Teaneck is opposing a plan to create more parking at Sanzari's New Bridge Inn, arguing that the expansion would increase flooding and traffic in the township. Sanzari's is seeking Zoning Board variances that would allow the restaurant to add 66 parking spaces by knocking down two houses. 

In a letter dated June 6, Teaneck Township Manager, William Broughton asked the New Milford Zoning Board to deny the variances, because an expansion would cause flooding and aggravate parking on Teaneck's streets. 

Calls to Broughton seeking comment were not returned. 

"We’re increasing parking capacity--how can this aggravate parking on Teaneck streets?" asked Carmine Almapi, an attorney for Sanzari.

Zoning Board attorney, Scott Sproviero said that he invited Broughton to appear before the board. 

An approximately 950 sq. ft. one-story addition to the restaurant is proposed on the site of the existing parking area. Since the addition will include more seating, more parking spaces are necessary. Sanzari purchased two residential properties on Old New Bridge Road for the purpose of demolishing them and converting the properties to a parking lot to accommodate the additional seating the expansion anticipates. 

Currently, there are 28 full-sized spaces with self park. The restaurant offers valet service on Fridays, Saturdays and during catered events. Valet parking allows 50 cars to fit in the existing 28 spaces. According to Alampi, 66 spaces will allow the restaurant to double the amount of cars parked with valet. 

Sanzari's is seeking a use variance because the two homes purchased for knock down are located in a residential zone and the intended use of the property is for commercial parking. Although Sanzari's New Bridge Inn Restaurant is located in a residential area, it has been operating as a pre-existing non-conforming use. 

Present in the audience were approximately 20 Teaneck residents, many of whom wanted to speak out against the granting of the variances, but because of the number of items on the agenda, the time allotted to hearing Sanzari's application had expired.  

The hearing on Sanzari's application will continue at the next regular meeting of the Zoning Board Tuesday, July 10 at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers of Borough Hall.

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