January 11, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Mahwah Township plans to subdivide, sell former tank site by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Council has authorized the township’s administration to apply to the planning board for approval to subdivide a 1.34-acre township-owned lot on Mahwah Road into two building lots that would be put up for sale. The subject property is located on the northern side of Mahwah Road where the road bends between Airmount and Beveridge roads. It has a current land value of $566,900 according to the township’s tax records, and it used to be the location of the East Mahwah Tank Field, which was owned by the township. But Brian Campion, the township’s administrator, told the council the in-ground tank with a roof has been removed and all the pipes in the ground that supported the water tank will be removed by the water department in the spring. The in-ground tank was considered an eyesore and township officials were concerned that children could go on the site to play, thereby creating a safety hazard. Campion explained that the property is in the R15 residential zone and is not needed by the township. He said the land could be subdivided into two building lots that would be harmonious with the area at a minimal cost to the township. He also advised that no improvements would be required to make the lots saleable, although a variance would be needed for deficient frontage of the two lots. Campion said the lots could be sold at auction with a minimum bid once the subdivision is approved and an ordinance is adopted authorizing the sale of the property. He also advised the council that the property could be sold as is and the eventual buyer could then apply to the planning board for a subdivision, but the property would be more valuable if it is sold with the subdivision already in place. Asked by Council President John Roth if the property could be subdivided into three lots, Campion advised that such a subdivision would require a cul-de-sac for access, and the lots would not have as much net value because of the needed improvements. Raymond Virgens owns the property and house adjacent to this lot, and that property has a total taxable value of $551,100. He told the council the township’s property is only big enough for one house, and disagreed with the concept of subdividing the property into two lots. He also asked the council for an assurance that the water supply in the area would be sufficient for the two new lots and that the hydrant on the corner of the property would be sufficient to handle fire emergencies in the area. The council authorized Campion to apply to the planning board for the subdivision in January while an ordinance is introduced concurrently so planning board approval could be obtained in February and the property could be offered for sale in March. In July 2008, the township council paid $72,000 to (continued on page 17) ��� ��������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������� ������ ���� �������������������������������� ��������������� ������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ����������������������������� ���������������������