July 17, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Mahwah Crossroads mall security will follow ordinance by Frank J. McMahon A certified protection professional and the attorney for Crossroads Developers, LLC recently told the Mahwah Planning Board that the security to be provided for the 600,000 square foot mall proposed for the site of the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel will follow Mahwah’s ordinance. Ray McGill, a former Mahwah police captain who retired in 2002 and is now employed by a security system company where he designs electronic security systems for high-end clients like Mercedes Benz, provided what was described as fact-based testimony about the plan for mall security. James Jaworski, the attorney representing Crossroads, assured the board his client would abide by the township’s ordinance describing the required security. That ordinance requires at least one unarmed, clearly uniformed security officer in a motor vehicle to provide patrol service for the shopping center, and a minimum of one additional unarmed clearly uniformed security officer, either on foot or in a motor vehicle, for every 200,000 square feet of gross floor area in the shopping center. McGill told the board that security guards would be required one half hour before the mall opens and one hour after the mall closes, and a lighting, landscaping, and access plan would be required. There will also be a preconstruction meeting with Mahwah Police Chief James Batelli, which McGill agreed to attend. Board member Daniel Weixeldorfer asked McGill about the security for the movie theater. McGill said two additional township police officers may be needed initially on Friday and Saturday nights. Jaworski advised, however, that the private theater operator may also provide for police officers on an off-duty basis at those times. McGill also said the parking lots would have surveillance cameras so that “almost every inch” of the parking lots could be seen. But when Weixeldorfer asked if that included the Sheraton’s parking garage, Jaworski said the hotel’s garage is not part of the Crossroads application. McGill added, however, that he believes the hotel provides roving security patrols for its garage. Board Chairman Todd Sherer asked Jaworski if Crossroads would provide the extra security officers. Jaworski responded that they would provide them if the police chief thinks they are necessary. “We have a minimum obligation,” Jaworski said, referring to the requirements of the ordinance, “and beyond that, we will deal with it according to the situation.” Sherer pursued the issue, asking Jaworski if Crossroads would even provide an additional six officers if the police chief said he needed them. Jaworski said they would meet with the police chief to ensure proper security and would provide the number of security guards the chief indicates. The security at the proposed athletic field was also questioned by board member Jonathan Marcus. McGill responded that the field lighting would be important and said mall traffic would be diverted from the field area. Board member David Bagatelle asked if the security guards would be increased at seasonal times. Jaworski responded that they would deal with that need if the police chief calls it to their attention. “We have a minimum to meet, and beyond that we will have to deal with it,” Jaworski said. Sherer said, “It seems like a bare-bones minimum.” Marcus added, “My concern is what increased presence of the township (police) will be needed to supplement the security provided by the stores.” “That is an operational issue that will be addressed as tenants move in and we see what they have to do,” Jaworski responded. Jaworski was asked to provide information at the next board meeting about the security provided at comparable retail malls, such as Harmon Cove in Secaucus. He said he would provide that comparable information about other malls constructed by his client, and about an existing mall in Pennsylvania. Several members of the public also asked questions of McGill and Jaworski while voicing concerns about the security at the hotel parking garage and the athletic field, and the effect of traffic on that security. One resident, William Kramer, pointed out that the mall owner is going to be paying taxes to the township, and he did not think it fair to require the owner to provide all the security for the mall. “They have every right to expect something for the taxes they pay,” Kramer told the board. Sherer asked Jaworski to provide the board with a more detailed security plan. The hearing will continue July 22. Annual picnic for seniors scheduled for July 18 The Mahwah Recreation Committee will host its annual Seniors Picnic at noon on July 18. The event will be held at Continental Soldiers Park and will feature an old fashioned barbecue. For more information, call the recreation department at (201) 529-5757, extension 254.