The Villadom Times Weekly Newspaper Online-Aug 4, 2010 Issue

Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • August 4, 2010 MIDLAND PARK SIDEWALK SALE DAYS Thursday, Friday & Saturday, August 5, 6 & 7  Sponsored by the Midland Park Chamber of Commerce The Midland Park Ambulance Corps is in the process of planning for a $60,000 improvement to its existing building at 42 Pierce Avenue, having received the requisite variances from the board of adjustment and a $30,000 challenge grant from the Bolger Foundation. The grant requires the corps to raise an additional $30,000. Building updates were necessary, ambulance corps members noted, as the existing structure is too small to accommodate the new, larger emergency vehicles. In announcing the award of the grant, Bolger Foundation President David F. Bolger of Ridgewood advised Midland Park Ambulance Corps President Alan J. Kooreman, “As you are already aware, my son John served on the ambulance corps for many years and I trust you can appreciate what the Midland Park Ambulance Corps means to me and my family.” John Bolger is now a flight paramedic and fire Corps has variances, promise of grant for addition chief in Pennsylvania. Kooreman responded to Bolger, saying, “Thank you so much for your generous offer. We are very willing to meet all of your requirements and we look forward to the input and advice from you and your architect Mr. Wells…The ambulance corps has been involved with fundraising for this project over the past year and we plan to continue those efforts for the rest of the year.” Ambulance Corps Captain Mike Junta and architect Peter Wells presented the application to the board of adjustment. The board heard this case, as the application represents the expansion of a non-conforming use in a residential zone. Wells pointed out that new emergency vehicles are too large to fit in the existing building. The addition, Wells said, would add more height and length to the building. Plans call for an addition of five feet to the front of the building, which would place the structure only three feet closer to the sidewalk due to an existing second floor overhang of two feet. The setback, which is now 17.72 feet would decrease to 12.72 feet. To get the required height, the concrete floor will be excavated for a net gain of 7 inches. Kooreman said that even now with the lower ambulances, the clearance is so low that the rig sometimes hits the door supports. There would be no increase in regard to the impervious lot coverage, and improvements would be made to the drainage system. Construction is expected to take two to three months. �� �������� ���� ���������� ���� Second Hand Treasures �� Corps Vice President Dave Wiseman, who is spearheading the fundraising for the ambulance corps, said the new emergency vehicles are taller and longer than those made in prior years. Whereas in the past it was possible to customize the rigs to fit in the building, the new taller chassis do not offer that option. The corps has been trying to stretch the life of the lower vehicles as much as possible. He said the corps is independent of the municipality, and owns and maintains the building on Pierce Avenue and the vehicle it uses. Its two rigs were purchased in 1999 and 2006. “We rely heavily on donations,” he said, adding, “We feel the economic crunch just like everyone. Donations are coming -- but more slowly than normal.” He said a mailing soliciting funds would be going out shortly and asked that residents be as generous as possible. Wiseman pointed out that a new ambulance costs approximately $140,000. “We try to save and buy one when we have the money,” he said. “It takes longer and longer, and the price goes up.” He added, “We’re eager to get going on the (building) project. We’d like to do it before winter.” Wells told Villadom TIMES he was aware the corps was pursuing this work, and immediately volunteered his architectural services. Wiseman said Bolger has always been very supportive of the ambulance corps, contributing heavily to previous ambulance purchases, and purchasing oxygen tanks and communications equipment. He also purchased the corps’ old ambulance and donated it to the Virgin Gorda ambulance corps, where he also has a home. �� 7-21-10 janine\ SecondHandTreasures2x2(7-21-10) 2 x 2” � � Service! � �� GODWIN PLAZA �� At Shopping Center �� Your Wortendyke Section (between Myrtle & Midland Avenues) 644 GODWIN AVE, MIDLAND PARK�� HAIRTIQUE �� ANYTHING COMPUTER OF MIDLAND PARK �� PATRICIA’S COIFFURES Senior Citizen 20% Discount �� Virus Removal �� remove viruses, �We’llspyware�� adware $45 �� and install and �� software ��help�� to �� prevent it � �� from happening again! �� Reg. $65 � �� Free Diagnostics �� Exp. 8/31/10 �� Patricia’s Coiffures �� Tues, Wed & Thurs �� PERMS • COLORING SHAMPOO & SET CUTTING & BOW DRYING �� 646 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ �� 07432 �� 201-444-5445 �� 201-251-1234 201-652-9608 �� Tuesday-Saturday 9:00-4:30 Open Thursday Evenings �� 8-4-10 GodwinPlazaSummer6x6.5(8-4-10) ��