Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES Mahwah IV • April 11, 2012 Students from a Ramapo College environmental assessment class are preparing an environmental impact statement to determine the ecological, physical, and socio-economic impacts of the proposed development of a 750,000-squarefoot shopping center at the intersection between Interstate 287 and Route 17. Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet said the study conducted by the senior class will be considered Ramapo studies environmental impact of Crossroads along with professional studies of the shopping center’s development plan. The 18 students are divided into groups to study three major areas of the proposed plan: social/economic and policy impacts, ecological impacts, and physical impacts. Within those three areas, students will examine air pollution, flooding, lights, noise, potential surface water issues, noxious conditions at the site, odors, and health and safety considerations. “We are proud of our students and their exemplary work on this project,” said Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer. “Experiential, hands-on learning that gives our students a competitive edge in the work place has become a hallmark of a Ramapo education.” The students will earn credit for their work and present their findings to the Mahwah Environmental Commission during a public meeting later this semester, said Michael Taste of the Region set The Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of the Region & Business Showcase event will return in spectacular fashion on Tuesday, April 24. Local residents from New Jersey and New York will have the chance to sample many of the area’s finest foods and wines. The Taste of the Region & Business Showcase will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center at 3 Executive Boulevard in Suffern, New York. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is the event’s platinum-level sponsor. Taste of the Region participants will include many restaurants, caterers, and beverage distributors. Attendees will also be able to make connections with area companies that will be exhibiting at the event as part of the business showcase. Exhibitor tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Tickets are $50 in advance; $65 at the door. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the event, including details about tables for businesses and various sponsorship opportunities, visit mahwah.com or call the Chamber office at (201) 529-5566. Edelstein, professor of environmental psychology, who is teaching the course. “This is an example of how the community can partner with the college,” said Mayor Laforet. “I think we have identified a key resource for both the community and the college. We are very excited about this opportunity.” The students conducting the research include Hannah Bernstein of Colts Neck, Barbara Bodden of Hawthorne, Chris Brillante of Pompton Lakes, Matt Danko of Wantage, Karen Doughtery of Ramsey, John Grande of Blairstown, Michael Hitchoff of Montville, Daniela Hoffner of Lanoka Harbor, Robert W. Keller III of Wood-Ridge, Sonya Kougasium of Bergenfield, Scott McNally of Vernon, Keith Passaro of Ringwood, Danielle Peters of Bloomsbury, Willard Reasoner of Flemington, Bob Rieder of West Milford, Elizabeth Thompson of Middletown, and Kelly Schaeffer of Central Valley New York