Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-May 4, 2011 Issue

Midland Park May 4, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Residential applicants seeking a variance from the Midland Park Zoning Board of Adjustment will not have to post an automatic escrow with their application, the mayor and council decided last week. Instead, the zoning officer will determine if the application warrants an escrow, and he will be asked to attend the board’s meetings to facilitate its proceedings. The board of adjustment had requested that all residential applications be required to undergo an engineering review and that an escrow be put in place to pay for the Residents get reprieve from zoning variance escrow work. A $400 initial escrow was recommended. Board Chairman Linda Herlihy told the governing body at its last meeting that when residential applicants appear in front of the board, they often are not able to answer many of the board’s questions and have to be put off to a subsequent meeting. “We can’t make a decision if we are not informed,” Herlihy said. She explained that if an engineering review had been performed, the engineer present at the meeting would be familiar with the application and prepared to speak on it. She gave as an example land coverage issues, which she said applicants had not previously considered; or history on the property, which would be part of the file but not always known by the applicant. When asked how often the situation arises, she said, “Frequently enough so that we’ve discussed that we should do something about it.” Board Engineer Richard Wostbrock said that most residential applicants are unfamiliar with the variance process and need guidance, so it is practical to have someone know the application in advance. He said that most applications file on the wire by the deadline, giving a short window of time to gather additional information. He added that 90 percent of the applicants would not use the total amount of the escrow and would get a refund. Councilman Bernard Holst objected to the borough collecting any additional fees from residents. “This does not favor residents. I’ve been on the other side. It costs enough to file the application. Once something gets legislated in, it keeps growing,” Holst said. CAPS Cares presents Ellen Sabin, author of “The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone with Autism” on Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at Northern Highlands Regional High School, 298 Hillside Ave, Allendale. Ellen Sabin will speak about creating acceptance of those affected by autism and the importance of educating neuro typical children and adults about autism. There is no charge for this event, RSVP by e-mail to CapsCares@optonline.net. CAPS Cares is a non-proﬁt organization established by parents of children with autism in Northwest Bergen County. Autism Awareness and Acceptance Event Rescheduled He suggested asking the zoning officer what would be the best approach. Councilman Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan suggested that the zoning officer determine if an escrow is needed at the time he reviews the application and makes the decision that a variance is required. Herlihy said she thought it would be more efficient to have the engineer do the review and speak on the application since he is usually in attendance at the meetings. She agreed that the zoning officer would be able to answer 80 percent of questions raised by the board, and the board could ask for an escrow if an engineering review was recommended. Mayor Joseph Monahan noted that the zoning officer’s attendance at meetings would have a financial implication, which would impact the application fee. O’Hagan said any change in the zoning officer’s duties or hours would have to be discussed with the Borough of Allendale, since Midland Park contracts the service from that municipality. “We’re not married to any particular solution. 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