Large Mixed-Use Housing Project Planned at Ken Smith Site

After 62 years in business, Ken Smith Motors on Franklin Avenue has closed up shop, and in its place could be a large mixed-use luxury apartment complex.

All American Ford on Route 17 in Paramus purchased Smith's inventory and took over its service station, shuttering the struggling dealership by the train station for good.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Donald Dinallo said his development company, Terminal Construction Corporation, and the now-retired owner of Ken Smith Motors, Mike Smith, have ambitious plans for the Ridgewood property nestled next to the train station. 

"We're in the process of putting together the application for a 114-unit residential project with about 11,000 square feet of retail space," Dinallo told Patch.

The proposed building would be four stories in height (three stories above grade-level parking), necessitating a height variance, he said.

Terminal is planning on a mix of studio apartments (700 sq ft), one-bedroom units (850 sq ft) and two-bedroom dwellings (1100-1150 sq ft). 

The 11,000 sq ft retail section – on the corner of Franklin and Chestnut Street – would be broken up into various stores, if constructed, he said.

If approved, the construction would resemble the downtown in a Mediterranean style, Dinallo said.

Asked if he was worried the numerous other housing projects proposed in the downtown could impact his own project, Dinallo was unconcerned.

"We're not worried. We think that is the best use for the site, a residential mixed-use project with the proximity to downtown and the train station," he said. "Ridgewood is a great town, it's going to appeal to the younger and the older. We think we have a good concept. Hopefully it's looked on favorably with any board we're in front of."

A 57-unit mixed-use development – The Enclave, route: {:controller=>"articles", :action=>"show", :id=>"another-downtown-rw-housing-development-proposed"} -->, at the old Sealfons building – is scheduled to begin hearings in front of the zoning board this fall. The planning board is also reviewing a , as well as the