Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • April 18, 2012 Traffic plan (continued from page 4) property at Route 17 South is also planned. Judd Rocciola, the planning board’s traffic expert, told the board that while the traffic study done by the developer is consistent with the procedures for traffic studies as required by the NJDOT and is reasonable, he suggested the developer address several issues. Those items include the impact of the difference in sales tax in New York and New Jersey on the potential traffic to and from the site, and the impact of large trucks on the traffic expert’s counts. He also suggested the developer do a further analysis of the traffic weave pattern on Route 17 in the vicinity of the Crossroads site, and provide a “proof of concept” to the NJDOT for the road changes proposed in the Mountainside and Stag Hill roads area. Rocciola said the level of service on Ramapo Valley Road at West Ramapo Avenue is F-rated (the worst rating) and must be addressed as do other points along Ramapo Valley Road, such as the Island Road intersection. He said the ramp from the Mountainside Road overpass to Route 17 could be accomplished, although NJDOT approval would be needed because it might require the taking of some property in the area of the truck stop on the southbound side of Route 17 and the NJDOT may have a problem with its access permit for that truck stop. The developer’s traffic engineer, Dan Diserio, told the board his plan addresses the Ramapo Valley Road situation by proposing the elimination of a left turn from Ramapo Valley Road onto West Ramapo Avenue to prevent motorists who may want to proceed to Franklin Turnpike from backing up traffic on Ramapo Valley Road. In response to Rocciola’s comments, Diserio said he would be willing to bring alternate suggestions for the traffic plan to the NJDOT for approval. However, he pointed out that, if the NJDOT approves his conceptual plan and the planning board then wanted additional changes to that plan, the money for those changes would have to come from the $3.6 million the township will receive as a result of the Transportation Improvement District zone ordinance. It has been estimated that ordinance will produce $6 million in revenue when the project is fully built. That sum includes impact fees paid by the retailers who locate at the site with $2.4 million of that revenue to be used to construct the infrastructure improvements required by the NJDOT and the balance to go to the township for its infrastructure improvements. Diserio emphasized, however, he was confident that his plan would be approved by the NJDOT. “I’m absolutely confident we can put forth a scenario (to the NJDOT) that is safe and efficient for site access,” Diserio said. “Our concept meets that goal.” The public hearing will continue on April 23, when the developer’s environmental expert will testify along with the site engineer, who will explain the developer’s plan for drainage. Ramsey Daisies plant pansies Ramsey Daisy Troop 5212 got ready for spring by teaming up with members of the Ramsey Garden Club. Together they planted beautiful blue and yellow pansies in the Butterfly Garden next to the Ramsey Town Pool. The flowers were generously donated by Secor Farms in Mahwah.