From "Your Views" in today's Record:
On Jan. 11, the Paramus Board of Adjustment rendered the new Paramus big-box ordinance useless by granting a setback variance to Vornado, owner of the Bergen Mall. The zoning board allowed a 75-foot setback from residential areas in Maywood and Hackensack; the ordinance requires 150 feet. The only "justification" for the variance was the irregular shape of the building lot.
Why does this matter to Paramus residents? If one developer can have the big-box setback cut in half, other commercial property owners in Paramus are going to be granted similar concessions.
Maywood residents are appealing the decision in Superior Court. We urge Paramus residents to join us in aggressively opposing this variance. Separating commercial and residential space is just common sense.
Fran Camisa
Maywood, Feb. 5