Traffic Planner Discusses Convenience Store Proposal

Members of the Washington Township Zoning Board continued hearing testimony Tuesday about the proposed convenience store and gas island at the current location at the intersection of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue.

Attorney Bruce Whitaker, who represents applicant Sky Trading, called his only witness for the night, professional planner Calisto Bertin. Bertin testified as an expert traffic planner, which board members had previously requested.

After establishing his credentials to the satisfaction of the board, Bertin explained how he would divide his report between the off-site and on-site review regarding the proposal.

Bertin, a former resident of River Vale, explained his familiarity with the route in question, and the many concerns about the capacity of traffic at Washington Avenue and Pascack Road.

He began with his off-site review, which was primarily focused on a 2010 traffic report from Bergen County, which cited 700 cars traveling westbound during the peak hours between 6 and 8 or 8:30 a.m. on Washington Avenue and 525 cars southbound on Pascack Road. The numbers increased to 775 and 700 respectively during evening peak hours between 4 and 6 or 7 p.m.

According to Bertin, a review of the traffic moving on and off site revealed 41 to 42 customers using the existing 5 Star Gas station in the morning, with 54 or so in the evening. Bertin stated that the change of the site incorporating eight fueling stations (two islands with four each) and the proposed convenience store would increase that traffic by 15 to 25 cars during peak hours.

Once more restrictions of left turns on and off site were discussed and deemed acceptable as per the applicant, Zoning Board Chairman William Johnson wanted greater clarification of the overall flow of traffic with regard to potential backup issues on Pascack Road or Washington Avenue. Bertin explained that it would be negligible, as the majority of the traffic that would make use of the new service station and store would be passing through – traffic already on the road, and not an increase due to the destination.

A major factor that could seriously impact all plans is the county’s proposed improvements to the intersection, which may or may not happen, as was pointed out several times.

Bertin only touched on his on-site review, and had no time to address concerns of any locals. He will be returning for the continuation of his testimony at the July 19 Zoning Board meeting.