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After fire-safety revisions and public support, planning board advances Harrison Avenue redevelopment
Summary
The board advanced the Harrison Avenue redevelopment application after the applicant incorporated fire-department changes; the fire chief said his safety concerns were addressed, several residents praised the design, and the board recorded a roll-call vote to move the project forward.
The Waldwick Planning Board continued and then advanced the public hearing on the Harrison Avenue redevelopment application on June 25 after the applicant provided plan revisions addressing fire-safety and maneuverability concerns.
Attorney Bruce Whitaker summarized revisions made since the prior hearing, including a 6-inch fire line, parapet adjustments and proposed sprinkler upgrades. Whitaker said the applicant met with the borough's fire chief and would work to implement upgrades where feasible. "...we have had the ability to meet with the Walwick fire chief and on the basis of that they have come to an agreement of things that needed to be revised on the plan," Whitaker said.
An engineer and the project's traffic expert presented a truck-access analysis showing that ladder-truck maneuverability is feasible with posted no-parking zones and a 31.8-foot curb cut. The plan included an optional emergency grass-paver access at the north end of the site; the applicant acknowledged that, if the town later deemed grass pavers impervious, that element could require variance relief.
Fire Chief Andrew Gugglerero, testifying under oath, said the applicant had "gone above and beyond" to resolve safety questions and that he was satisfied with the revisions. Public comment included extended testimony from local property owner Randy Revly, who supported the redevelopment as a design-forward solution for a long-troubled block, and Ray Cruz, who reiterated support for careful redevelopment and attention to credits related to the borough's housing plan.
After applicant summation and board discussion about safety, height and financing, the board voted on a resolution to move the application forward (the roll-call approval is recorded in the transcript). Members noted remaining concerns about building height and infrastructure capacity but said safety issues had been adequately addressed and that statutory land-use criteria supported approval.
What happens next: the board recorded a resolution to advance the application and set the next meeting date; final technical conditions and any required waivers or variances will be captured in a written resolution to be prepared by counsel.
