file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, a proposed Costco development near a residential area along Route 17 in Paramus has sparked curiosity and concern among local residents. About a dozen attendees gathered on Thursday to ask questions about the project, which is set to be discussed further at a hearing next month.
Costco Seeks Zoning Variances
The warehouse retailer is requesting multiple variances to deviate from existing zoning regulations, including adjustments for land coverage, planted areas, side and rear-yard setbacks, and fence height.
Key features of the plan include:
- New Parking Spaces: 33 electric vehicle charging stations on the ground level.
- Site Improvements: Landscaping, updated lighting, and a modern stormwater management system.
Michelle Carlson, the project engineer, testified during the hearing, explaining plans to replace the existing 6-foot chain-link fence with an 8-foot black vinyl chain-link fence. Additionally, Costco plans to introduce four stormwater basins to a site that previously lacked such a system.
Lighting and Buffer Zone Adjustments
Costco is also seeking a lighting variance for the installation of 34 cutoff lighting poles at 36.5 feet high. Carlson noted that shorter poles conforming to zoning rules would require 64 poles, which could increase light pollution.
“It’s a better and more even light when the poles are higher,” said Carlson.
Residents expressed concerns about the buffer between the property and surrounding homes. Suggestions were made to elevate the proposed fence higher on the slope closer to the Costco building.
Community Feedback and Next Steps
The application will be revisited on February 20 at Paramus Borough Hall. Costco has indicated that some revisions to the plan will be ready by then.
Mayor Supports Development Without Gas Station
Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza, who also serves on the Planning Board, has expressed support for the project, emphasizing its potential to revitalize a vacant property. He noted that the plan does not include a Costco gas station, which he cited as a positive decision to mitigate traffic concerns.
The property, formerly occupied by Stop & Shop, has been vacant since the supermarket closed in January 2022.
What’s Next for Route 17 Costco?
As plans move forward, the development promises to bring new amenities like EV charging stations and improved infrastructure. However, local feedback regarding residential buffers, lighting, and zoning deviations will continue to shape the project.
Stay tuned for updates on this project after the next hearing in February.
The Stop and Shop property currently has 450 ground level parking spaces along with 160,000 sq ft of building area. Costco’s proposal —— 184,000 sq ft of building area along with 813 parking spaces (423 at ground level + 390 on roof top). They are also seeking around a dozen variances.
I see an immediate problem——almost doubling the amount of parking spaces which means they are expecting a lot of customer activity. Has anyone, anyone at all, seriously addressed the exacerbated traffic situation? Route 17 southbound, especially, is a mess. Many times it is a virtual parking lot which then forces drivers to take alternate routes like Linwood and Paramus Road. Those roads are already heavily trafficked. Is there a traffic study and proposed solutions for handling the extra traffic volume? Residents in Ridgewood and especially Paramus are at the mercy of these large corporations and developers. Yes, the existing building should be torn down and rebuilt but don’t increase the size of the building or the amount of parking spaces.
Costco seems like a decent replacement for Kmart. I used to use that Kmart a lot. This might get me to consider joining Costco.
Personally I don’t plan to shop at any store that charges me a fee just to step in the door. Each to their own.
Build baby build
Yeah, in your backyard.
before K-Mart, there was a Grandway , not sure the neighbors have a leg to stand on
Let’s build it at the mayor and town council’s back doors instead. Bet they wouldn’t like it.
Cope
There’s an existing eyesore there right now. What’s your idea that will generate tax revenue the town is currently missing out on?
The town is probably getting enough revenue with the increased taxes being generated by the replacement of older homes with $2 million homes and the massive mixed use buildings going up everywhere. If cash flow is a problem, maybe the town needs to have an independent agency come in to review how town government is spending tax $ and make suggestions for better use of those $.
Maybe if enough residents show up at the planning board meeting which I believe is on 2/20/25 at 7 pm in borough hall , to express their concerns about a Costco being built there, it might change things. It worked when Washington Twp and Paramus residents showed up at the meetings in Washington Twp town hall regarding the fate of the Charlie Brown’s property. Their persistent voices WERE heard. A decent food store with maybe a Target store and a restaurant would be nice at the Stop and Shop location. Don’t increase the footprint of the existing building or the size of the parking lot. We don’t need the extra traffic.
Planning board meeting regarding Costco I believe now has been moved to April.
Far better than 200 new apartments.
It’s a different kind of trashy.
Can’t wait! The property has been an eyesore for a long time. Those complaining will be shopping there once it opens. If you don’t like it you could have bought the property.
Not all of us.
I love Costco, however, I don’t believe that this is the right place for it. If you have ever been to a Costco parking lot it is nuts. The traffic coming on and off the road will be crazy. I understand they want something substantial that will bringing income but the Paramus cops have enough todo without having to direct traffic like the guys up at theChick-Fil-A had to do up in Ramsey.
If it is between apartments and a Costco, I choose a “small” Costco. But this seems to be a mega Costco since they are looking to add parking on the roof.