The township planning board has rebuffed a developer’s latest effort to build a shopping center that was first proposed in 2005.
A 4-4 vote at the board’s latest meeting denied approval for 14,000-square-foot strip center at Route 73 and Signal Hill Drive.
Board members who opposed the plan said the complex, which was expected to hold nine stores, was too big for its 2.3-acre site.
“In my heart of hearts, I think we’re reaching too far,” said board chairman Ron Schwenke, who voted against the proposal.
The would-be builder, Dean Development Associates of Scotch Plains, Union County, had requested a dozen variances and waivers for the project.
Dean Development won preliminary approval for the project in 2005, but returned before the board with an amended plan.
Board members voted shortly before midnight at the Sept. 9 meeting, which began at 7 a.m.
The vote came after unhappy residents criticized the proposal for several hours.
Most speakers expressed concern over the possible impact on traffic in the area, which includes Signal Hill School. Planning board members noted existing traffic issues away from the development site could not be a factor in their decision.
But several residents also voiced unhappiness with the size of the proposed complex.
“It’s clear that the amount of retail space they’re trying to put on that property is probably too much,” said Michael Cianfrone of Tenby Chase Drive.
“You don’t have to grant all the variances,” added Timothy Stringfellow of William Feather Drive, who also suggested a smaller retail center would draw less traffic.
*Article courtesy Courier Post Online
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