The first substantive hearing to consider a proposed private community center being proposed at the site of the former Longfellow School on Oakdene Ave occurred at the 12/5/2019 Teaneck Board of Adjustment meeting, The Board was being asked to consider a newly-revised layout for the multi-facility community center being proposed by the AUCC (see https://auccnj.org.)

The nearly 2 hour video (see below) begins with a controversy between the developer’s attorney, John Ferraro and Gail Price representing 40 neighbors. It concerned the priority to be given to an appeal lodged by Price about the validity of permits already granted to the AUCC. But the majority of the hearing was then devoted to a presentation by the developer’s engineer, Calisto Bertin (Principal of Bertin Engineering Associates of Glen Rock) that described a revised Center plan with a new reduction in the number of proposed outdoor sports fields, with additional parking arrangements and a new traffic flow pattern. Bertin was questioned throughout and intensively by Board members as is seen in the video. The follow-up hearing is scheduled for January 9.

Coverage of this community center proposal in the New Jersey Media Group in August can be found by clicking here and in late November by clicking here.  The coverage of this specific  12/5 meeting can also be found on Bill Orr’s Facebook new page, Blue Teaneck, and is copied here:

Bill Orr

Promoters of the Oakdene Community Center: The gang that can’t shoot straight.

In an earlier Blue Jersey article, Oakdene Ave. residents to the proposed community center: “Won’t you be my neighbor?” some 18 missteps and problems were mentioned regarding AUCC’s proposed community center. Matters became even worse last night at the Board of Adjustment hearing with the presentation of the developer’s engineer. In addition, Gail Price, Esq., attorney for 40 residents, contested actions of AUCC and representations by the AUCC’s lawyer which could adversely impact the developer’s project.

Board members expressed alarm on numerous fronts. The project includes two outdoor sports spaces and playground for pre-k children, and an indoor swimming pool, spa, sanctuary, gathering area, and more. Most particularly Board Chair Jan Meyer asked with so many activities what would be the maximum occupancy at any one time. The answer: about 600 people. Such a number raised concerns over congestion within and outside the facility and called in question the number of proposed parking spaces.

Other board concerns

• Errors in the lot/building plan (see photo below) such as a particular corner turn which would only result in a crash into parked cars. The engineer said he would correct the problem.
• Entrance and exit to and from the facility, particularly leaving 150 feet toward congested Teaneck Rd.
• A too narrow roadway within the facility which would impede fire trucks and ambulances from performing essential emergency services.
• Insufficient space for drop off / pick up of pre-k students.
• Space and EPA regulations regarding the location for snow removal deposit.
• Space, including turning ability for garbage truck removal efforts.
• In summary Chair Meyer referred to the center as a “shoehorn,” not providing enough space for the center’s multiple activities.

Attorney for AUCC, Frank Ferraro, Esq, offered refutation for some of the board member concerns. He said they would return with revised plans.

Gail Price, attorney for 40 residents, had already issued an appeal against the township’s granting a zoning permit and temporary certificate of occupancy. The facility is already operating pre-k classes on the premise. Also she questioned the validity of an original certification. Following the rezoning of the property, the developer’s lawyer argued that variances requested could no longer be contested. The residents’ lawyer disagreed. There was no resolution on these legal issues.

The below rendering provides a version of the plan, already subject to further changes. Click on the plan for a full view of it.