Issues Cause Biagio's Construction to Halt

With it's 2011 approval to construct a two-story banquet facility, the owners of Biagio's may face returning to the Zoning Board of Approval once again, following a setback during construction.

"The project which was under construction has come to a halt following several unforeseen problems," restaurant attorney Stephen Sinisi said. "There is a concern that the height would now be in excess of what was permitted by the Board of Adjustment. My client would like to have the ability to continue work but not construct the second floor, while going before the Zoning Board for a height variance."

The family-owned establishment was given the go-ahead in July 2011 for the construction of a two-story banquet hall with valet parking in a residential zone in plave of Paramus Tire. The restaurant's plans to construct a monument sign with LED lighting in front of the proposed Terrace at Biagio's was approved in January 2012.

"My only concern is that we need to ensure that your client is abundantly clear that he could proceed at his own risk and any work, remedial work necessary of an application before the zoning board is at your own risk," Mayor Richard LaBarbiera said. "The issue with the height is not something you could have foreseen at the time of the original application."

The Terrace at Biagio's is meant to serve larger parties such as weddings for 150 guests or more. Construction for the two-story banquet hall began in April 2012.

"I'm in favor of allowing this so long as an application goes forward to the Board of Adjustment," Councilman Joseph Lagana said.

The rest of the council were also in agreement with Lagana to allow Biagio's to continue construction following the approval of an agreement between the borough and the restaurant. 

As part of the agreement, Biagio's is required to submit an application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment within 30 days otherwise all construction must be halted. Also any continued construction is done at the restaurant's own risk.

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