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CHCC Application Update
Wyckoff and Hawthorne - CHCC Application Zoning Board of Adjustment Hearing Postponed
The application for the CHCC development of 258 senior housing units spanning 10 acres in Wyckoff and 9 acres in Hawthorne was deemed complete by the Wyckoff Zoning Board of Adjustment on August 20, 2009. Wyckoff Zoning Board will next hear the application and potentially grant approval prior to the Hawthorne hearings. Re-zoning approval is necessary since the proposed development is located in a single-family residential zone. The building footprint is proposed to be 181,523 square feet and will cover about half of the currently wooded hillside above the Sicomac and Cedar Hill Avenue intersection. TheWyckoff Zoning Board hearing scheduled on September 23 was postponed since the applicant requested Bergen County complete their study of the modification of the Sicomac and Cedar Hill Ave. intersection.
Details from the environmental impact study:- 1. Several variances are sought including “disturbance of steep slope, building setbacks, and allowances for larger building square footage”.
- 2. The report cites “unavoidable and adverse environmental impact, as a result of the de velopment, include impacts to topography, steep slopes, mature vegetation, wildlife habitat and potential open space”.
- 3. Extensive storm water management plan is required. “High water table may be present throughout the property”.
- 4. 421 subsurface and outdoor parking spaces will be provided for the residents.
- 5. “10.27 acres of impervious surface will cover the property” or about 50% of the undeveloped portion of the lot.
Hawthorne citizens are monitoring the application for this large scale development through www.SavetheWoods.org. Among their concerns are traffic impact, height of the complex, and potential flooding to adjacent communities that already have water issues. The pattern of approvals in Wyckoff is troubling, specifically the granting of variances, particularly against steep slope ordinance purportedly designed to protect acreage in areas with runoff issues.
Friends of Wyckoff will keep you informed of upcoming board hearings.
Sources: Maser, LLC Environmental Impact