UPDATE: Owner Speaks About Salon Receiving Use Variance

Wednesday evening, Collingswood Zoning board approved an application for a use variance, submitted by owners of a new salon.

The salon, called Monte Bella Salon & Spa, located at 700 Haddon Avenue, will come before the board again next month seeking site plan approvals.

Salon Owner Randy Nedalmein, who testified before zoning board members Wednesday evening, said Collingswood was the perfect location for Monte Bella.

"We chose Collingswood because it seems to be a really up-and-coming town," said Nedalmein. "I like that it's quaint."

Nedalmein said he also currently runs a management and construction company, Nedalmein Management, which is extended to commercial, industrial and residential properties.

Nedalmein said Monte Bella Salon & Spa will be his first business venture in the beauty industry.

"I've never owned a salon before, but I'm a business owner," he said. "The idea of a salon just seemed like a good idea when I met up with everyone (involved with starting up the new business)."

From Northeast Philadelphia, Nedalmein said he became interested in Collingswood as a location for his salon after watching a television segment. 

"Collingswood was featured on The Food Network, which I'm always watching. It was about Bobby Flay, and they filmed at The Pop Shop," said Nedalmein. "I knew where Collingswood was (before watching the segment), but until then I had no idea what a charming little town it was."

Monte Bella proposes to offer massage therapy—including half-hour and hour-long options, Swedish massage, and hot stone massage.

The salon, according to testimony provided Wednesday evening, also proposes hair and skin services.

Salon representatives were sworn-in Wednesday night, and told zoning officials the spa's services will be comprised of 70 percent hair service and 30 percent massage.

Workers said the space will house a maximum of 15 employees, including one receptionist, 10 hair stylists, two to three massage therapists, and possibly assistants.

Shop hours would be from Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and again on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. until around 4 p.m.

Five of seven zoning board members were present Wednesday night, and all in attendance voted in favor of Monte Bella Salon & Spa's use variance application.

Monte Bella will again go before zoning board members next month, on Wednesday, September 7, to seek site plan approvals.

Nedalmein said as soon as he receives his final approvals from the borough, he'd like to get right to work on the space.

"After we get the final okay from the borough, I'd like to open as soon as possible," he said.