MLHA Press Release

MAYWOOD HOMEOWNERS OPPOSE
BERGEN MALL REDEVELOPMENT

Cite ‘Big Box’ Stores As Being Too Close To Backyards

Many Fear Loss Of Woods, Privacy, And Security

Maywood residents of Locust Drive, Walnut Road, and Cedar Avenue have banned together and formed the Maywood Lawns Homeowners Association (MLHA) to address their concerns about the Bergen Mall/Vornado redevelopment and its impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood.

The residents are not opposed to the renovation of the existing mall buildings that are west of Forest Avenue because this property has been neglected over the years by former mall owners. However, they are opposed to the construction of two ‘big box’ stores on the portion of the mall property east of Forest Ave. and adjacent to Locust Drive. The buildings will be only 60 feet from the residential property line.

In 2001, Maywood officials opposed Sears when it planned to build a Great Indoors on the same site. That plan was approved by Paramus after a compromised agreement was reached with Maywood but Sears never built the store. At that time attorney Bill Rupp represented Maywood. He is currently the Maywood borough attorney.

Maywood’s current mayor, Tom Richards, has refused to support the residents. It seems that Vornado is planning to build two buildings in the mall parking lot that is adjacent to West Spring Valley Avenue. This lot is in Maywood and will generate $ 200,000 in tax revenue for the borough. The Maywood Zoning & Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Oct. 4th to consider granting several variances sought by Vornado.

The law firm of Uscher, Quiat, Uscher & Russo of Hackensack has been retained as counsel to represent MLHA interests at the Paramus Zoning Board of Adjustment hearings. Attorney Art Uscher cross-examined Rockie Gajwani, Vornado’s V.P. of retail development and Ben Wauford of BLM, Vornado’s architect, at the September 8th meeting of the Paramus Zoning Board.

Hackensack residents effected by the mall expansion petitioned their mayor and council for support. The council appointed attorney Richard Salkin to represent those residents.

On August 26th, the Paramus town council unanimously approved an ordinance which limits the development of ‘big box’ stores larger than 130,000 square feet. The new ordinance calls for a building setback of 150 feet. Currently, Vornado plans call for a 60 foot setback, therefore, a 90 foot variance is being requested.

The next public meeting of the Paramus Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled for Oct. 27 at 7:30 P.M. at the Paramus Town Center. The MLHA urges all concerned citizens to attend the meeting and show your support.