TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—A revised site plan application for the Apple Montessori School pending at 95 Linwood Ave. shows a square footage of nearly 56% less, and not two storeys, as the Zoning Board of Adjustment approved in March, but now one.
A hybrid hearing on the amended application is set for July 18 at 7:30 p.m. at town hall. Participate in person or on Zoom, and watch the proceedings via WCTV-NJ.
It was not immediately clear why the applicant was scaling its plans back. The school was proposed as hosting a camp and accommodating 154 youngsters.
By the numbers, the amended site plan application proposes to reduce the building’s size from 18,743 square feet to 10,469; to reduce the building height from 34.75 feet to 20.05; and to keep the proposed parking spaces at 33.
“To the extent deemed necessary, the applicant seeks amended use variance relief … for construction of a daycare center/early childhood education/school where same is not a permitted use,” reads the public notice published July 7.
ZBA secretary Grace Kalish said she anticipated posting an amended preliminary and final site plan by July 11. She said the board had not received a letter regarding the changes from the applicant.
The application was approved at its first hearing before the ZBA, which voted 5-0 on a use variance request and exceptions to code.
The township had wanted the property — a former Charlie Brown’s restaurant on the Paramus line — for a new DPW building, and then a police headquarters, but balked amid technical suggestions of remnants of a prior use as a service station.
Apple Montessori School officials told Pascack Press in late 2022 that they had no concerns about contamination based on their due diligence.
Approximately 60 people, including teachers and administrative staff, might be employed at the facility, with generally no more than 25 workers on site at any one time, the applicant said in March.
For more, see “‘Inherently beneficial use’ — preschool wins ZBA OK at 95 Linwood Ave.” Michael Olohan, March 14, 2023, Pascack Press. The approval was memorialized by Resolution 23-08 on April 18.