Post by Marc LeVine on Sept 11, 2006 15:59:40 GMT -5
Wednesday night's Planning Board meeting should be very interesting. On the agenda, once again, is 62 Main Street, the old Exxon Gas Station that is set to become a very attractive two story office/retail complex. The historic preservation committee has been instrumental in guiding the building's designers towards erecting a building that will fit well with out colonial heritage. This is important since the building's location is at the true gateway of our downtown shopping district.
This project failed to pass planning board muster the last time around due to its "extra-large" size and huge parking waiver request of 60 spaces. Even I cast a no vote for the project, hoping the owners would return with a downscaled plan.
They are, in fact, returning with a new proposal. This time around the size of the building is modestly reduced; there is some on-site parking now added ( including handicapped spots) and the number of parking spaces requested for waiver is in the mid 40's.
Also, on the same agenda is a new use for the old Norwood Auto Parts building on Rt. 33/Park Avenue across from Foodtown and right next to Clifton's. This building is one of the eyesores on Park Avenue that needs a facelift. The proposed use is a Billiards Hall with video games, serving snacks - no alcohol.
Back in the early 90's a similar proposal for a Billiards Hall came before the Council. The location for this one was to be at Broad Street Plaza. Many angry residents showed up and feared that undesirables would hang out at the pool hall and cause problems. Many of those opposing the pool hall were concerned parents, who were very active in our borough schools. They were very vocal in their disapproval of such a facility. The project obviously never got off the ground.
Fast forward 15 years later. How does the community feel about having a Billiards Hall on Park Avenue? Yes, it's an approved type of business for its zone, so it doesn't need a use variance.
If you are interested in these significant projects for Freehold Borough, please feel free to attend the meeting at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2006. Add your voices on these important matters.
Marc L.
This project failed to pass planning board muster the last time around due to its "extra-large" size and huge parking waiver request of 60 spaces. Even I cast a no vote for the project, hoping the owners would return with a downscaled plan.
They are, in fact, returning with a new proposal. This time around the size of the building is modestly reduced; there is some on-site parking now added ( including handicapped spots) and the number of parking spaces requested for waiver is in the mid 40's.
Also, on the same agenda is a new use for the old Norwood Auto Parts building on Rt. 33/Park Avenue across from Foodtown and right next to Clifton's. This building is one of the eyesores on Park Avenue that needs a facelift. The proposed use is a Billiards Hall with video games, serving snacks - no alcohol.
Back in the early 90's a similar proposal for a Billiards Hall came before the Council. The location for this one was to be at Broad Street Plaza. Many angry residents showed up and feared that undesirables would hang out at the pool hall and cause problems. Many of those opposing the pool hall were concerned parents, who were very active in our borough schools. They were very vocal in their disapproval of such a facility. The project obviously never got off the ground.
Fast forward 15 years later. How does the community feel about having a Billiards Hall on Park Avenue? Yes, it's an approved type of business for its zone, so it doesn't need a use variance.
If you are interested in these significant projects for Freehold Borough, please feel free to attend the meeting at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2006. Add your voices on these important matters.
Marc L.
