Hasbrouck Heights land-use board approves MPC Bus Corp plan for 601 Route 46

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. — The Borough of Hasbrouck Heights Land Use Board voted unanimously Dec. 4 to approve an application by MPC Bus Corp to operate a fleet and light-maintenance facility at 601 Route 46.

Attorney Matthew Gilson, representing the applicant, described the proposal as a facility for fleet vehicles with on-site office administration and limited maintenance. "The proposal is for MCP Bus Corporation to operate this facility for the fleet vehicles, office administration, light maintenance of vehicles, which will include light washing, oil change, and tire rotation," Gilson said. The board record notes all fleet vehicles will be stored inside the building overnight and that no large buses will be parked on the site.

The board’s minutes state the property, owned by Hartz Hasbrouck LP, is in the B-2 Highway Commercial zone and that the proposed use is not permitted under current zoning. "The use is not permitted, therefore, a D1 variance is required, also preliminary and final minor site plan approval," the record says. The application materials included an architectural plan and a traffic impact study; the board also noted the applicant must comply with New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bergen County agencies and the borough’s fire, police and public-works recommendations.

There was no public comment on the item. The motion to approve the application as submitted was offered by board member Kenneth Hampel and seconded by Vincent Risalvato; the minutes record that all members voted unanimously to approve the application (Mayor Ron Kistner was recused; one member was absent). The meeting adjourned following the vote.

Next steps for the applicant include securing the required D1 variance and completing the preliminary and final minor site-plan approvals and any conditions imposed by the borough and external agencies.