Mahwah March 30, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Chai Lifeline use variance case held until May 4 by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Board of Adjustment has postponed its public hearing on the Chai Lifeline use variance application until Wednesday, May 4. Chai Lifeline attorney Marc Liebman and William Smith, the attorney for the objecting neighbors, were expected to make their closing arguments to the board this month, but officials agreed to postpone the proceedings. Professional planner Michael Kauker, who had testified on behalf of the objecting neighbors, was not present for the planned cross examination. In addition, there were only four board members present who are eligible to vote on the application, and five affirmative votes are required for approval. The matter could not be scheduled for the April 6 board meeting because there was not enough time to place a public notice in the media, and the April 20 meeting falls in the middle of Passover. The public hearing was then scheduled for May 4. Chai Lifeline, a Jewish non-profit charitable organization, is seeking a use variance to allow a single-family house in a residential zone on Ramapo Valley Road to be used for short-term respites for families of children with cancer and other genetic diseases. The property is located at the rear of an eight-lot subdivision and it is accessed by a single private road that leads from a dual driveway access from Ramapo Valley Road. The land has an in-ground pool and access to the Ramapo River. Chai Lifeline wants the board to declare its use of the property an inherently beneficial use. This month, Liebman was scheduled to cross examine Kauker, who previously testified that the social benefit provided by Chai Lifeline’s current use of the property is not viewed as being inherently beneficial. Meanwhile, Chai Lifeline has continued to use the property as it has since 2007. One of the neighbors of the property who objects to the way the charity is using the site voiced a strong objection to the board about the delay in the public hearing. The neighbor pointed out that the issue is four years old, and the neighbors want closure in this dispute. Board Chairman Charles Rabolli voiced empathy for the neighbor’s complaint and said he hopes the board will be able to conclude the public hearing with one more meeting. However, unless some of the board members who have not attended all or many of the previous meetings on this application, which extend back to 2007, would agree to listen to the recordings of all those meetings, he said there would only be five members who could vote on the application. Ben Cascio, the zoning board attorney, advised that if the use variance were denied, Chai Lifeline would have 45 days to appeal in Superior Court. He added that a legal appeal could last for months or years, and the charity would continue to use the prop- erty during that time unless the objectors were able to get a judge to grant an injunction against the current use of the property. Smith advised that, in the event of an appeal, his clients might ask the Mahwah Council to enforce its zoning law and prohibit Chai Lifeline from using the property as it has since 2007 during the legal appeal process. In August 2010, the zoning board denied Chai Lifeline’s request to overturn a former township zoning officer’s 2009 determination that Chai Lifeline’s use of its property for single families a few days at a time is not permitted by the zoning ordinance. That decision came at the end of a 16month public hearing that included testimony from planning experts and several neighbors of the Chai Lifeline property who complained that the organization’s use of its property disrupted the quality, tranquility, and security of their lives and changed the character of the neighborhood. Chai Lifeline then immediately filed an application seeking a use variance. Outside is now open. Our outdoor furniture shop is now fully stocked The Mahwah Senior Center has announced two new exercise programs that will begin in April. “Zumba Gold” will meet on Fridays at 11 a.m. Participants will safely and effectively tone their bodies and burn calories in this beginner class while dancing to wonderful Latin and international music including merengue, salsa, mambo, bachata, cha-cha, cumbia, belly dance, flamenco, rock ‘n’ roll, and masala bhangra. This class, designed to emphasize the basics, will offer step-by-step instruction perfect for those who are new to fitness or are returning after a long time, and those who have any limitations that need to be Exercise programs offered to seniors addressed with modifications and understanding. Attendees are asked to wear comfortable workout clothing and flat-soled or dance sneakers, not running shoes. Arrive with water and a towel, and leave with a smile. Every Monday in April, “Reiki Yoga” will be offered at 10 a.m. This simple and powerful system combines the use of the Reiki Healing System with carefully selected yoga postures to bring about physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Reiki is an ancient Japanese system of relaxation and stress-reduction. For information, contact: Susanne Small at (201) 529-5757, extension 213. 10% off all 2011 5-piece sets, Up to 50% off last year’s sets OUTDOOR FURNITURE * Offer expires 05/01/2011. and free local delivery* skibarn.com