Planning Board Considers Amending Westwood's Business Zones

Members of the Westwood Planning Board are considering an amendment to two of the borough's limited business zones.

The zones being discussed are LB-1 and LB-3. LB-1 encompasses Broadway from Lake Street north to the Hillsdale border and LB-3 is on Kinderkamack Road from Old Hook Road to the Emerson border.

According to Planning Board Chairman Jaymee Hodges, members are considering a variety of uses for the zones to stimulate business activity in those areas. Currently he said there are a lot of vacancies and the board wants to broaden the use.

Hodges said some of the proposed uses include fast food, banks, furniture stores, office suppliers, dance studios, karate facilities, doggie day care and day care for senior citizens. He said new car dealerships would still be allowed, but with the current state of the auto industry he doubts any will come in.

The board will most likely vote on the amendment issue tonight so the measure can go before the council at the Dec. 7 meeting and it can be resolved this year. The council will make the final decision on whether or not to change the ordinance.

The Planning Board meeting will be held tonight at 8 p.m. in the .