that the system would not even reach the 650 gallon per minute level until Mahwah decides to extend its sewer line -- and that cost is not currently in the township’s budget for this year. McGowan acknowledged that a waiver would be required from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for not meeting the 750 gallon per minute standard, but he said that, even with a waiver, he could not get the water pressure to 750 gallons per minute. He said that looping is the best that can be done and that option would double the water pressure in the area. He also explained there would be three fire hydrants on the proposed cul-desac in the subdivision and the one at the end of the cul-desac would permit any sediment buildup in the line to be flushed out pending the connection to the Wyckoff Avenue water line. Board member John DaPuzzo pointed out that there are areas in Mahwah where homes are granted building permits even though there is no fire protection at all. He said he did not see any liability in approving the 650 gallon per minute water pressure. He also pointed out that the water pressure in the Skytop Drive area is currently at 380 gallons per minute, so the same liability problem already exists. Board Attorney Peter Scandariato also voiced the opinion that, while there is always a potential for liability when a board uses discretion and acts reasonably, there is immunity from liability. Inglima asked the board to continue the hearing on May 10 to allow a representative of the township’s water utility to address the water pressure issue. The subdivision proposal calls for eight lots, including one fully-developed parcel on Skytop Drive, with a culde-sac access to the subdivision from Skytop Drive south of the elbow turn on that road. Six of the lots would have frontage on the cul-de-sac, while two lots would continue to have frontage on Wyckoff Avenue. Division Place, the strip of land on the northern edge of the property that separates it from land in Ramsey, would be at the rear of the new lots that would front on the new cul-de-sac. Each of the lots would contain a newly-constructed dwelling except the existing lot on Skytop Drive and the northernmost lot on Wyckoff Avenue where the existing house will remain. According to the latest plans, a house and several other structures on the other lot fronting on Wyckoff Avenue would be removed. MAHWAH VOTERS Ro Vo w te # 4 te 4 Vo w # Ro VOTE FOR JOHN SPIECH For Councilman Vote Row #4 on the Ballot EXPERIENCE • Past Council President • 12 Year Member of Mahwah Planning Board • Former Chairman of Northwest Region Open Space Trust Fund • Former Township Representative To State Development Plan • Lifetime Resident of Mahwah • Ex-Navy Combat Air Crewman • Completed Rutgers University Course for Municipal Elected Officials DEDICATION • Family-man, married 48 years to Patricia Spiech, retired Mahwah High School Nurse • 49 year Member, Mahwah Volunteer Fire Department • Past Driver, Mahwah Ambulance Corp’s #4 and #1 • Organized Mahwah Boy Scout Troop 258, served twice as Scout Master • Promoted LOSAP Program for all Firefighters and Ambulance Members COMMITMENT • Maintain Quality of life in Mahwah • Keep Mahwah’s Taxes the lowest in the County • Increase our share of County, State, and Federal Grant Dollars • Protect Mahwah’s Water Supply and Keep it Township Owned • Preserve Mahwah’s Open Space • Have Council Meeting on Community Cable TV • Insure that all Township Contracts are Renegotiated on a yearly basis Vote Experience, Dedication and Commitment Calling All Crafters and Antique Cars! Allendale Festival Day Saturday, October 2 10am - 4pm Sponsored by Allendale Chamber of Commerce Platinum Sponsor: The Allendale Community for Mature Living nd Be a part of the 18th Annual & Car Show Vote for John Spiech for Township Council on Tuesday, May 11th “Committed to Balancing Mahwah’s Needs: Community, Environment, and Growth” Contact Adrienne at Jumbleiah Memorabilia 201-825-2077 or check the Chamber Website at www.allendalechamber.com Vote for John Spiech, Township Council Vote Row #4 on the Ballot Paid for by the Spiech for Council Committee - Lou Rizzo, Campaign Manager, John Vanderbeek, Treasurer 78 Island Road Mahwah NJ 4-21-10 joan/janine JohnSpiechMahwah4x9(4-21-10)