Developer proposes mixed-use Harrison Avenue project in Waldwick; board hears safety, traffic and drainage concerns

A developer seeking to redevelop a central block along Harrison Avenue in Waldwick presented a major site plan on April 1, proposing a mixed-use building with 21 rental apartments, 21 townhouse units and about 3,539 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.

For the record, Bruce Whitaker of McDonald Whitaker told the Waldwick Planning Board the proposal — filed by Harrison Avenue Redevelopment LLC — covers roughly 1.28 acres, would set aside six units for low- and moderate-income households to meet the borough—9s affordable-housing obligations, and provides 87 parking spaces versus a required 78.5. "We are code compliant," Whitaker said, noting the application is submitted under borough ordinance 2024-33.

The board heard technical testimony from Tibor Latinich, principal engineer at Conklin Associates, who walked through site layout, grading, utilities and stormwater management. Latinich said the applicant proposes an 8-inch sanitary sewer extension and an 8-inch water main with a 4-inch loop to limit stagnant sections; the project would increase sanitary flows by roughly 9,000 to 11,000 gallons per day compared with the existing five single-family homes on the block. He also described a subsurface detention system and three new inlets on…