Board OKs Mahwah Honda's 10,000 Sq. Foot Expansion

Two years ago, Mahwah Honda built a new dealership on Route 17, and kept its original dealership location on Franklin Turnpike for pre-owned car sales, and service. Now, that location will be expanding as well.

After concerns over the parking lot layout of a plan to expand the facility delayed its approval earlier this month, the township’s planning board last week approved a plan for a nearly 10,000 square foot addition to the building.

Representatives of Mahwah Honda reappeared before the board with a revised plan that addressed its major concern – the parking lot’s “flow radius,” for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. In its first plan, board member and fire officials in the township expressed concern that there was not enough room in the lot for fire trucks to maneuver around the space in order to respond to any potential emergencies.

The new plan rearranged parking spots to allow for a more-accessible lot.

It also addressed another board concern about number of spots available to the different types of customers coming to the dealership. Representatives of Mahwah Honda said a revamped parking structure “more than adequately addresses,” the parking requirements and needs of the facility.

The expansion plan is to add to the service and parts area to include a drive-through service area. The back of the building will also have a new area for cars to get quick services, like oil changes. And, the plan calls for a bigger waiting area for customers, and an additional break room and other spaces for employees.

The upgrades were prompted by manufacturer requirements that dealerships amp up their “customer care center” areas, representatives from the company said.