Allendale Land Use Board Delves into Expansion of Nursing Home Amid Community Concerns
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Meeting Type:
Land Use Board
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Meeting Date:
09/30/2024
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Recording Published:
10/27/2024
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Duration:
141 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Allendale
- Meeting Overview:
The Allendale Land Use Board’s recent meeting focused on the proposed expansion of a non-conforming assisted living and skilled nursing facility on Hariton Road. The deliberations involved addressing community concerns over site modifications, such as lighting, parking, and waste management, as the facility seeks to add an 8,541 square foot extension. Key topics included the relocation of the trash compactor, traffic flow, and compliance with emergency access requirements.
The board began with a detailed examination of the proposed site changes aimed at alleviating neighborhood concerns. The facility’s expansion plans included amendments to the layout to improve fire truck accessibility and mitigate light pollution from the parking area. The engineer confirmed discussions with the municipal fire official to ensure fire trucks could navigate the site without issues, and adjustments were made to the lighting plan to reduce glare affecting nearby residents. Specifically, floodlights contributing to light spillage were slated for removal, with new downlights being installed.
One of the more contentious topics was the relocation of the dumpster, originally near residential areas. The board had previously expressed concerns about noise and odor, leading the project team to suggest moving the dumpster to a more suitable location while maintaining operational practicality. However, site constraints and environmental regulations complicated the relocation efforts, with the board emphasizing the importance of balancing operational needs with community impact.
The issue of parking was also addressed, with plans to increase the number of spaces from 170 to 316, which still fell short of zoning requirements by about 50 spaces. The board discussed the implications of sacrificing some parking to better place the garbage area, considering both the facility’s operational efficiency and community concerns. The board was informed that the area around an existing roundabout could potentially serve as a backup entrance for service vehicles, which might aid in managing trash collection logistics.
Another concern was the adequacy of radio communications within the facility, particularly for emergency services. The board was assured that a study would be conducted to improve communications for both the existing and new buildings, addressing a crucial safety issue identified by both the fire and police departments.
Signage and lighting changes also drew attention, with discussions on compliance with existing ordinances and the need for better maintenance schedules for malfunctioning lights. The board considered stipulating ground lighting for new signs and ensuring that employee and visitor parking areas were clearly marked and adequately lit.
Public interest in the project’s impact on the neighborhood remained high, with inquiries about snow removal logistics in the expanded parking area and the facility’s address on Google Maps. Residents expressed concerns about potential disruptions from increased traffic and changes in delivery schedules, particularly from services like Amazon.
Amy Wilczynski
Land Use Board Officials:
Michael A. Sirico, Melissa Bergen, Frank Putrino, John Dalo, Joseph Daloisio, Gregg Butler, Jason Warzala, Andrew Agugliaro, Joseph Conte, Chris Botta (Board Attorney), Mike Vreeland (Board Engineer), Ed Snieckus (Professional Planner), Ron Kistner (Borough Administrator)
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Meeting Type:
Land Use Board
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Meeting Date:
09/30/2024
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Recording Published:
10/27/2024
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Duration:
141 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Allendale
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