June 19, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 11 Franklin Lakes Builder plans affordable housing on Franklin Avenue by Frank J. McMahon At the July 10 public meeting of the Franklin Lakes Zoning Board of Adjustment, the board is expected to hear an application by a local builder who is seeking a use variance to build multi-family housing on a 3.2-acre residential lot at 724 Franklin Avenue. The property would contain low- and moderate-income units. According to a recent letter to the board from Marisa Tiberi, an engineer for Boswell Engineering (the board’s professional engineer), ABJC Investments, LLC, a builder located at 799 Franklin Avenue, will be seeking approvals to build two multi-family buildings containing 24 dwelling units that would include five low- and moderate-income units. The application does not include a complete site plan because the builder is asking the board to bifurcate the application. The first part of the application would concern the use variance, because multi-family housing is not permitted in the property’s A-22.5 residential district. If the board grants the use variance, the builder would prepare full site plans for the project and return to the zoning board at a future date. According to Tiberi, the builder indicates that an existing detached garage, shed, and barbecue would be removed, as would the existing driveway, all of which are existing non-conformities. In addition, a new two-way parking access from Franklin Avenue is being proposed for a 46 space parking lot. Variances would be required to allow the proposed nine by 18 foot parking stalls where 10 by 20 stalls are required and to allow the proposed lot coverage of 24.68 percent. The allowable lot coverage in this zone is 20 percent for any lot that does not contain a pool. Tiberi advised the board that the construction details, proof of Bergen County Planning Board approval, and an approval or exemption from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have not been provided, but that is acceptable at this time due to the builder’s request for bifurcation. She also advised that an environmental impact study may be required at the zoning board’s discretion. When the site plan is submitted, Tiberi said, the number of trees to be removed that are eight inches in diameter or larger must be shown. She also advised of a memorandum from the board of health indicating that the proposed number of dwelling units would require a 6,000 gallon per day septic system, but there does not appear to be a usable area onsite of sufficient size to construct the required sewage disposal system. The proposed project also appears to disturb more than one acre of land and include more than an acre of impervious coverage which would make the project subject to the NJDEP Stormwater Management Regulations. Joseph Commorata, a principal of ABJC Investments, appeared before the borough council on several occasions last year. Although the council had mixed opinions concerning the wisdom of rezoning the lot, the governing body introduced an ordinance to rezone the property from A-22.5 residential to an LB-1 limited business zone in order to permit the construction of a residential style (continued on page 24) Franklin Lakes Scribe Preschool offers discount on class Barnert Temple Preschool and Family Center is accepting applications for “Mommy & Me,” a social experience for toddlers and their caregivers. The class is open to children ages one to two years of age with their caregivers. The program will meet on Fridays from 9 to 10:15 a.m. beginning Sept. 20 and will continue through May 2014. Now in its 25th year, the program has a long tradition of allowing children to learn through play and have all of their senses stimulated, while parents meet and share ideas and concerns about the development of their children. The temple is offering the program at a 25 percent discount during this anniversary year. The regular cost is $650, but for the upcoming year the tuition will be $475. For more information, or to obtain a registration form, contact Alice Berdy at (201) 848-1027 or schooloffice@ba rnerttemple.org. Barnert Temple is located at 747 Route 208 South in Franklin Lakes. Become a chess master The Franklin Lakes Public Library invites children who will be entering grades three through eight to learn how to play chess or improve their chess skills at Checkmate Fridays. This four-week chess program will be held July 12, 19, and 26, and Aug. 2. Participants must be able to attend all four weeks. Two sessions will be available. Session A for beginners will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. Advanced beginners are welcome to attend Session B from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Registration for Franklin Lakes residents will begin (continued on page 22)