Mahwah Board of Adjustment Approves Application for Locomotion Powersports

The Mahwah Board of Adjustment approved an application for Locomotion Powersports, Inc. to bring its business to 79 Franklin Turnpike, which was previously occupied by Flyte Tyme.

After a presentation, testimony, questions from the public and board members, Anthony Petralia gained permission to move his recreational vehicle business to Mahwah, which has sold and serviced motorcycles, ATV’s and scooters since 2006.

But gaining approval was not easy and Petralia was put into oath as he testified and answered questions.

One concerned Mahwah resident, Diane Adler, brought up parking on Christie Street and asked where the vehicles waiting to be serviced will be put.

But Petralia reassured her they’re “not going to require a lot of space” and that they “try to keep [vehicles] in the building.”

Another concerned resident was worried about the noise coming from the vehicles.

“It does impact our property values and our way of life,” he said.

But under the stipulation, the business will not have an outdoor display of vehicles, won’t do repairs outside, will not permit ATV test-driving on streets or parking lots, will not allow motorcycles be test-driven on Christie Avenue, will not repair vehicles after 7 p.m. and assure the overhead door remain closed while technicians work on vehicles. Tractor-trailers will also unload vehicles on the business’ property.

Adler said she was worried about Petralia keeping his promise to follow the above rules.

But Petralia’s lawyer, Bruce Whitaker, reminded her, “it’s not a promise, it’s a stipulation.”

“This is a business that has a number of years under the belts already,” said Whitaker. Petralia also noted that in the eight years his business has been at their current location, he has never received complaints.

It is not known when the business will move to Mahwah.