Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-November 24, 2010 Issue

November 24, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Mahwah Board approves changes to Valero service station by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Board of Adjustment has approved several changes to the reconstruction of a Valero service station and convenience store on Route 17 northbound just south of Ramapo Valley Road. The changes are being made in response to concerns expressed by township officials and neighboring property owners. The service station and convenience store are located near the northern end of Avenue A and are owned by ADPP Enterprises, Inc., which also owns several Valero stations in Mahwah, including the one on the south side of Route 17 north of West Ramapo Avenue. The company’s plan for the reconstruction of the service station was approved by the zoning board in March 2007. Since then, concerns have been raised about floodlights on Route 17, the need for additional fencing, the visibility of canopy lights, the use of holiday lights on the convenience store, and the visibility of a site identification sign that is visible to the neighbors. At a meeting in September, the board decided to review the conditions it placed on its approval in response to those issues. According to some of those conditions, ADPP was to design and construct a buffer system sufficient to block all noise and light from the property so as not to affect adjacent property owners. The conditions also required the reconfiguration of the parking and on-site traffic circulation in conformance with township ordinance requirements, and the installation of new landscaping. At its recent public meeting, the board heard testimony from Calisto Bertin, ADPP’s professional engineer, who described the changes being planned. While the neighbors expressed concern about the implementation of those changes and the enforcement of some of the conditions approved by the board, they expressed general agreement with the updates. Auxiliary hosts Annual Holiday Luncheon The Mahwah Branch of The Valley Hospital Auxiliary will host its Annual Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at noon at Bon Giovanni Restaurant in Ramsey. The auxiliary asks members to donate items for military troops serving overseas. This drive is organized by The Mahwah Marine Moms. Requested items include toothbrushes, white socks, and razors. For more information, call Jane at (201) 684-1230. This year, the auxiliary has announced its new pledge to the Valley Hospital in support of The Center for Women’s Heart Health. The center’s mission is to educate women on preventing diagnosing and treating heart disease and offer comprehensive heart risk assessment for women. Two floodlights located on a utility pole within the Route 17 right-of-way to the south of the north driveway will be removed, and a 12-foot high neutral colored opaque vinyl fence will be installed at the northern end of the Valero property. That fence will have a six-foot high gate that will be kept locked at all times. A 10-foot high neutral colored opaque vinyl fence with a six-foot high gate will also be installed at the southern end of the property at the height of the existing sound barrier and connected to an existing wood fence. Arborvitae will be planted on the neighbors’ side of the fence on the northern end, but none will be needed at the southern end due to the natural buffer in that area. An island located near the parking spaces on the eastern side of the property will be extended, the bollards protecting that island will be relocated, and a nine-foot high arch will be constructed there to prevent trucks from entering that automobile parking area. The handle on the door at the rear of the convenience store will be removed so access cannot be gained from the outside. That door will be only used as an emergency exit from the building. A light in that area will be wired so that it only goes on when the door is opened, and there will be no lights on the back of the building. A gap between the sound/light barrier and the roof overhang of the convenience store will be blocked by vinyl fencing, the holiday lights on the convenience store building will be removed, a light shield will be placed on the light that shines on a residential property on Avenue A, and a light that currently shines at a 45-degree angle will be adjusted to shine parallel to the ground. In addition, the company will install signs that prohibit truck idling on the site, and the necessary documents will be submitted to allow the local police to enforce the law on this property. 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