Mahwah July 28, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Suit postponed, may be consolidated with like case by Frank J. McMahon The trial for Paks Fast Service’s lawsuit, which challenges the Mahwah Zoning Board’s approval of Pilot Corporation’s truck stop renovation plans, has been adjourned and will be rescheduled. In November 2009, Pilot Corporation received approvals to upgrade and renovate its Route 17 truck stop property into a service station for trucks and cars. However, suits challenging the board’s action were filed by Paks Fast Service, Inc, which owns the nearby Valero service station, and by Parents for Safety, LLC, a non-profit organization created by three parents of children who attend the schools located on Ridge Road. A case management conference was scheduled for July 29 before Superior Court Judge Joseph Conte, at which time the potential consolidation of the Paks lawsuit with the one filed by Parents for Safety will be considered. Both plaintiffs are seeking to reverse the zoning board’s approval of the Pilot plan. Oral arguments will be heard by Judge Conte on the potential consolidation of the two cases on Aug. 5. Meanwhile, the Pilot Corporation is moving forward with the demolition of its truck stop and the construction of its new diesel and gasoline service station and convenience store. Pilot is proceeding with the renovation at its own risk because the company will be forced to deconstruct the site if the court reverses the zoning board’s approval and that reversal is upheld on appeal. Pilot’s plan for the site includes a cleanup of any soil contamination, the demolition of the complete truck stop and its reconstruction into a fueling service station with a six-station truck diesel fueling area and a 12-station car fueling area, each with overhead canopies, and the construction of a new 4,282 square foot convenience store. The plan eliminates 90 percent of the existing truck spaces on the property and all overnight truck parking, and permits the local police department to enforce the state’s law restricting the idling of trucks. The Mahwah Township Council authorized the execution of a developer’s agreement for the demolition and new construction on the site, but Mahwah Township Attorney Terry Bottinelli has advised that the council’s authorization of the developer’s agreement does not indicate the council’s approval of Pilot’s plans. Pilot has provided a performance bond guarantee of over $1 million according to Michael Kelly, a township engineer who told the council that it was made clear at the pre-construction meeting that Pilot Corporation officials would be at risk if they decided to move forward before the court rules on the two appeals. He also said that understanding is reflected in the minutes of the pre-construction meeting. He confirmed, however, that the New Jersey Department of Transportation has approved the proposed closing of the Ridge Road access at the rear of the Pilot site and the proposed access to Route 17. Scott Carlson, an attorney for the Pilot Corporation, previously advised that the permanent eight-foot high pool size chain link fence that was approved by the zoning board would be installed along the Ridge Road side of the Pilot property to separate the Pilot site from the school property located on Ridge Road, and the shoulder along Route 17 would be widened to allow trucks to more safely feed into and out of traffic on that road. During the month of August, the Mahwah Public Library Film Series will feature the blockbusters that light up movie screens every summer. The film series airs on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. The schedule of screenings follows: “Land of the Lost” on Aug. 5; “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” on Aug. 12; “Terminator Salvation” on Aug. 19; and “Monsters vs. Film series features blockbusters Aliens” on Aug. 26. These films are free. The library will provide popcorn and drinks. No tickets are necessary. Seats are on a “first come” basis. The library is located at 100 Ridge Road., Mahwah Call (201) 529-READ for additional information. Allen A. Ghorashi, DDS 545 Island Road, Suite #1A Ramsey, New Jersey 07446 201-818-6565 Preventive, Restorative and Implant Dentistry for Children and Adults. All Phases of Dentistry including Porcelain Crowns and tooth colored restorations. Financing and payment options available. Visit our website at ramseysmile.com for more information and make an appointment to explore the opportunities to improve your smile. 6-16-10 joan/janine ValleyDental3x3(6-16-10) 3 x 3” rev2