New Aldo's Location Would Hold Fewer Customers, Planner Says

will hold fewer customers than previously planned in its proposed new location at the former , according to planner Brigette Bogart.

Bogart was presented by the applicant's lawyer as an expert witness on the parking impact on the Central Business District at the meeting of the Wyckoff Planning Board this week.

Bogart, an employee of Westwood-based Burgis Associates, said that applicant Aldo Cascio was making efforts to alleviate concerns about parking at the proposed site for the new restaurant and wine bar. The number of seats would decrease from 193 to 170 and the number of on-site parking spots would increase from 0 to 19. The number of maximum employees allowed at the proposed site is 23, but the applicant would cap its maximum employee number at 20, she said during testimony Wednesday night. At their current location on Franklin Avenue, Aldo's has no off-street parking.

"Our proposal... is actually less intense than what currently exists," Bogart said.

Her testimony went on to document that 109 on-street parking spots would be available on the east side of Wyckoff Avenue and the north side of Franklin Avenue within 300 feet from the proposed site, which she said was the typical distance someone would be willing to walk.

The attorney of Henry McNamara — — attacked Bogart's lack of documentation of specific observation dates.

Blue Moon

In other news, withdrew its variance application requesting approval for the installation of an outdoor walk-in refrigerator box, which had been briefly discussed at prior planning board meetings.

Planners unanimously approved the appointment of Richard Bonsignore for chairman, Robert Kane for vice chair, Joseph Perconti for planning board attorney, and Susan Schilstra for secretary. Perconti swore in planning board second alternate member Michael Bruno.

The Wyckoff Planning Board's next meeting is Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. in