(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)April 4, 2012

(MAHWAH, NJ) – Students from a Ramapo College Environmental Assessment class are preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to determine the ecological, physical and socio-economic impacts of the proposed development of a 750,000-square-foot shopping center at the intersection between Interstate 287 and Route 17.  Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet said the study conducted by the senior class will be considered along with professional studies of the shopping center’s development plan.

The class’s 18 students are divided into groups to study three major areas of the proposed plan: social/economic and policy impacts, ecological impacts and physical impacts.  Within those three areas, students will examine air pollution, flooding, lights, noise, potential surface water issues, noxious conditions at the site, odors as well as health and safety considerations.

“We are proud of our students and their exemplary work on this project,” said Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer. “Experiential, hands-on learning that gives our students a competitive edge in the work place has become a hallmark of a Ramapo education.”

The students will earn credit for their work and present their findings to the Mahwah Environmental Commission during a public meeting later this semester, said Professor of Environmental Psychology, Michael Edelstein, who is teaching the course.

“This is an example of how the community can partner with the College,” said Mayor Laforet. “I think we have identified a key resource for both the community and the College. We are very excited about this opportunity.”

The students conducting the research include Hannah Bernstein of Colts Neck, NJ, Barbara Bodden of Hawthorne, NJ, Chris Brillante of Pompton Lakes, NJ, Matt Danko of Wantage, NJ, Karen Doughtery of Ramsey, NJ, John Grande of Blairstown, NJ, Michael Hitchoff of Montville, NJ, Daniela Hoffner of Lanoka Harbor, NJ, Robert W. Keller III of Wood-Ridge, NJ, Sonya Kougasium of Bergenfield, NJ, Scott McNally of Vernon, NJ, Keith Passaro of Ringwood, NJ, Danielle Peters of Bloomsbury, NJ, Willard Reasoner of Flemington, NJ, Bob Rieder of West Milford, NJ, Kelly Schaeffer of Central Valley, NY,  and Elizabeth Thompson of Middletown, NJ.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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