BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
EMERSON/WESTWOOD, N.J.—The Emerson Land Use Board reported Tuesday that a second hearing on a proposed Wendy’s restaurant set for Sept. 6 has been moved to Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. at the request of the project applicant.
That’s according to Board Chair Gary Schwinder, who told Pascack Press on Sept. 4 that Westwood residents who spoke out against variances requested for the project, at 411 Old Hook Road, have been heard.
Applicant Leon Magnes, CEO of Wenesco Emerson LLC of Englewood Cliffs, likely is modifying his plans based on concerns voiced going back to Aug. 15, Schwinder said.
“The only reason they could be postponing is to take a new look at their plans. I doubt they’re going to come in with the same plan, sans any change. I’m sure that whoever is making the changes is aware of the local publicity, thanks to you, regarding the application,” he added.
Residents protested the project at its first, Aug. 15, hearing with the Land Use Board; at an Aug. 21 meeting of Westwood’s governing body; and at the proposed restaurant site Aug. 25, where many—including Westwood Mayor John Birkner Jr.—waved signs and decried the project’s scope and requested variances.
The restaurant as such is a permitted use for the site. Among the reasons homeowners gave for protesting: the project seemed poised to worsen traffic, create pedestrian dangers, and produce light pollution, late-night noise, and fumes in the area.
Residents, including those who said they enjoy dining at Wendy’s, also pointed out there there are six Wendy’s restaurants within 6.7 miles of town.
The original application calls for the demolition of a vacant two-story bank building and erects a one-story Wendy’s with outdoor seating, two-lane (one window) drive thru, 2 a.m. closing, and an entrance and exits at the back of the property for access to the rest of the ShopRite plaza.
A parking variance and sign variances (size, location, and quantity) also were sought.
Birkner explained he was concerned that there be an adequate buffer.
“The only buffer is the yellow line painted down the middle of the street. I personally would oppose most of what Wendy’s is trying to do,” he said.
It is not clear when new plans, if indeed revisions are in the works, would be released for review.
Carmine Alampi, attorney for the applicant, was unavailable to comment but would review messages, his office said.