Light Bulb Distribution Center Comes to W. Caldwell

The West Caldwell Planning Board unanimously voted Monday night in favor of MaxLite Inc., moving into a warehouse building on York Avenue.

MaxLite will relocate from Fairfield after closing July 1 on the purchase of the property at 12 York Ave. The company, which distributes energy-efficient lighting products throughout the country, will use the space as a warehouse and main office, owner Yon W. Sung said. 

The site will be solely used as a distribution center with no manufacturing done on the premises and there will be no alterations to the exterior except for signage.

The company has 37 employees and operates during regular working hours on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Joseph Tempesta asked for a clause be written into the agreement that all trucks avoid the residential area near the property.

"When you pull out, you should go right onto Passaic Avenue as opposed to the residential end of Fairfield Avenue," Tempesta said. "I would like that on record, that you will instruct deliveries to go straight out to Passaic."

Sung, who was represented by former Borough of Caldwell Attorney Stuart Koenig, agreed to the condition, and assured the board that daily business will not have an impact on the residential area.

"There will be no noise emanating," he said. "Our products are delivered by container trucks and we don't allow them to stay overnight."

Sung added that in 17 years, he can only remember one delivery occurring after 5 p.m.

Hazardous materials were another item in question. Project manager Zenny Haczyk said that aside from the mercury in the light bulbs, "there will be no hazardous chemicals, other than cleaning products that are common at a commercial facility."

When asked about issues with mercury spillage on site, Sung said, "No, we have had none so far. Fluorescents have a very small amount of mercury in there and we use solid mercury, so even if it breaks, it doesn't evaporate."

Benedict Martorana, the township's engineer, asked if the company offers light bulb recycling.

"We offer recycling programs not only for ourselves but also for our retailers—Home Depot, Walgreen's," Sung replied. "We have a contract on a national basis with a recycling plant that handles that."

Board member Peter Collette asked about the number of trucks entering and exiting the site on a daily basis. Sung said that about two or three deliveries are made each week, while five to 10 trucks leave the facility carrying goods each day. He reiterated that the trucks do not stay overnight.

"All operation is cut off around 5 or 5:30 p.m.," he said.

The move was approved with several clauses, including a mandate that MaxLite pay by the end of the month an outstanding water bill from the former tenant for $113.17. Sung said that wasn't a problem.

After the vote, Tempesta said, "When you are settled, I'd love to come see the operation." 

"Please do," Sung replied.