Board Approves Biagio's Banquet Hall

The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to allow the owners of to build a banquet facility in place of at their Thursday meeting.

The Board voted 6-1 to allow construction of a two-story hall with valet parking in a residential zone, despite the objections of a neighbor.

The Terrace at Biagio's will host large parties like wedding receptions. Though it will be located in a residential zone, it will replace another non-residential use, Paramus Tire.

Deborah Szorentini, who lives just south of the proposed site, was concerned about the noise level that would emanate from the new banquet hall. She already has complaints about revelers leaving the banquet halls at the existing restaurant.

"Living next to a banquet facility, every day is a challenge," she said.

As part of its approval, the Board stipulated that the restaurant's owners install new fencing in between the proposed site and Szorentini's property.

"I think we've done a more than adequate job, as a matter of fact a very decent job, of protecting the one resident that's adjoining to us," said Ken Ochab, a planner for Biagio's.

The new banquet facility will be served by a valet parking plan. Ellis Dumont, who owns a valet parking company, testified that the 85 valet parking stalls, arranged into three stacks, would be sufficient for the facility's needs.

"The number of spaces provided here are more than adequate for this location, considering all the activities," he said.

Though the Board approved the banquet facility, the owners of Biagio's still need approval for signs at the site. The Board will hear the signage application at a later date.

The Board also approved an application for Sarku Japan at Bergen Town Center to create an outdoor dining area at the restaurant.