Mahwah October 24, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Realtor seeking use variance for historic property by Frank J. McMahon Karl and Francine Kern, who operate Kern & Rogers Realty, Inc. in Wyckoff, have applied to the Mahwah Zoning Board of Adjustment for a use variance that would permit a historic multi-family residence to be used as a real estate office. The subject property, which is known as the Ackerman House, is located at the northeast corner of Wyckoff Avenue and Forest Road in Mahwah. This 19th century farmhouse with Colonial Revival features was the home of Garret G. Ackerman who died accidentally in 1870 when he was thrown from his horse drawn wagon on what is now known as Fardale Avenue. The Kerns want to use the building without any expansion of the footprint or any addition. The applicants are seeking a use variance because professional office use is not permitted in the R-40 single family residential zone in which the property is located. If they are successful in their use variance bid, the Kerns would later return to the zoning board for approval of a site plan and other variances. The conceptual plans call for a parking lot with 12 parking spaces and additional landscaping around the parking lot and related amenities. An entrance and an exit to the site would be provided via Forest Road. All the land north of the property is zoned for residential use, and the land on the north side of Forest Avenue contains residential properties and a church, which is a permitted use in the zone. According to James Jaworski, the Kerns’ attorney, the property has an irregular shape of 279 feet by 97 feet, and totals of 33,823 square feet, or a little more than three quarters of an acre. Jaworski explained that the Kerns had previously applied for a use variance, but were denied, although that application was not for their direct use as it is in this application. Jaworski also pointed out that the property is located across from a strip mall and is significantly impacted by the intersection since it was recently widened and the house was moved closer to the roadway, creating a number of non- The Mahwah Pubic Library, located at 100 Ridge Road in Mahwah, presents free weekly movies on Thursdays afternoons at 1:30 p.m. Popcorn and a drink are provided. No tickets are necessary. Seats will be available on a “first come” basis. On Oct. 25, celebrate Halloween with the horror film “Cabin in the Woods.” Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin. Written by Joss Whedon, this 2001 film is rated R. See “Lucky One” on Nov. 1. A Marine travels to Louisiana after serving three tours in Iraq and searches for the Public library hosts Movie Series conforming conditions. He also claims that no other residence fronts on the active intersection. According to Jaworski, a real estate office has a low level of traffic and would have no significant impact on surrounding properties. He said the Kerns would ensure that the operation and illumination of the site and refuse management would be handled in manner that is respectful of the neighbors. The Kerns’ original application, which included a variance request and a proposed addition to the building, was denied in a 1992 resolution by the board. At that time, a neighbor complained that the proposed deviation from the township’s master plan would cause a substantial impairment of that plan and the zoning ordinance, and asserted that a use variance could not be granted without substantial detriment to the public good. It was also argued at that time that the property is non-conforming to the township’s zoning code and could not support the commercial development proposed because it would create an intense overuse and overdevelopment of the site. The current application has been carried to the zoning board’s Nov. 7 public meeting. unknown woman he believes was his good luck charm during the war. Directed by Scott Hicks and starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, this 2012 film is rated PG-13. “People Like Us” will be the feature presentation on Nov. 8. While settling his recently deceased father’s estate, a salesman discovers he has a sister he never knew about, leading both siblings to re-examine their perceptions about family and life choices. This 2012 film was directed by Alex Kurtzman and stars Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The rating for “People Like Us” is PG13. On Nov. 15, there will be a screening of “Amazing (continued on page 21)